When do you traditionally start decorating for Christmas?

[THANKGOODNESSIMFABULOUS]

In my family and among my friends, I am the crazy Christmas lady. One because I start shopping around July each year, and two because i start decorating the weekend after Halloween. My thought process is that why should I only get to enjoy my decorations for one month, after all the effort it takes to get them up.

What are your thoughts decorating for Christmas before Thanksgiving?

[steph535]

I am on the fence about that. Growing up, my mother was very strict about not decorating too early, which meant no earlier than ten days before Christmas. (I was very rebellious when I moved away from home and put my tree up right after Thanksgiving, lol) Anyway, every year, I think the same as you; why should I only get to enjoy my beautiful decorations for such a short amount of time?? And I often think about decorating earlier and I think to myself, some people on the Christmas forums put their trees up right after Halloween so why can't I?. But then, that old tape plays in my head saying "no no, that's way too early." I have no problem if other people put their trees and decorations up early. But, this year, guess what?. I ordered a new tree online and it came today so I had to put it up to make sure it looks nice and everything is working properly, right? So, I gave myself permission to put it up, lol. But, it still feels a bit too early. It might be different if I were up north in cold weather, I don't know.

[ornamentmaven]

Growing up, we never decorated before mid - December. Now I always decorate the 4 days after Thanksgiving.I would love to decorate earlier than that, but I always host Thanksgiving dinner here, and strongly feel that Thanksgiving deserves to have it's own respect and traditions. I have a lot of Thanksgiving decorations as well - including a small village!
I do set up one Christmas thing in mid - November and that is my 4 foot white tree with my Madame Alexander doll ornaments (Hallmark series). It also has pastel lights and purple ornaments and topper. It is in a bedroom, so is not really part of the Thanksgiving decor. I'll be setting that up next week - can't wait!
By the way - my Mom is now a convert to early decorating - after many years!

[*Snowflake*]

Well,it depends. Usually if everyone is free and if I don't have a lot of duties for University then we put at the beginning of December.:treedance:

[Crazymike1965]

Up in Canada where I am Thanksgiving is in early October so once Halloween is done the plans start for Christmas. I would like to wait until December but I have about 80 hours of decorating to do which has to be completed by December 13th. If I lived in the US I would start the day after black Friday, take 2 weeks vacation and do all the decorating.

[THANKGOODNESSIMFABULOUS]

Hi Steph535, I told my mother (who does not celebrate holidays, due to her religion) that I put my decorations up after Halloween and she told me that was to soon. But I do wait until after Thanksgiving to go and get my tree. My birthday is always after Thanksgiving, so that is a gift I give myself every year. Plus, I found a devise that keeps my tree fresh and green as long as I keep it up. Halloween has already past and I have yet to start putting things up, so I am late this year. One of the reasons I do it so early, is because it makes me feel a bit warmer for some reason when I walk in my house this time of year. I love the smell of the cinnamon pine cones, and all the bright colors.
I hope that your tree turned out lovely.

[wstaple]

I'd start the day after Halloween if I could, but my wife likes to not overshadow Thanksgiving. And I get that, I really do. I just like the way the house looks with all the decorations up. I've decorated as early as the Monday before Thanksgiving (if we're going out of town for Thanksgiving). This year it'll just be us at home so I'll wait until the day after Thanksgiving to start.

One year I did get my lights out the middle of November because I had a 60-degree weekend. I didn't turn them on until after Thanksgiving, but I was glad I got them out while it was mild outside. The next year I put it off and the day I planned to get them out, the high was in the 20s. But even though it was cold, I loved being out there because I knew what it would look like when I finished.:christmastree:

[Papa_Christmas]

I usually start November 1 but this year I went on my fishing trip late so I'm just getting started.

[MinnesotaMike]

I always take down the outside Halloween stuff on Nov 1st. Then I usually start putting up my outside Christmas display the first weekend in November. I am about 25% done, but we got hit with snow and very cold temps yesterday and today. Not sure how much I'm going to get up now this year. I'm praying for a warm-up before Thanksgiving. I usually turn on my outdoor display on Thanksgiving Night. We decorate our inside on the weekend after Thanksgiving.

[ornamentmaven]

I always take down the outside Halloween stuff on Nov 1st. Then I usually start putting up my outside Christmas display the first weekend in November. I am about 25% done, but we got hit with snow and very cold temps yesterday and today. Not sure how much I'm going to get up now this year. I'm praying for a warm-up before Thanksgiving. I usually turn on my outdoor display on Thanksgiving Night. We decorate our inside on the weekend after Thanksgiving.

Hoping for a warm spell in Minnesota Mike!

[mina553]

The first week in November

[ornamentmaven]

mina - welcome back! Haven't heard from you in forever!

[steph535]

Hi, Mina! Welcome back. Great to see you see you posting again!

[MinnesotaMike]

The day after Halloween.

[kerrykelin]

Every year, it seems that Christmas decorations need to start a little bit earlier. I think Christmas decorations should go up from the 1st of December with the festive parties, and come down by the first week of January after a great Christmas and New Year celebration.

[Merry Christmas Darling]

the day after halloween.

yes!!!

[Santa57]

Well, I'm late with everything this year. I finally got all my Christmass LPs in pretty good shape, that just had to come first. Really, I'd like to start decorating in August or so, lol. Seriously, it's sort of hard to get interested, since I'm the only one who'll see them. But I'm hoping to get a Christmass tree cut this year, at least!
:christmastree:

[Mistletoe]

Growing up we decorated when we got the tree, which was a week before Christmas. Now, I put the lights up outside as soon as there is a mild weekend after Halloween, but don't switch them on until December 1st. The inside is decorated at the beginning of December. I'd like to have the tree up from the 1st also, but it's real and would never last. I agree with wanting to enjoy all the decorations for a longer period of time, but I feel like going the other way- into January, as opposed to November. January really doesn't have much going on and it's colder.

[Merry Christmas Darling]

Well, I'm late with everything this year. I finally got all my Christmass LPs in pretty good shape, that just had to come first. Really, I'd like to start decorating in August or so, lol. Seriously, it's sort of hard to get interested, since I'm the only one who'll see them. But I'm hoping to get a Christmass tree cut this year, at least!
:christmastree:

I understand about being the only one who sees them. I go all out and even though children and grandchildren come over no one even mentions my decorations. Please post photos --- we'll see your tree! :christmastree: What is up with people? They seem to lack enthusiasm.

[Santa57]

I understand about being the only one who sees them. I go all out and even though children and grandchildren come over no one even mentions my decorations. Please post photos --- we'll see your tree! :christmastree: What is up with people? They seem to lack enthusiasm.

Well thank you! That just might get me to go out and cut one. :) I've seen quite a few really nice pines growing out here, in places they'd never grown before. :tree:

I wonder about people, too. Seems like the ones I know just want to "get through" Christmass, and I almost live for it.

[ornamentmaven]

Well thank you! That just might get me to go out and cut one. :) I've seen quite a few really nice pines growing out here, in places they'd never grown before. :tree:

I wonder about people, too. Seems like the ones I know just want to "get through" Christmass, and I almost live for it.

Don't get me started!!!

[Santa57]

Don't get me started!!!

Well, as bad as it is to see so much of this, you all give me hope that there are still people out there who get it, who love the season for all its glory and beauty. And for that, thank you! :) :home:

[ReneBTurner]

It's absolutely fine if you love to decorate your Christmas tree before thanksgiving. I also love to decorate my tree for more than one month because I don't want only one month to enjoy. But mostly I decorate my Christmas tree around and after thanksgiving.

[Elf_Erv]

the week after Halloween

[serene]

Most houses in my country start decorating for as early as October. We start making decoration during the first week of October and place the decorations during the last week of the said month. I don't go with too much lights but I focus the decoration in front of the house where passer-by can see them.

[Merry Christmas Darling]

the week after Halloween

Yes!!! Although I didn't get to it this year.

[snowbell1]

Before Thanksgiving at least a week or so before,it's been a tradition in the family started by my mom,now that she has passed i carry it on.:christmastree:

[ornamentmaven]

I always start decorating the day after Thanksgiving - mostly because I host Thanksgiving dinner. I have a small house (not enough room for guests AND decorations - at least not with all my decorations!). I also want Thanksgiving to have the special recognition it deserves.

It usually takes me 4 intense days to get everything up - 1 day each for the tree, the village, outside decorations and general inside decorations. All done by December 1st!

[Merry Christmas Darling]

I don't think I'm decorating this year.

[ornamentmaven]

I don't think I'm decorating this year.

I know it can be very stressful as you get older. I may not do the village this year. Just do something small!

[christmasislove]

It's tradition in our family to go get our Christmas tree in-between Thanksgiving Lunch at one grandparents house & Thanksgiving Supper at the others. We don't decorate or anything until the day after Thanksgiving though!

[MinnesotaMike]

It's funny to see these threads bumped after such a long time. My answer is still the same as it was the last time I posted in this thread! HA!

[Shanniclause]

I am from the southern US, and we always have decorated after Thanksgiving. My wife is from Norther Canada, and she always decorates after Halloween, because their Thanksgiving is earlier, and Halloween is the last holiday before Christmas.

I like her idea better, as Christmas decor always elevates my mood! So, now that I am wed, we are a post Halloween family :)

[RikerVano]

there was a time when all members were crazy to decor the whole house. and now we just order ready made decor centerpieces. and put them all on a Christmas tree. just a month before the special day(Its Christmas).

[svenjeff]

Well, me and my family usually start to decorate right after we get our Christmas tree. We don't have a traditional day and time to do it, but most of the time we start about 2 weeks before Christmas.

[ornamentmaven]

Well, me and my family usually start to decorate right after we get our Christmas tree. We don't have a traditional day and time to do it, but most of the time we start about 2 weeks before Christmas.

Well, you are not as crazy as most of us here! Some on this forum decorate by November 1st. I generally start the day after Thanksgiving (here in the US, that is the 4th Thursday in November)

[Eric Brown]

We started just a month before... Our family is crazy for Christmas decoration as all are together after long time..
We started light decoration, all crafts, gift cards and centerpieces... Christmas scented candles (http://www.yankee-candles.co.uk/) and other accessories..

[svenjeff]

Well, you are not as crazy as most of us here! Some on this forum decorate by November 1st. I generally start the day after Thanksgiving (here in the US, that is the 4th Thursday in November)

Fear not. I shall lead you to sanity. Let's start with the exercise "Don't decorate before December" :)

[Elvira1986]

It is tradition here (Netherlands) to decorate after another Dutch holiday on the 5th of December. Since a couple of years we're defiant and have started decorating the 1st weekend of December, this year probably even the last weekend of November.

[Mistletoe]

It is tradition here (Netherlands) to decorate after another Dutch holiday on the 5th of December. Since a couple of years we're defiant and have started decorating the 1st weekend of December, this year probably even the last weekend of November.

Hi, Elvira! Is the holiday St. Nicholas' Eve that you decorate after?

[Noel_Joyeux]

I start mid-November with a victorian village. :gingerhouse:
Then, the last week end of November : the Christmas Tree ! :christmastree:

[ornamentmaven]

Hi Elvira - good to see you here! Noel - I love setting up my Victorian Village. It is a lot of work - but well worth it!

[Mistletoe]

I start mid-November with a victorian village. :gingerhouse:


I don't think I've ever seen a Victorian one...

[Merry Christmas Darling]

I don't think I've ever seen a Victorian one...

I had a Dept. 56 New England one that I finally took to Goodwill because I was running out of space.

http://i774.photobucket.com/albums/yy27/DiademRose/Christmas%20in%20Our%20Home/Picture003-1.jpg (http://s774.photobucket.com/user/DiademRose/media/Christmas%20in%20Our%20Home/Picture003-1.jpg.html)

[Mistletoe]

I had a Dept. 56 New England one that I finally took to Goodwill because I was running out of space.
That's interesting- something for everyone. Do you own any villages now?

[Merry Christmas Darling]

That's interesting- something for everyone. Do you own any villages now?

No, my little house got filled to the brim!

[ornamentmaven]

I love my village. It's a mix of styles, just like a real village would be. It is just soooooo..... much work to set up. This year, with the move, I'll be lucky to get a tree in place!

[wstaple]

We'll be travelling for Thanksgiving this year, so I'll try to get everything finished before we go out of town. I'll start putting up our trees and inside decorations on either Friday, November 20 or Saturday the 21st this year. Probably start with putting up the full-size trees in the den and bonus room since they take the longest. While I'm doing that, my wife will sort through the decoration boxes to see what we will and won't use this year. (We bought a few decorations in Alaska this summer, but neither of us can remember where we put them!:dizzy: Hoping to find them within the next month.) After the trees are up, I'll put the lighted garland and lighted wreath on the inside stair railings. My wife has a collection of Snowbabies. About half of them are in a curio cabinet in the dining room year-round, but we get the rest of them out at Christmas. After this we'll put out a couple of tabletop trees and decorate hallway tables upstairs and downstairs.

I'll get the outside lights up on the 21st or 22nd, depending upon the weather, but I won't turn them on until the weekend after Thanksgiving. I usually wrap the trees on the front corners of the house with clear mini-lights, and then drape clear C9 lights on the front of the wood fence on both sides of the house. I'm hoping to find a couple of outdoor lighted wreaths or maybe lighted stars to put on the fence this year. We put a Christmas wreath on the front door and light it with a spotlight. We also use lighted garland around the top and sides of the front door.

It takes a little while to get everything the way it needs to be, but I love doing this. Seems like the house always looks so full and festive during the Christmas season!

[ChristmasFanatic]

I usually begin on Black Friday and hope to do some, this year, but I began dialysis treatments in Jul and I'm usually done in, once my treatment is over, but I am hoping to do some that day. Then, Saturday, we always go and pick out our tree, get that up and then decorate that on Sunday. Exciting days are coming! :yahoo:

[Merry Christmas Darling]

I usually begin on Black Friday and hope to do some, this year, but I began dialysis treatments in Jul and I'm usually done in, once my treatment is over, but I am hoping to do some that day. Then, Saturday, we always go and pick out our tree, get that up and then decorate that on Sunday. Exciting days are coming! :yahoo:

I'm sorry for your health problems.

I hung my Christmas potholders today.

[ornamentmaven]

I wish I could do some decorating this year. I traditionally start on Black Friday - but not with the move. Closing on the house is supposed to be next week. We haven't yet found a new home, so we will almost certainly be in temporary quarters. So depressing to think about!

[chocolatechip1979]

My family and I do Christmas arts and crafts throughout the year. We start decorating on Thanksgiving. We feel like its an awesome way to start since everyone is in town visiting and the family love is in the air.

[ornamentmaven]

I am so looking forward to decorating my new home this year. I always start decorating the day after Thanksgiving and that is only 7+ weeks away!!! I will have overnight guests for Thanksgiving this year, so I may have to wait an extra day or two - unless I can convince them to help!!! I have been planning for months now as to where everything is going to be set up. I hope it works out as planned!:gingerhouse:

[Papa_Christmas]

It takes us the better part of November to get it all up so this year I'll get going on Nov. 4.
I'll put the Thanksgiving decorations up in the dining room and then start on Christmas in the front of the house.:elf3:

[Bishop1954]

My office has a few items year round. For the rest of the house... the day after Thanksgiving. :christmastree:

[baylisjae]

It is interesting how the authors of the above points respond now to these queries after the outbreak of the pandemic

[Bishop1954]

Actually. I was just wandering through all of the active threads and simply decided to get them back into the conversation once more... :elf3:

[baylisjae]

It is interesting how the authors of the above points respond now to these queries after the outbreak of the pandemic. I am from https://worldpostalcode.com/canada/ontario/toronto, and I am following several scientists. And they all have different positions and arguments regarding the virus. So now I am really confused who is right. Scientifically they all have logical thoughts.

[Bishop1954]

I may decide to get an earlier jump this year for the family room and my new office... :gingerhouse:

[Mistletoe]

I've started decorating the inside and putting the trees up the weekend after Thanksgiving, instead of at the beginning of December. Last year I lit the outdoor lights at the same time, which I might continue. The season's just not long enough!

[Bishop1954]

Thanks for reminding me. I need to check and see if the roof icicles are working... :candycane1:

[Mistletoe]

Thanks for reminding me. I need to check and see if the roof icicles are working... :candycane1:
Are they still up?

[Bishop1954]

Yes, since they sit about 18' above the ground, they are a pain to take down. So, I just leave them up. Nice for CIJ as well... :santasmile:

[snowbell1]

:merrychristmas:All ready done as it was my moms tradition and now i carry it on.

[Bishop1954]

Now that Halloween is over, I have begun my decoration for Christmas. My newly renovated office and family room have already had a good start and the rest will be coming along shortly... :santasmile:

[Bishop1954]

Here are a couple of photos from this year's yard... 75947595

[Mistletoe]

Here are a couple of photos from this year's yard...
It looks great! I like the lit garland going around the yard- I haven't seen that before. And the snowman counting down the days is cute! Has anyone used the bench to take a picture with Santa yet? I like your inflatables- those are more my preference. A lot of people around here have their yards filled with Star Wars inflatables.

I can only imagine the wires.

Well done! :xmashigh5:

[Bishop1954]

Thanks. It is weird that the pictures showed up upside down. Oh well... lol. Yes, a few have had their photo taken. I like using the garland for decoration and for keeping others out of the yard. Would not want anyone getting hurt by tripping over guide wires or extension cords... :waving:

[darketernal]

I think around mid november is like a good time to start, especially if you're a christmas fanatic.

[Mistletoe]

I think around mid november is like a good time to start, especially if you're a christmas fanatic.
I'm really torn on this! I want to fully experience autumn and Thanksgiving, but I'm finding that my Christmas is just way too short! :sad elf:

[Bishop1954]

I'm really torn on this! I want to fully experience autumn and Thanksgiving, but I'm finding that my Christmas is just way too short! :sad elf:

I agree. For the most part, I begin immediately after Thanksgiving. But over the years, I have left more and more out. My office for instance has Christmas decorations all year round and even has a sign over the door that states... "Santa's Workshop" :xmaswink:

[Mistletoe]

I agree. For the most part, I begin immediately after Thanksgiving. But over the years, I have left more and more out. My office for instance has Christmas decorations all year round and even has a sign over the door that states... "Santa's Workshop" :xmaswink:
Aw, I love the sign. :santa:

[Bishop1954]

Thank you. The main reason is that is where I do most of my planning, gift wrapping and stocking filling... :treedance:

[HighPriestessIce]

I tend to start decorating after Nov.11 out of respect for Rememberance day. But as soon as nov.12 hits, it's on.

[Mistletoe]

:welcome: HighPriestessIce! Do you put your outdoor decor (if you have any) up/on at that time also? Or wait until later?

[Bishop1954]

In the past it has been the weekend after Thanksgiving, but this year with time off, I will begin the week of Thanksgiving... :fall:

[HighPriestessIce]

Sadly I live in an apartment so I don't have any outdoor decor. I might try to put some garland and lights on the balcony this year though!

[drummerdude]

I've slowly started decorating because I'm already stoked for Xmas. The Journal of Environmental Psychology says that people who decorate early tend to be happier.

[Bishop1954]

I use to live in an apartment and also used net lights over the balcony. I also use to hang a wreath on the door... :santa1:

[Mistletoe]

In the past it has been the weekend after Thanksgiving, but this year with time off, I will begin the week of Thanksgiving... :fall:
Does your wife mind the early decorations?

[Mistletoe]

I might try to put some garland and lights on the balcony this year though!
Fun!

[Mistletoe]

The Journal of Environmental Psychology says that people who decorate early tend to be happier.
Haha! I think they're right about that. :elf3:

[Bishop1954]

Does your wife mind the early decorations?

Not at all. In fact they stay up longer, because she enjoys them. I use to take them down the weekend after New Year's Day, now it is the weekend before the SuperBowl... lol :tree1:

[Mistletoe]

Not at all. In fact they stay up longer, because she enjoys them. I use to take them down the weekend after New Year's Day, now it is the weekend before the SuperBowl... lol :tree1:

Nice. :elf3:

[Bishop1954]

Especially when they are the only lights on in the home at night... :santa:

[Elf_Erv]

the day after Halloween

[Bishop1954]

Not sure what the ground is like right now after nearly a week of sub-freezing temps, but I may have to get out there and kind of finish up... :santasmile:

[Mistletoe]

Especially when they are the only lights on in the home at night... :santa:
Ahhh...so nice. :christmastree:

[Mistletoe]

the day after Halloween
So you're all ready for Christmas now! When do you take them down?

[Mistletoe]

Not sure what the ground is like right now after nearly a week of sub-freezing temps, but I may have to get out there and kind of finish up... :santasmile:
Less than 2 weeks until you light them, right? When do you usually set up the yard? Right before Thanksgiving?

[Bishop1954]

Usually the Friday after... :gingerhouse:

[Xmasflora]

Started early because go slow with the OA arthritis. This year do less decorating because home alone and no Xmas tree this year. From the Xmas tree in garden got some fresh branches and into a big glass vase with water. Thin red ribbons and mini baubles 1 inch in red, gold. green. A red bell and few other small sized baubles in red. Icycles lights in window. Red pillar candles with orange essential ols. In windows rickrack in red with few medium sized baubles tied to both ends.

[snowbell1]

I start my christmas decorating around the 4th of Nov.which is my birthday it's a tradition my mom started when i was little now i carry it on and as always i've added more things.:santa1:

[Bishop1954]

Due to the onslaught of some early cold weather, I had mine done before Thanksgiving... :home:

[Mistletoe]

Started early because go slow with the OA arthritis. This year do less decorating because home alone and no Xmas tree this year. From the Xmas tree in garden got some fresh branches and into a big glass vase with water. Thin red ribbons and mini baubles 1 inch in red, gold. green. A red bell and few other small sized baubles in red. Icycles lights in window. Red pillar candles with orange essential ols. In windows rickrack in red with few medium sized baubles tied to both ends.
Nice to see you again Xmasflora! :santa2:
That all sounds really nice. :santa:

[Bishop1954]

Started early because go slow with the OA arthritis. This year do less decorating because home alone and no Xmas tree this year. From the Xmas tree in garden got some fresh branches and into a big glass vase with water. Thin red ribbons and mini baubles 1 inch in red, gold. green. A red bell and few other small sized baubles in red. Icycles lights in window. Red pillar candles with orange essential ols. In windows rickrack in red with few medium sized baubles tied to both ends.

It is tough as we get older. One year we had 12 trees up in our home besides the outside decorations. But things have slowed down as the big 70 is quickly approaching. Still decorated both inside and out, but to a much lesser degree than before... :snowman:

[Elf_Erv]

I'm starting now. skipping Halloween :tree1:

[Bishop1954]

My office is decorated year round and each room begins at a different time. For instance, the Harry Potter library will get started next month. For the outside, it will begin the Friday after Thanksgiving... :tree:

[Bishop1954]

This year, we had an early cold snap, so I got the yard done before ground freeze. So, I figured as long as the stuff was out, might as well get going with the inside as well. The exception was the dining room table which was already decorated for Thanksgiving, so I held off on that area till the weekend after... :waving:

[Mistletoe]

This year, we had an early cold snap, so I got the yard done before ground freeze. So, I figured as long as the stuff was out, might as well get going with the inside as well. The exception was the dining room table which was already decorated for Thanksgiving, so I held off on that area till the weekend after... :waving:
How early did you start?

I was sick (again!) the whole Thanksgiving holiday and weekend, so couldn't get decorated until Dec 7th. Luckily I did have the candles in the windows and the lights on the bushes in place, so the outside was lit starting Black Friday. This season was way too short. I may not decorate the indoors at the beginning of November, but I seriously have to start working Christmas things in to my life all through the fall (alongside the other holidays)! :crying:

[Bishop1954]

How early did you start?

I was sick (again!) the whole Thanksgiving holiday and weekend, so couldn't get decorated until Dec 7th. Luckily I did have the candles in the windows and the lights on the bushes in place, so the outside was lit starting Black Friday. This season was way too short. I may not decorate the indoors at the beginning of November, but I seriously have to start working Christmas things in to my life all through the fall (alongside the other holidays)! :crying:

Unfortunately those times do happen. I know I have gone through a few for various reasons, but keep the spirit lady and let's enjoy tomorrow and get in the frame of mind for 2025... :merrychristmas:

[Mistletoe]

Unfortunately those times do happen. I know I have gone through a few for various reasons, but keep the spirit lady and let's enjoy tomorrow and get in the frame of mind for 2025... :merrychristmas:
Hear, hear! :elf3: