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When do you start

decorating for the

holidays?

by Maria Gracia Published on December 1, 2025 Discover how GON readers kick off the holiday season in this fun poll recap. Explore when people start decorating for Christmas and winter…Thanksgiving weekend, early December, mid-December, or before Thanksgiving…and read real comments about holiday traditions, festive decorating habits, and seasonal home décor inspiration Join our newsletter to be notified when new content is added to our website. When Do We Deck the Halls? When we asked GON readers when they officially kick off the holiday season at home, the responses painted a wonderfully festive picture, one filled with long-standing traditions, personal rhythms, and the quiet joy of transforming our homes for winter. Some readers wait patiently for the calendar to flip to December, while others admit they can’t resist pulling out the totes before the Thanksgiving turkey even hits the table. And then there are those who decorate simply for the season itself, focusing more on cozy winter touches than holiday-specific décor. Thanksgiving weekend was, by far, the most popular time to decorate, with many readers saying it’s the perfect mix of practicality and tradition. A long weekend, a happy holiday glow still lingering in the air, and perhaps a moment of downtime between leftovers and family visits. It all adds up to an ideal decorating window. Several readers shared that the ritual has become a cherished family moment, something they look forward to every single year. Others prefer the quiet, thoughtful pace of early December. Whether they’re savoring that fresh-start feeling of a new month or just easing into the season on their own time, these readers said decorating during the first week of December helps them avoid holiday overwhelm. They like the breathing room. They like the balance. A handful of readers admitted they’re early birds…by choice. For them, the joy of twinkle lights, wreaths, and garlands is simply too irresistible to delay. As one reader put it, “Why wait when the decorations make me so happy?” And really, who can argue with that kind of festive enthusiasm? Some GON readers shared that their focus is on winter décor rather than Christmas or specific holidays…pine branches, cozy textures, soft candles, and snow-themed pieces that stay out long after the holidays end. A few even told us they prefer not to change their décor at all, keeping their homes exactly as they are and enjoying the season in other ways. Every approach felt equally thoughtful and perfectly personal. What these responses reveal is something simple but true: There’s no right time to decorate…only your time. Some do it early. Some wait. Some celebrate winter more than holidays. Every home has its own rhythm, its own traditions, and its own way of welcoming the season. Below, you’ll find all the results along with some of our favorite reader comments. It’s always delightful to see how we each mark this special time of year. 48% Thanksgiving weekend 19% The first week of December 10% Mid-December 9% Before Thanksgiving. I can’t wait to get festive! 9% Other 3% I decorate for winter, not focused on the holidays 2% I don’t change my home décor for winter or the holidays Personal GON reader comments: • In 1990, I decorated for Christmas, right after Thanksgiving. Our son was born on December 3rd. The Christmas decorations didn't get put away until Valentine's Day the next year! • Advent weekend...bring out wreath and start some decorations slowly. Christmas tree when family is available (home from college weekend) usually by 2nd week of December • Thanksgiving Day while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade! Then we eat Thanksgiving dinner while enjoying the tree • I like Thanksgiving to be celebrated before Christmas decorating • Living in Northern Canada, I decorate the first week of November while hubby is hunting. The weather is still usually decent to do outside decorations, but it has happened that snow comes too early and plans change to bare minimum! Christmas is a season to our family so we enjoy several months of the holiday decorations and especially all the lights • I love decorating for fall, so my pumpkins stay out through Thanksgiving. My girls come home for the holidays and decorate for me Thanksgiving weekend, while I make them their favorite meals. But outside decorations go up right after Halloween or as soon as we are done with raking leaves. It's so nice to put decorations up in the mild temperatures here in MN • If the grandchildren are not coming, I usually don't bother putting any decorations out. But if the grandkids will be here, I make sure my decorations are all out BEFORE they arrive! • Used to not decorate, moved to a new country in 2020, they go all out! 2023 put out lights…my neighbors were enthusiastic. 2024 put out lights and a few Grinch-themed items. This year, lights and many more Grinch stuff! Friends have bought me items, Hobby Lobby 50-60% off has added even more. • Christmas decor is getting earlier every year. We just need to slow down and enjoy the fall and Thanksgiving before decorating for Christmas Back to Web Poll Results Index