A Comprehensive Guide to Holiday Decoration Schedules

As the time for festivities draws near, it is time to make your home echo the joyous spirit of the season. Whether it's Halloween or Diwali, Thanksgiving or Christmas, each holiday brings a unique charm to our homes. With CrossCountry Mortgage as your partner, we will help you determine the ideal time to dress up your home for each occasion this year, from the enchantment of fall to the merriment of New Year's Day.

Harvesting the Fall Spirit

Whether inside or outside, the magic of fall should be brought to life in your home as soon as the first signs of the season start to appear. Although experts suggest early September as the ideal time to begin adorning your home with fall decor, feel free to start as early as late August if you're enthusiastic or if your decorations require a lot of effort. Keep in mind that timing is essential. Too early, and you may not only irk your neighbors but also compromise the longevity and aesthetic of your decor.

Livening Up for Diwali (October 22-27)

A worldwide celebration of good over evil, Diwali or the Festival of Lights is an Indian holiday that carries its illumination from mid-October to mid-November. The specific dates vary each year. As you determine when to unleash your Diwali decor, remember that the joy lies in personal preference. Yet, for more elaborate displays, an early start ensures a longer period of enjoyment.

Marking Halloween (October 31)

Halloween, with roots in ancient Celtic traditions, invites us to dress up and fend off spirits. When considering whether to showcase your fall or Halloween decor first, the majority opinion is clear: Halloween decorations are best unleashed within the first two weeks of October. However, professionals in home decor suggest that there is no harm in pairing holiday and fall decorations as early as late September, especially if you're planning an intricate design.

Thanksgiving (November 24): An Expression of Gratitude

Thanksgiving is an occasion to gather around a bountiful table with loved ones. It's best to set out Thanksgiving-themed decorations immediately after Halloween. Remember, food-themed decor is better suited closer to the holiday, especially if they're perishable.

Lighting Up for Hanukkah (December 18-26)

An eight-day Jewish festival of lights, Hanukkah typically calls for a more subtle decoration scheme focused on the menorah. As a rule of thumb, it's best to wait until after Thanksgiving or at least until December begins before unleashing your Hanukkah decor.

Welcoming Kwanzaa (December 26 - January 1)

Celebrated from the day after Christmas through New Year's Day, Kwanzaa honors African-American culture in the U.S. Since Kwanzaa and Christmas are celebrated back-to-back or simultaneously by many families, their decorations often complement each other. The best time to start planning for Kwanzaa is when you begin your Christmas decoration.

The Christmas Season (December 25)

The Christmas season is a time of joy and celebration, adorned with trees, lights, and presents. The general consensus is that hanging Christmas decorations before Halloween is premature. However, the tradition of waiting until after Thanksgiving has been fading, with more people choosing to decorate as early as late summer. As Dayna Isom Johnson, a national home trend expert, explains, "We shouldn't hold back anyone's excitement for the holiday time."

Preparing Your Home for the Holidays

Creating the perfect holiday atmosphere in your home allows you to share joy and create memories with family and friends. If you're considering a home project or upgrade this holiday season, reach out to your local Mortgage Advisor at CrossCountry Mortgage, or check out our blog for inspiration.

This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or mortgage advice. Loan programs, rates, and guidelines may change at any time. All loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult a licensed mortgage professional.