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How to Decorate for Christmas: When to Start Indoor Christmas Decorations
It’s the warmth of our indoor Christmas decorations, the glow of Christmas candles and lights, and the joy of family and friends coming together that makes the holidays magical. When transforming your home for the holidays, it’s important to know when to decorate for Christmas, and what better way to learn how to decorate for Christmas than with enchanting indoor Christmas decoration ideas and the most-loved seasonal scents from Yankee Candle®. Christmas candles are essential for making your home and your décor express the holiday season! Let’s explore when and how to decorate for Christmas, where to buy Christmas decorations like Christmas candles, and twenty-two ways to personalize your home with charming holiday décor.
When to Decorate for Christmas & Winter Holidays
Timing is a big part of holiday decorating, but when to decorate for Christmas comes down to personal preference. For many, decorating starts right after Thanksgiving, while others wait until the first week of December. No matter when you begin, Christmas decorating is an important part of celebrating the holidays.
For those celebrating Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, our holiday decorating tip is to blend holiday-specific elements with seasonal accents to easily transition décor through the holidays you celebrate, keeping your home festive until the new year!
Decorating for Christmas Right After Thanksgiving
Many people choose to put up Christmas decorations right after Thanksgiving, making Black Friday the unofficial start to decorating for Christmas and the holidays. This gives time before the hustle and bustle of December to ensure you're prepared for any holiday gathering you may be hosting.
But when is it too early to decorate for Christmas? While decorating before Thanksgiving could be considered soon, there is no limitation to seasonal decorating.
Decorating for Christmas in Early December
For those who prefer to enjoy fall decorations a little longer, the first week of December is a popular time to start decorating. By waiting until December to create a warm, cozy Christmas aesthetic, you can build anticipation through Christmas Day and into the new year for any gathering with friends and family. It is always fun to show off your decorations!
Whether you decorate right after Thanksgiving or wait until December, you can create inviting Christmas room decorations that reflect your style and traditions. Draw Christmas inspiration from social media and experiment with fun, festive ways to display your Christmas tree or Christmas candles.
Where to Buy Christmas Decorations and Christmas Candles
The best time to shop for Christmas decorations is when sales are at their peak and your favorite stores are fully stocked. But when do Christmas sales start? Typically, Christmas sales start mid-November and continue through early December.
Major in-store retailers often have extensive winter holiday decorations on display for the perfect Christmas inspiration. Cyber Monday is ideal for snagging online deals from Christmas lights to indoor décor like artificial Christmas trees, Christmas candles, and holiday wreaths. Whether shopping in store or online, by shopping early, you can take advantage of the best selections and avoid last-minute rushes.
With unique and popular Christmas candles, Yankee Candle® offers an array of seasonal scents to inspire your Christmas decor. Here are some of our best-selling Christmas candles on sale to add the finishing touch to your holiday decorations:
Balsam & Cedar Large Candles
Bring the fresh scent of pine and cedar into your home with this classic holiday candle. Perfect for living rooms or entryways, our Balsam & Cedar candle forms ensure your home has a winter-scented candle all season long.
Shop Balsam & Cedar Large Candles
Sparkling Cinnamon Large Candles
Infuse your home with the warm and spicy scent of our Sparkling Cinnamon candle that helps inspire a cozy atmosphere for winter gatherings.
Shop Sparkling Cinnamon Large Candles
How to Decorate for Christmas: 22 Indoor Christmas Decoration Ideas
Once you discover more indoor Christmas decoration ideas, you can transform every room in your home into a cozy and festive space. How to decorate for Christmas? It’s as easy as blending traditional Christmas inspiration with your own unique sense of style. Below are twenty-two indoor Christmas decoration ideas to bring the holiday spirit into your home.
Living Room Christmas Décor Ideas
Your living room is the perfect place to showcase your Christmas decorating ideas. Start with a decorated Christmas tree as your centerpiece, and soon your space will transform into a beautiful holiday display. Add more cozy elements like garland, seasonal candles, or twinkling lights to your living room Christmas décor to accent your mantle, coffee table, or small space to encourage a welcoming glow.
Christmas Mantel Décor Ideas:
- Layer garland across the mantel, weaving in pinecones, tinsel, and ornaments to add some sparkle to your Christmas home decor.
- Use any style of Christmas stockings, ribbons, and small figurines for simple Christmas decorations that fill any empty space.
- Display unlit scented Christmas candles along the mantel, mixing sizes and heights for the perfect assortment. Here are a few of our Yankee Candle® favorites:
Christmas Eve® Large Jar Candle
Light the Christmas Eve® fragrance from Yankee Candle® and embrace the cozy warmth of sugared plums and candied fruits, perfect for cherished Christmas memories.
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Christmas Cookie™ Studio Collection Candle
Indulge in the warm, buttery scent of freshly baked cookies with the Christmas Cookie™ Studio Collection Candle. With the combination of sweet vanilla and rich butter, you’ll feel as if you have been transported to a cozy kitchen filled with festive treats.
Shop Christmas Cookie™ Studio Collection Candle
Shimmering Christmas Tree 3-Wick Candle
Ignite the magic of the season with our Shimmering Christmas Tree 3-Wick Candle, a delightful addition to your holiday décor. Bursting with the enchantment of evergreen and sparkling notes, this Christmas tree-scented candle makes way for a memorable holiday season.
Shop Shimmering Christmas Tree 3-Wick Candle
4. Add Christmas candle toppers in metallic finishes or holiday-themed candle holders to enhance the look of your mantel Christmas decor. Here’s our Christmas pick:
Addison Silver Metal Jar Candle Topper
Elevate your holiday décor with the Silver Addison Metal Jar Candle Topper, a sleek and stylish accent that enhances the glow of your favorite jar candles. Designed to complement any festive setting, this elegant topper adds a touch of charm to your candle decor.
Shop Addison Silver Metal Jar Candle Topper
Christmas Side Table Décor Ideas
5. Christmas table décor ideas — Include a small Christmas tree, ornaments, or festive lights.
6. Display a stack of holiday-themed books next to holiday figurines to tie the decorations together.
7. Create Christmas side table décor by adding a favorite candle or sprigs of balsam for a festive vibe.
Red Apple Wreath Scenterpiece® Easy MeltCups
Indulge in the enchanting scent of freshly picked apples and festive greenery for an inviting ambiance in your home. Pair your Wax Melts with Yankee Candle® Wax Warmers, like our best-selling Twilight Silhouette Scenterpiece® Wax Warmer.
Shop Red Apple Wreath Scenterpiece® Easy MeltCups
Christmas Coffee Table Ideas
8. Add a holiday-themed jar candle to a Jar Candle Holder to make the perfect centerpiece for your living room coffee table Christmas decor.
Kitchen Christmas Decorations
Your kitchen is a place where people gather — especially during the holidays — and where loved ones cook, bake, and share meals. With just a few touches, you can infuse your usual décor with kitchen Christmas decorations that feel as warm as the rest of your home. Here's how:
Kitchen Shelving Christmas Décor:
9. Add mini Christmas wreaths or ribbons to cabinet doors and replace everyday kitchen towels with Christmas-themed ones.
10. Decorate open shelving or cabinets with festive dinnerware or small Christmas figurines.
Kitchen Table Christmas Décor:
11. Create a seasonal display with Christmas treats or holiday mugs on the kitchen table.
12. Instead of a candle, try a Christmas ScentPlug® Diffuser near the table to evoke holiday memories. Here are our ScentPlug® Diffuser and ScentPlug® Refill picks:
Sugared Apple ScentPlug® Refill
Create a sweet and cozy ambiance with the Sugared Apple ScentPlug® Refill from Yankee Candle®, blending the irresistible aroma of crisp apples dusted with sugar. This seasonal favorite helps fill your space with warmth and nostalgia to bring a touch of winter cheer to any room.
Shop Holiday Scent Plug Diffusers
Kitchen Island Christmas Décor
13. Use holiday-themed runners or placemats in your dining area.
14. Use colors like white and cream or rich colors like deep red or gold to blend Christmas themes seamlessly.
15. Place jar candles in a festive Jar Candle Holder or tray and follow candle safety instructions. Arrange them on your kitchen island to fill your kitchen with the scents of various holiday spices. Here’s a holiday scent we recommend:
Home Sweet Home® Signature Medium Pillar Candle
Create a warm and inviting ambiance with the comforting blend of cinnamon and festive spice fragrances of the Home Sweet Home® Signature Medium Pillar Candle, perfect for the holiday season.
Shop Home Sweet Home® Signature Medium Pillar Candle
Christmas Bedroom Décor Ideas
Transform your bedroom by adding a touch of cozy warmth with Christmas candles that bring seasonal vibes. Layer plush blankets and festive throw pillows to create a dreamy, holiday-inspired retreat perfect for unwinding during the season. Then add these Christmas bedroom décor ideas:
Christmas Room Décor:
16. Start with holiday-themed bedding: plaid, red, or green flannel sheets.
17. Add a cozy throw blanket at the foot of the bed that brings a seasonal vibe.
18. Opt for Christmas-themed pillows and switch out everyday artwork for holiday-inspired prints.
19. Complete the ambiance with scented candles with fragrances like cinnamon, citrus, ginger, or spices, turning your bedroom into a holiday wonderland. Remember, you should always burn your candle on a heat-resistant surface and away from objects that could catch on fire. Here’s one of our suggested holiday hits:
Holiday Zest Signature Large Tumbler Candle
Brighten your holiday season with the zesty blend of citrus, cinnamon, and clove in the fragrance of Holiday Zest. This vibrant fragrance helps fill your home with a cheerful and festive energy, creating the perfect backdrop for winter celebrations.
Shop Holiday Zest Signature Large Tumbler Candle
Christmas Dining Room Décor
Your dining room is for family gatherings, and the décor should reflect that vibrant energy during holiday celebrations. Creating a warm and inviting space with these dining room Christmas décor ideas can help encourage joyful connections around the table.
20. Start with a holiday-themed tablecloth or runner and build your centerpiece with a combination of candles, greenery, and ornaments for a show-stopping display.
21. Use holiday-inspired dinnerware and napkins — add garland to the dining chairs to bring the entire look together.
22. Add elegance to your Christmas table decorations with taper candles in festive holders or extravagant candelabras. Here’s our selection:
- Holiday Sage Candle
- Help fill your home with the earthy and refreshing aroma of Holiday Sage, a festive blend of sage and pine. These fragrances bring the crisp serenity of winter forests indoors, the perfect holiday retreat at home!
- Sugared Plums Candle
- Embrace the sweetness of the season with Sugared Plums, combining the rich scent of ripe plums and sugar. This fragrance is ideal for warm and joyful winter gatherings with family and friends.
- Raised Iron Candle Holder
- Elevate your décor with the Raised Iron Jar Candle Holder, a stylish accent that adds a touch of elegance to any space. Its sleek, modern design can complement your favorite candle and add to your home décor.
Embracing the Christmas Spirit with Holiday Decorations
As the holiday season draws near, decorating your home is a joyful tradition that creates unforgettable memories. With the right indoor Christmas decorations and Yankee Candle® fragrances and accessories, your space will be a reflection of the season's magic. Whether you start decorating right after Thanksgiving or wait until December, transforming your home into a winter wonderland has never been easier with thoughtful touches like Christmas trees, candles, wreaths, lights, and festive fabrics. Don’t forget to shop smart by taking advantage of seasonal sales, and mix timeless pieces with unique finds to create holiday décor that feels special year after year. So, light your favorite candle, deck the halls, and let the spirit of the season fill your space today!
Frequently Asked Questions
- When Should You Put Up a Christmas Tree?
- The best time to put up a Christmas tree depends on how long you want to enjoy your festive display. Traditionally, trees are set up a month before Christmas, but some people put them up earlier. If you're using a real tree, consider waiting until the first or second week of December to keep it fresh through Christmas Day. Artificial trees can be put up whenever you like, depending on your holiday spirit!
- When Should Christmas Decorations Come Down?
- Christmas decorations are traditionally taken down on January 5th or 6th, which is known as Twelfth Night, marking the end of the Christmas season. However, some people prefer to keep them up through January to maintain the festive feeling a little longer. Ultimately, it comes down to your personal preference and schedule.
- How to Store Christmas Decorations?
- To store Christmas decorations properly for years to come, be sure to store them in sturdy, airtight containers to protect them from dust and moisture. Group similar items together—such as lights, ornaments, and garland—and label each container for easy identification. Wrap fragile items in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent breakage. Store them in a cool, dry place to ensure they remain in good condition until next year.