As the holiday season gets closer, many wonder when the best time is to decorate for Christmas. Tradition helps guide the choice, but there is no single answer. Some stick to old customs, while others start early to enjoy the fun for longer.
Let's look at some common times to start decorating, what influences those times, and how to add holiday spirit to your home.
Traditional Timing: The First Day of Advent
For those who love tradition, the first day of Advent is when Christmas decorating begins. Advent is a special time in the weeks leading up to Christmas, starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day. This year, it falls on December 3rd, 2023, making it the day many will set up their tree and lights.
Why Choose the First Day of Advent?
- Religious significance: Advent is a time of preparation and reflection, symbolizing the countdown to Christmas Day. For many, this spiritual connection makes it the ideal time to start decorating.
- Aligning with tradition: Decorating on the first day of Advent follows a long-established custom that families across generations have observed.
- Holiday anticipation: By starting decorations on Advent, you build excitement as Christmas Day approaches, with a month of festivities to look forward to.
If you’re following this tradition, it’s a great opportunity to plan a family day dedicated to setting up decorations. Start with a beautiful artificial Christmas tree as the focal point of your festive home, adding lights and ornaments to complete the look.
Key Takeaway:
💡 For those who value tradition, the first day of Advent is the perfect time to begin decorating, symbolizing the start of the holiday season and aligning with centuries-old customs.
Early Decorating: Right After Halloween
While some pick Advent, others start much sooner - right after Halloween. More and more people like the idea of making the festive time as long as possible, leading them to start as early as November.
Why Decorate Right After Halloween?
- Extend the holiday cheer: By decorating in early November, you maximize the time you can enjoy your Christmas decorations, bringing festive joy into your home for nearly two months.
- Busy schedules: With work, school, and other commitments, some people find it more practical to get a head start on decorating before the holiday rush sets in.
- Retail influences: Stores often begin promoting Christmas items as early as October, which can inspire people to start decorating sooner.
Setting up early also gives you the flexibility to add personalized touches over time. Consider incorporating a stylish white Christmas tree for a modern, snow-covered look that brings a winter wonderland indoors.
Key Takeaway:
💡 Early decorators can extend the festive cheer and enjoy their Christmas decorations for longer. Starting right after Halloween is becoming a popular choice for those eager to embrace the holiday spirit.
December 1st: The Unofficial Start of the Festive Countdown
Many families pick December 1st as their time to start. Earlier than Advent, it still marks the start of what feels like the Christmas month. For those who love December as the ultimate holiday month, this is a good choice.
Why December 1st Is a Popular Choice:
- Start of the festive month: December is universally considered the “Christmas month,” and putting up decorations on the 1st feels like the official beginning of holiday celebrations.
- Advent calendars: For many, December 1st also marks the start of opening Advent calendars, so it’s a natural time to begin decorating the home in parallel with this countdown tradition.
- Easier to remember: Some people prefer the simplicity of a specific, memorable date like December 1st rather than calculating the exact day Advent begins.
This is also a great time to add festive touches in smaller spaces around the home. If you’re limited on room or just want to create a holiday vibe in a specific area, consider using mini Christmas trees, which are perfect for entryways, bedrooms, or desks.
Key Takeaway:
💡 December 1st is a practical and popular time for many to start decorating, signaling the start of the holiday season and providing a full month to enjoy the festive atmosphere.
The Rise of Early Christmas Shopping
When someone shops early, they may also want to decorate early. Research from John Lewis shows that many people begin Christmas shopping as early as August, influencing their urge to start decorating early.
How Early Shopping Influences Decorating:
- Shop early, decorate early: Those who start their shopping in late summer or early fall often feel the urge to start decorating sooner to match their completed gift lists.
- Take advantage of sales: Early holiday sales on decorations and gifts may inspire homeowners to set up their festive displays in November or even earlier.
- Boosts holiday spirit: Getting gifts in order ahead of time can reduce stress and allow more time to enjoy decorating, baking, and other festive activities throughout December.
Early shopping also means you have the flexibility to plan your decorating style well in advance. If you’re looking for tips on how to style your home, be sure to check out this guide on how to decorate for Christmas for more inspiration.
Key Takeaway:
💡 Early Christmas shoppers often kick off their decorating sooner, allowing more time to enjoy the holiday season and reducing the stress of last-minute preparations.
Holiday Decorating Inspiration and Trends for 2023
No matter when you choose to start decorating for Christmas, there’s always room to bring fresh ideas into your holiday decor. Whether you prefer a traditional look or something modern and trendy, there are plenty of ways to make your home feel festive and unique this season.
Key Trends for 2023:
- Eco-friendly decor: Sustainable Christmas decorations are a growing trend. Opt for recyclable materials, such as fabric garlands and paper ornaments, to create a more eco-conscious festive atmosphere.
- Minimalist designs: Clean and simple holiday decor is gaining popularity, especially in smaller spaces. You can keep things chic by focusing on a neutral colour palette with metallic accents.
- Personalisation: Personalised ornaments, stockings, and wreaths add a unique touch to your holiday setup. Customising your decor makes your home feel special and inviting for family and friends.
- Bold colour schemes: From deep reds and greens to more unexpected combinations like gold and navy blue, 2023 is all about experimenting with bolder colour schemes that make a statement.
Whether you’re going for a traditional, whimsical, or minimalist style, incorporating these trends can help elevate your holiday decor this year.
Key Takeaway:
💡 The decorating trends for 2023 focus on sustainability, personalization, and bold colour choices. These styles can help you create a festive home that reflects both the season and your unique taste.
Conclusion
No perfect time exists for decorating. It all depends on personal preferences or family traditions. Advent works for those who love tradition. Starting after Halloween is ideal for early birds. December 1st kicks off the final countdown to the holiday. From artificial Christmas trees to mini Christmas trees, there’s a decorating option for every space, no matter how early or late you begin.
Decorating for Christmas is about the joy of the season, so start when it feels right for you.