The pumpkins are still on the porch, the Halloween candy is overflowing, and the Christmas decorations are calling my name. I grew up in a “decorate after Thanksgiving” household and have always carried on that tradition, but this year I’m ready to decorate now.
If you are also feeling the urge to decorate early, here are a few reasons to go ahead and do it:
1. Decorating is something fun to look forward to. This has been a tough year with a lot of challenges and we can all use some extra holiday cheer. The lights, colors, and decorations bring back happy memories and feelings of excitement. I am looking forward to setting up my trees, picking a color scheme, and pulling out sentimental ornaments from years past. The days are getting shorter and colder, but the twinkling lights help keep spirits bright.
2. We can enjoy the season longer. The holiday season flies by every year. Before we know it, it will be the new year. There are only three more Christmases before my oldest child graduates from high school, and I want to savor the time we have left. Decorating now will give us a few extra weeks to soak up the glow of the lights, enjoy the holiday scents, watch our favorite movies, and listen to Christmas playlists. Why not extend the season as long as possible?
3. The house will be more cozy. Now that Daylight Saving Time has ended, we will be losing daylight every day from now until Christmas. When it’s dark in the morning when we leave and dark when we get home, a bit of extra coziness can go a long way.
4. We can focus more on the joy and less on the stress. December can feel like a whirlwind of school events, shopping lists, and last-minute wrapping sessions. Decorating early takes one big thing off our plate and gives us more time to enjoy the season with family. Putting the tree up in early November will give us a few extra nights to watch Christmas movies, drink hot chocolate, and let the kids help decorate (even if they have a different idea of how the ornaments should be arranged). It’s a good way to make memories before the craziness hits.
5. It can help us get into a grateful, giving mindset. Decorating early for Christmas can set the tone for a season of gratitude, kindness, and connection leading into Thanksgiving. Seeing the tree and festive decor every day reminds us to slow down, count our blessings, and look for ways to spread joy.
6. It’s OK to make new traditions. Whether you are Team November 1 or Team After- Thanksgiving, it’s fine to create whatever traditions work for your family. The right time to decorate is whatever is right for you. If an early start to Christmas makes your home feel special, then go for it!
Life moves fast and the holidays can come and go in a blink. I’m looking forward to creating a joyful space where we can slow down (as much as possible) and make memories that will last long after the decorations come down.
