As October winds down, it’s tempting to jump into Christmas wrapping and tree setup. I’m not there yet—this is an older photo—but many of us will begin decorating in the coming weeks. Are you ready?
For me, fall nesting naturally shifts into holiday simplifying and planning before the actual decorating begins. Sometimes the tree is up by Thanksgiving; sometimes it isn’t. Either way, I like to start by paring down excess decor so the house feels open and welcoming when the holidays arrive.
I don’t enjoy the home feeling cluttered right before Christmas, so simplifying early creates room for festive touches. It also helps me plan how to decorate with what I already own. I prefer a simplified, intentional Christmas.
Four quick tips to prepare and simplify before Christmas:
1. Keep key statement pieces.
Pack away small or seasonal trinkets and keep larger, timeless items—think a big vase, a mirror, or an oversized clock. When you’re ready to decorate, you can tuck greenery or ornaments around those statement pieces. A little foliage beside a mirror or in a vase goes a long way toward a festive feel without overwhelming the room.
2. Prepare your seasonal storage.
Decide where everyday decor will go while holiday items are out. I use a lidded basket and a dresser in the living room to store pieces I won’t need until after the holidays. Having a dedicated temporary home for these items keeps the space tidy and makes post-holiday reset easier.
3. Do a whole-house decluttering and dusting spree.
Walk through your home and identify things that have been sitting out or gathering dust. Put away or donate items you no longer use. Clean and dust surfaces so rooms feel lighter and refreshed—this makes decorating more enjoyable and gives your holiday touches room to shine.
4. Pare down the decorating bins.
If you have boxes of holiday decorations you haven’t touched in years, now is a great time to sort them. Keep what you truly love and use, and give away or recycle the rest. Fewer, curated bins make decorating simpler and ensure the items you bring out feel meaningful and useful.
So, when do you start Christmas decorating?
If you’re the type who likes to plan and wrap ahead, printable gift tags and a tidy wrapping station can make holiday prep much smoother. Taking time now to simplify, organize, and clean will make decorating later more relaxed and joyful. Enjoy the process—whether you’re an early decorator or someone who waits until closer to the holiday.
Below are related ideas and past posts for seasonal inspiration and practical tips to help you create a cozy, welcoming home this fall and into the holidays.
Day One: An Autumn Mindset
Day Two: 20 Little Things to Love About Fall
Day Three: Warming Up the House with Shutters
Day Four: How to Decorate Your Coffee Table in Any Season
Day Five: Early Fall House Tour
Day Six: Embrace Your Style (and adapt as needed)
Day Seven: Your Fall Morning Routine
Day Eight: Fall Puttering
Day Nine: Simple Ways to Create a Welcoming Fall Porch
Day Ten: Make Your Bedroom a Cozy Retreat
Day Eleven: Fall Home Refresh – 5 Ways to Bring Your Home to Life
Day Twelve: 14 Simple Fall Decorating Ideas
Day Thirteen: 3 Fall Activities for the Homebody
Day Fourteen: Cozy Things with Tassels, Textures, and Trims
Day Fifteen: Sweater Weather: Tips for a Warm & Cozy Home
Day Sixteen: Fall Wreath + How to Hang a Wreath on Your Door
Day Seventeen: Home + Holidays + Hosting
There’s still time to enter the seasonal giveaway mentioned on the blog. I love reading your comments—thank you for being such wonderful readers. xoxo