If you're like many people, the question of when to start decorating for Christmas 2017 might have already crossed your mind. With the festive season looming on the horizon, deciding on the perfect time to bring out the decorations can set the tone for your holiday preparations. In this guide, we'll delve into the best times for decorating your home, what influences your decision, and how to go about it in style.
The Right Time to Begin
Traditionally, the day after Thanksgiving in the United States marks the unofficial start of the holiday decorating season. Here’s why:
- Day After Thanksgiving: For many, Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, not only signifies the start of shopping sales but also when holiday decor takes over. It’s a time when people are already in the festive spirit, and stores are filled with seasonal items.
- December 1: If you prefer to adhere to a more structured calendar approach, starting on December 1 can be meaningful as it’s the first day of the Christmas month. This practice gives you exactly one month to enjoy your decorations.
- Advent Calendar: Starting with the first Sunday of Advent, four weeks before Christmas, can also be a beautiful way to begin, aligning with the liturgical calendar of many Christians.
Factors Influencing Your Decision
Several elements can guide you when deciding the perfect time to start decorating:
- Weather: In some parts of the world, the onset of colder weather can be a natural signal to bring out the holiday cheer.
- Local Culture and Traditions: Different regions might have their own customs regarding holiday preparation. Consider following local traditions to align with community festivities.
- Family and Social Events: If you have holiday gatherings planned, you might want to decorate before guests arrive for a festive atmosphere.
- Personal Preferences: Some individuals prefer to immerse themselves in holiday magic as soon as possible, while others opt for a more subdued approach, decorating closer to Christmas.
How to Decorate
Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up your Christmas decorations:
- Plan: Decide on a theme or color scheme to ensure your decorations are cohesive.
- Start Outdoors: If you have exterior decorations, begin here to make a grand statement and create an inviting atmosphere for visitors.
- Indoor Trees: Whether artificial or real, setting up your Christmas tree is often the centerpiece. Dress it up with ornaments, lights, and a tree topper.
- Accents and Ornaments: Think wreaths, garlands, table runners, and ornaments. Spread these throughout your home for a consistent festive feel.
- Lighting: Christmas lights add warmth and charm. Use them wisely to highlight different areas of your home.
💡 Note: Remember that overdoing it can make spaces feel cluttered. Balance is key.
| December Day | Decoration |
|---|---|
| 1 | Christmas tree setup |
| 7 | Holiday lights and wreaths |
| 14 | Additional ornaments and decor items |
When to Take Down the Decorations
Just as there’s a time to put them up, there’s an appropriate time to take down your Christmas decorations:
- Twelfth Night: Traditionally, decorations come down on the 12th night after Christmas, the eve of Epiphany on January 6.
- After New Year’s Day: Many people choose to keep decorations up until the new year has passed.
- Personal Timing: Some like to prolong the holiday season, leaving decorations up for weeks into January. This varies greatly by personal and cultural preferences.
Christmas 2017 is a special time that brings joy to many. Whether you start decorating the day after Thanksgiving, on December 1, or align with Advent, your decision should reflect your festive spirit. This year, consider starting your decorations to maximize the joy and create lasting holiday memories with your loved ones. With the right timing, thoughtful planning, and a dash of creativity, you can transform your home into a winter wonderland that captures the essence of Christmas.
When is the earliest I can put up my Christmas decorations?
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Traditionally, people start decorating after Thanksgiving in the U.S., or even earlier if they follow the advent calendar or want to kick off the holiday season. However, any time you feel like spreading holiday cheer is perfectly acceptable!
Is there a ‘too early’ to start decorating for Christmas?
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Some people consider mid-November to be the earliest appropriate time. However, there’s no universally right or wrong time. It’s really about when it brings joy to you and your household.
How long should Christmas decorations stay up?
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Traditionally, decorations should be taken down by Twelfth Night, the eve of Epiphany, but many people keep them up until the New Year or even later into January.
