When Is It Too Early To Begin Christmas Decorating?

Etsy’s trend expert, Dayna Isom Johnson, discusses the etiquette of decorating for Christmas. Traditionally, the official day to start decorating your home, including your tree and Christmas wreath, is on Advent Sunday, the fourth Sunday before Christmas day. However, personal preferences and etiquette can vary.

At the earliest, it is recommended to set up a real Christmas tree the weekend of Thanksgiving and take it down by the first week of January. This four-to-five-week window ensures your tree and wreath are ready for the holiday season.

There is no hard rule when it comes to holiday decorating. Some families start decorating the weekend after Thanksgiving, while others choose to wait until mid-December. Right after Thanksgiving is a great option because often, family is still gathered in one home and can decorate together. It also allows for a great transition between the two holidays. Most things except for lights should wait until the day after Thanksgiving.

In modern times, the general rule of thumb is to wait until after Thanksgiving before decorating for Christmas. Christmas decorating should start at the very earliest at the end of Thanksgiving to around the first of December. People find it acceptable to put up Christmas decorations the day after Halloween, but not Halloween decorations any sooner than October 1st.

In 1904, the Dunstan Times declared that “Christmas Eve, not sooner” is the correct time to decorate the house. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is the earliest you should set up a Christmas tree or decorate with Christmas-specific trimmings. Some families break out the decorations right after Thanksgiving, others might choose November 1, or even September 1. Some people even leave Christmas decorations unattended during the colder months.

Is November too early to start decorating for Christmas?

The best time to start decorating for Christmas depends on personal preference. Some prefer to start early in November, making the holiday feel longer, while others prefer to start closer to the big day. Interior stylist Vivianne Chow personally begins decorating after Thanksgiving and makes it a family tradition to put up their Christmas tree during Thanksgiving weekend. Other festivities to enjoy in the lead-up to Christmas include celebrating the changing seasons, Halloween, and Thanksgiving. After Thanksgiving, many swap Thanksgiving decor with Christmas decor to maintain festive cheer.

Why are Christmas decorations out so early?

Holiday decorations are a powerful marketing strategy that transports shoppers to a time of joy and celebration. Retailers use early holiday decorations to tap into the anticipation and excitement of the season, creating an emotional connection with shoppers and encouraging them to start planning their holiday plans before December. This approach also caters to early bird shoppers who enjoy extra time to plan and prepare, providing a head start on the holiday hustle and bustle.

Retailers also incorporate holiday decorations in August to participate in the excitement surrounding mid-year holiday celebrations, often marked by sales and promotions. This marketing strategy aims to grab the attention of consumers during a time when they might be more willing to open their wallets.

However, the impact of these decorations on shoppers is not solely a fleeting marketing ploy. They also play a crucial role in extending the excitement of the holidays and ensuring that consumers are prepared for the upcoming holiday season.

Are you happier if you decorate for Christmas early?

It has been posited by experts in the field that the early installation of Christmas decorations can result in an increase in levels of happiness and friendliness amongst the general public. This is thought to be as a result of the stimulation of the feel-good hormone dopamine, which is triggered by the use of colours and lights.

When should I start decorating my room for Christmas?

A majority of 65 editor friends recommend decorating for Christmas after Thanksgiving or the first week of December, as this schedule allows for a clean transition into the yuletide season and aligns with the start of Advent. The Ritz-Carlton New York, Central Park decorates on Thanksgiving Day. However, 15% agree that decorating after Thanksgiving is the best, suggesting waiting longer into December.

The remaining 20% prefer to start their Christmas tree early, even as early as November 1, as they crave the magic and merry before the turkey dinner. The ideal time to put up the Christmas tree is sometime soon after Thanksgiving.

Can I decorate for Christmas in October?

The traditional rule of waiting until after Thanksgiving before decorating for Christmas has changed, with people getting excited for the holiday earlier than ever. Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson suggests that people start shopping for Christmas decorations as early as August. To incorporate Christmas into fall and Thanksgiving décor, Johnson suggests starting with solid staples and then switching out accessories.

This gradual approach allows for a more enjoyable and festive holiday experience for friends and family. By incorporating Christmas into your home decor gradually, you can ease the transition from one holiday to another.

Can I decorate for Christmas on November 1st?

Thanksgiving is still a significant part of the holiday season, with wreaths, ornaments, lights, and trees indicating the start of the countdown to Christmas. While research suggests that people who embrace the holiday spirit are happier, many prefer to enjoy their Thanksgiving turkey before a bite of gingerbread and a glass of eggnog. However, the question of whether it is too early to decorate for the holidays has become more prevalent in modern times.

Etsy’s trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson suggests that people are getting excited for Christmas earlier than ever before, and it’s important not to hold back their excitement for the holiday season. People start shopping for tinsel, garlands, and ornaments on Etsy as early as August. To incorporate Christmas into fall and Thanksgiving décor, Johnson suggests starting with solid staples and then switching out accessories.

How early is too early for Christmas decor?

The timing of the installation of Christmas decorations varies considerably, with some families choosing to commence this process after Thanksgiving, while others prefer to wait until November or September. A poll was conducted to ascertain the timing of the placement of Christmas decorations by families and their perceptions of the optimal timing for such decorations. The tradition of Christmas decorations has a long history, with roots in 16th-century Germany and the 1800s. Among the most prevalent forms of decoration are Christmas trees and stockings.

What day do most people start decorating for Christmas?

The best time to decorate your Christmas tree depends on personal preference and other factors. Most people start decorating the weekend after Thanksgiving, while others wait until mid-December. Consider factors like the live or artificial tree, as a real tree can last around four weeks and take a couple of weeks for the natural fragrance to fully infuse your space. Artificial trees offer more flexibility as they look the same regardless of timing, making it a more suitable choice for your home.

Can I put my Christmas tree up on November 1st?

The significance of Advent should not be overlooked when putting up a Christmas tree. Most religious sources recommend waiting until the third Sunday of Advent, but any day until Christmas Eve is acceptable. Before decorating, ask yourself if your tree is live or artificial. Live trees last around four weeks, so it’s best not to put one up before December 1st. Artificial trees offer more flexibility as they will remain the same regardless of timing. Ultimately, the timing of your tree should align with your religious beliefs and cultural values.

Can I put my Christmas decorations up in November?

Christmas decorations often start up as soon as Halloween ends on 31st October, with some celebrating the start of the festive season on 1st November. Psychoanalyst Steve McKeown suggests that early Christmas decorations extend the excitement of the season, acting as an anchor to old childhood magical emotions, ultimately making people happier. Psychological psychologist Deborah Serani also suggests that early Christmas decorating can create a neurological shift that produces happiness, as it spikes dopamine, a feel-good hormone.

Can I put my Christmas tree up in November?

Real Christmas trees have a shorter lifespan of 4-6 weeks with proper care. To keep your tree up until New Year’s Eve, it’s best to wait until late November or early December. If you’re considering an artificial Christmas tree, check out our guide to weigh the pros and cons. Some people tie putting up the tree to religious traditions, such as Advent, which starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas.