Why Start Planning Early?
The secret to a stress-free holiday season is getting ahead of the curve. By breaking down your Christmas preparations into manageable weekly tasks, you’ll avoid the last-minute rush and actually enjoy the holiday season. Plus, early planning means better deals, better selection, and more time to perfect those finishing touches that make your home truly magical.
Week 10 (October 14-20): Choose Your Christmas Tree
Selecting your Christmas tree is one of the most important decisions of the season. Whether decorating a spacious living room or a cozy apartment, finding the right size and style will set the tone for your holiday display. Begin by ordering your Branch Sample Kit —it’s the best way to experience our tree quality firsthand, and we’ll credit the cost toward your tree purchase.
Key tasks:
- Order a Branch Sample Kit to compare tree quality and styles
- Measure your space, including ceiling height
- Consider pre-lit trees to save time
- Watch for early-season sales
Decorating Tip: Take a photo of your space before ordering. This helps you visualize how different tree sizes will fit and ensures you choose the right height and fullness for your room.
Read: How To Choose a Tree Using the Branch Sample Kit
Week 9 (October 21-27): Plan Your Entryway Decorations
Your entrance sets the first impression of your holiday home, whether it’s a grand foyer or an apartment door. A thoughtfully planned display of wreaths and garlands can enhance any entryway, from front porches to hallway landings. Taking time to measure your space and plan your design ensures you’ll have the right decorations to create a festive welcome that suits your setting.
Key tasks:
- Select a wreath that fits your door’s size
- Choose matching garlands for railings and door frames
- Plan your lighting layout
- Consider battery-operated or plug-in options
Decorating Tip: Measure your door and surrounding space before ordering your wreath—a properly sized wreath significantly impacts your home’s curb appeal.
Week 8 (October 28-November 3): Prepare Holiday Lighting
As Halloween decorations come down, it’s time to plan your holiday lighting, whether for a full outdoor display or a window-focused arrangement. A well-designed lighting plan can work beautifully for any space, from sprawling yards to balconies or window displays. Planning now gives you time to test all your lights and ensure you have the right equipment for your setup.
Key tasks:
- Design your lighting layout
- Order lights and outdoor decorations
- Purchase timers and extension cords
- Map out your power sources
Decorating Tip: Use landscape lighting to highlight architectural features and create depth in your display.
Week 7 (November 4-10): Organize Gift Planning
Gift-giving is a cherished part of the holiday tradition and early planning makes it more enjoyable for everyone. Starting your shopping now allows you to find meaningful gifts for local and long-distance giving. This is also the perfect time to plan your wrapping strategy and shipping schedule, ensuring presents arrive on time regardless of distance.
Key tasks:
- Create your gift list with budgets
- Order advent calendars before December
- Start collecting gift sets
- Set up a wrapping station
Decorating Tip: Choose wrapping paper that coordinates with your tree’s decorations for a polished look.
Read: Holiday Gift Guide: Expert Tips for Thoughtful Christmas Gifting
Week 6 (November 11-17): Take Advantage of Early Sales
Early holiday sales are starting, and savvy shoppers know to browse now regardless of their location. Many retailers offer pre-season deals online and in stores, often with a better selection than later in the season. This timing is critical if you need to arrange shipping or delivery of larger items like trees or outdoor decorations.
Key tasks:
- Order your main Christmas tree
- Select your preferred lighting options
- Consider accent trees for other rooms
- Take advantage of pre-season pricing
Decorating Tip: Consider a second, smaller tree for your dining room or entryway to create a cohesive feeling throughout your home.
Read: Best Times To Buy an Artificial Christmas Tree: A Guide to Balsam Hill Sales
Week 5 (November 18-24): Begin Exterior Decorating
Now is the time to start your outdoor or window display preparations, adapting your plans to your local weather and living space. For those in northern regions, installing lights and decorations before winter weather arrives makes the process much easier. If you’re in a warmer climate or decorating a balcony or windows, you have more flexibility, but starting now ensures everything is ready to enjoy throughout the season.
Key tasks:
- Install outdoor lighting
- Set up lawn decorations
- Order fresh greenery
- Test all electrical components
Decorating Tip: Create layers of light by combining string lights with spotlights and pathway markers.
Week 4 (November 25-December 1): Start Indoor Decorating
With Thanksgiving behind us, it’s time to focus on your indoor holiday transformation, whether you’re decorating an entire house or creating a festive corner in a smaller space. These days between Thanksgiving and December provide a perfect window to bring your vision to life. Starting now lets you adjust and perfect your display without feeling rushed.
Key tasks:
- Set up and shape your tree
- Add lights, ribbons, and ornaments
- Finish with a topper and a tree skirt or collar
- Arrange wrapped presents
Decorating Tip: Work outward from the inside of your tree when adding lights and ornaments for professional-looking results.
Week 3 (December 2-8): Style Your Holiday Spaces
Your tree is decorated, and now it’s time to extend the holiday magic throughout your home. Focus on creating beautiful vignettes and adding festive touches to mantels, tabletops, and shelving. This week is perfect for styling those areas that draw the eye and invite people to linger.
Key tasks:
- Design mantel displays
- Create tabletop vignettes
- Arrange holiday collections
- Add decorative candles
- Style shelves and surfaces
Decorating Tip: For visual interest, create varying heights in your displays using candlesticks, cake stands, or decorative boxes.
Week 2 (December 9-15): Ready Your Home for Holiday Gatherings
Now’s the time to prepare your home for festive entertaining and those special holiday moments. Whether hosting formal dinners or casual get-togethers, focus on creating warm, welcoming spaces for family and friends. This is also a good time to think about organizing decorations for easy storage after the season.
Key tasks:
- Set up holiday tablescapes
- Arrange serving and buffet areas
- Create cozy conversation spaces
- Add fresh greenery accents
- Organize storage solutions for after the season
Decorating Tip: Create conversation areas with comfortable seating and good lighting for holiday gatherings.
Read: Perfect Christmas Table Settings: Who Goes Where and Who Gets What
Week 1 (December 16-22): Add the Final Festive Touches
These final days before Christmas are perfect for adding those last special touches to your gift collection. There’s still time to find the perfect presents and stocking stuffers for everyone on your list. Remember to place your orders by December 18 to ensure delivery in time for Christmas with free shipping.
Key tasks:
- Order last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers
- Place gift boxes and bags under the tree
- Check all lights and timers
- Double-check holiday supplies for next week
Decorating Tip: Create a dedicated wrapping station with all supplies handy for those final gifts and a cozy spot near the tree for Christmas morning celebrations.
Christmas Week (December 23-25): Time for Holiday Magic
The magical moments you’ve been planning for are finally here. Your home is beautifully decorated, the gifts are wrapped, and it’s time to enjoy the festivities with family and friends. These special days are all about creating memories and cherishing holiday traditions.
Key tasks:
- Set up Christmas Eve cocoa station
- Arrange fresh cookies and treats
- Light candles and adjust timers
- Fill stockings
- Take family photos
Decorating Tip: Turn on your tree lights first thing each morning and enjoy them throughout the day—this creates a warm, festive atmosphere for all your holiday activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions about Christmas decorating.
When Should I Start Decorating for Christmas?
Many people decorate right after Thanksgiving, but you can start as early as it suits your schedule. The key is having a plan in place well before you begin. Our 10-week guide helps you prepare everything you need so that when you’re ready to decorate, the process is enjoyable and stress-free.
How Do I Choose the Right Size Tree for My Space?
Measure your ceiling height and subtract at least 6 inches for clearance (plus any tree topper height). For width, measure your space and allow at least 6 inches of space between the tree and walls or furniture. Our Branch Sample Kit helps you evaluate tree styles and quality before deciding.
What’s the Best Way To Store Christmas Decorations?
Invest in proper storage solutions designed specifically for holiday items. Store ornaments in compartmented boxes, wrap lights around spools or pieces of cardboard, and use protective bags for wreaths and trees. Always store in a cool, dry place and label everything clearly.
How Many Lights Do I Need for My Tree?
A good rule of thumb is 100 lights per foot of tree height for a traditional look. You can use up to 200 lights per foot for a more brilliant display. Pre-lit trees take the guesswork out of lighting and ensure even coverage.
How Do I Create a Cohesive Holiday Decorating Theme?
Start with a clear vision and color scheme. Whether you prefer traditional red and green, winter whites, or modern metallics, choose decorations that complement each other. Consider your existing home décor when selecting your theme.
What If I Live in an Apartment or Small Space?
Focus on creating impact in key areas. Consider a slim or pencil tree, door decorations, and window displays. Vertical decorating (like over-the-door garlands or wall-mounted decorations) maximizes space while maintaining festive charm.
When is The Latest I Can Order for Christmas Delivery?
Place your orders by December 18th for guaranteed holiday delivery. However, we recommend ordering earlier for the best selection and to ensure you have time to decorate at a relaxed pace.
Remember, this timeline is a guide – feel free to adjust it to your schedule and needs. The key is starting early and tackling tasks systematically. Following this organized approach, you’ll create a beautifully decorated home and have time to enjoy the holiday season with family and friends.
Read More Holiday Decorating Tips & Ideas
Visit these links for more tips, guides, and ideas on Christmas decorating.