Deck the Halls or Wait for Turkey? The Great Christmas Decorating Debate

Image courtesy of Francesca Jonica

By Francesca Jonica Moore

The leaves are falling, Halloween costumes are packed away, and Thanksgiving preparations are on the horizon. But the moment that last jack-o’-lantern flickers out, another question emerges in households across the country: How early is too early to decorate for Christmas?

This debate is practically a holiday tradition in itself. Some families are ready to break out the holly and twinkling lights on November 1st, arguing that the sooner the merrier. Others hold fast to the “after Thanksgiving” rule, preferring to keep the pumpkins on display until the last slice of pie has been enjoyed. And, of course, there are those fence-sitters who sneak in a Christmas song or two while waiting for Thanksgiving to pass.

Growing up, my family was firmly in the “after Thanksgiving” camp. No matter how much we kids begged or how many holiday ads popped up on TV, my parents stood by their rule: Thanksgiving first, Christmas after. And looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. The tradition felt like a beloved ritual—a magical moment when the holiday season officially kicked off. On the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we would haul out our well-loved boxes of decorations, ready to transform our home into a Christmas wonderland.

This was no quiet, orderly affair. My siblings and I would dig through the decorations, sometimes tangled in lights and draped in garlands as we “strategized” how to tackle the tree. We didn’t go for magazine-worthy symmetry; instead, ornaments hung wherever our little hands could reach, creating a beautiful chaos of glitter and memories. My mom, meanwhile, would set up her cherished Christmas village, a collection she’d built over decades. We knew better than to touch it—each tiny, porcelain house and figurine was arranged with care, adding a touch of elegance to our holiday décor.

Decorating day felt like a holiday within a holiday. We laughed, teased, and sang along to Christmas carols playing on repeat. My dad would attempt to untangle last year’s lights, while my siblings and I debated which direction to hang them—was it top-to-bottom, or bottom-to-top? And then, the crowning moment: deciding who would place the angel atop the tree. It was a coveted honor, one that sparked lighthearted bickering and bargaining among us.

As I grow older and prepare for new adventures—grad school graduation, a future in Virginia—I find myself cherishing these memories more deeply. I think about how much I will miss those magical post-Thanksgiving Saturdays, the warmth of family time, and the anticipation that seemed to build until every ornament was hung and every light was strung. Those decorating days weren’t just about decking the halls; they were a celebration of family, gratitude, and the joy of creating something beautiful together.

My parents’ choice to hold off on the Christmas festivities until after Thanksgiving taught me to savor the season, to appreciate the gratitude of November before diving into the magic of December. As much as I love the holiday cheer, the smells of pine and peppermint, and the glow of Christmas lights, I’ve come to understand that part of the magic of Christmas lies in the waiting. After all, isn’t anticipation one of the greatest gifts of the holiday season? 

So, if you find yourself caught in the early-decorating debate, know that there’s no wrong answer. Whether you’re decking the halls on November 1st or savoring Thanksgiving to its fullest, what matters most is the love, laughter, and traditions that make your holiday season sparkle.