Many choose to start decorating right after Halloween. By getting an early start, they feel they’re making the most of their holiday decorations, enjoying the lights, ornaments, and festive atmosphere for as long as possible. This extended period of holiday cheer can bring a sense of warmth and excitement, transforming November into a month-long build-up to Christmas. For those who find joy in the sparkle of Christmas lights and the coziness of holiday decor, early November offers a chance to enjoy it all at a relaxed pace.

Others prefer to wait until December, seeing it as the true start of the holiday season. Decorating closer to Christmas keeps the decorations feeling fresh and helps avoid burnout from too much holiday exposure. For many, the wait adds to the excitement, with December’s decorations marking the official start of the festivities. It also means taking everything down after Christmas feels more natural and less like a chore. By decorating later, the season stays focused and festive, with the decor fitting neatly into the few weeks leading up to Christmas.

Traditions around the world often guide when people start decorating. In many European countries, decorating typically begins in December, closely aligning with Advent. In North America, some families start right after Thanksgiving. In Cyprus, however, the mild weather doesn’t always feel like winter until December. As a result, many Cypriots wait to decorate until it feels a bit cooler, with a seasonal atmosphere finally setting in. The drop in temperature helps bring on the Christmas mood, making holiday decor feel more meaningful.

Each approach has its own benefits, whether it’s enjoying a longer season or keeping the excitement fresh. Whatever timing feels best, the most important part is celebrating in a way that brings joy to you and those around you. Either way, it won’t be long before Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want for Christmas’ finds its way into every playlist and shopping aisle of the island.