Yet when faced with adversity, us humans are strong of spirit and when the going gets tough, the tough get… decorating. Or at least that’s what a number of surveys appear to be revealing this month. Marks & Spencer (opens in new tab) polled 1,000 shoppers and over a third (35 per cent) said that they plan to put their Christmas decorations up earlier than usual this year and they’re not stopping there. An equally substantial 35 per cent said that they planned to decorate their home with much more than before for the holiday season. Similarly, NetVoucherCodes.co.uk (opens in new tab) surveyed 4,566 people last week and a fifth (20 per cent) have already put their Christmas tree up and a further 33 per cent plan to have their festive decorations up before the end of the month.
Find our pick of the best deals on Christmas wreaths (opens in new tab)
When to put up a Christmas tree?
Traditionally, people tend to decorate their houses for Christmas – and put up their Christmas trees – after the Thanksgiving holidays. Busier households often leave the task until the second or third week in December, grabbing the time when they can, in between the various other preparative tasks they need to tick off their list before the festivities begin. Yet as we all know, 2020 has us all living decidedly different lives. We’re all at home much more than previous years, whether working from home, or just staying indoors to avoid unnecessary contact. This affords us more time to plan ahead, including decorating earlier than before.
When should I put my outdoor lights up?
The simple answer is right now. Even if you’re not sold on decorating your living room to look like Santa’s workshop this week, you can still lift people’s spirits by adding some lights to the front of your home. And who knows? Your neighbors may follow suit, quickly transforming your street into a veritable winter wonderland. Need to upgrade your outdoor lighting? Check out our pick of the best outdoor lights and decorations available now.
1. Best outdoor lights with color
2. Best modern outdoor tree
3. Best freestanding outdoor decoration
4. Best outdoor lighting bundle
5. Best outdoor pre-lit tree
When should I put my Christmas decorations up?
If you’re taking the two-stage approach (decorating outdoors now and following later with indoor decorations) then aim to put your tree and all the rest up anytime from December 1st onwards. Add a touch of festive color to the outside of your home with these blue/green string lights. Each pack features 30 bulbs and, as they aren’t too Christmassy, you can use them in summertime, too. Browse all the Christmas ranges at World Market (opens in new tab) Standing six foot tall, this simple tree features a mixture of 80 white and colored LED bulbs, topped with a white crystal-lit star. The white metal frame is easy to secure in place, thanks to the included ground stakes. Browse all the outdoor Christmas lighting at Macy’s (opens in new tab) Pop this pretty tree by your front porch to add a little festive joy to your home. Pre-lit and made of wood, it’s powered by two AA batteries for convenience. Browse the outdoor Christmas decorations at Kirklands (opens in new tab) Everything you need to add a touch of festive magic to your doorstep. Each bundle contains two pre-lit mini trees, a pre-lit wreath and a pre-lit garland. Browse all outdoor lighting at Lights4Fun (opens in new tab) Perfect for indoors or out, and available in two sizes, these handsome Nordic-style trees come pre-lit with warm white lights and feature snow-dusted branches. Browse all outdoor Christmas decorations at Cox & Cox (opens in new tab) If you tend to just decorate indoors, then it’s completely up to you when you start, so why not plan ahead and put some time aside to get in the festive mood? Scroll down to see our choice of the best Christmas decorations available now.
1. Best bauble garland
2. Best artificial tree
Discover these great deals on artificial Christmas trees (opens in new tab)
3. Best tree decorations to give hope
4. Best tree topper
5. Best garland wreath
Be inspired by these gorgeous Christmas living room ideas (opens in new tab)
So when should you really put your Christmas decorations up? The easy answer is as soon as possible. Ideal for decorating your mantle, tree or banister, this classy glass bauble garland measures 72 inches (almost two metres) in length. Browse all Christmas decor at Anthropologie (opens in new tab) Available in all sizes from 3ft right, through to an enormous 16ft, this six-footer comes pre-lit for convenience and the hinged branches make it extremely easy to put up and decorate. All going well, the prospect of travelling abroad next year isn’t a too distant one so let these delicate tree decorations be a sign for your plans for 2021. Browse all Christmas decorations at Marks & Spencer (opens in new tab) Also available in Blue, this simple, yet beautiful tree topper will provide the perfect finishing touch for your tree this Christmas. Browse all Christmas decorations from Garden Trading (opens in new tab) Measuring a meter and a half long, this decorative garland features faux pine branches, leaves, red berries and warm LED lights. Drape over a banister, mantle or around a doorway for a fabulous festive finish. Browse all Christmas decorations at Next (opens in new tab) If the simple act of introducing twinkling lights and festive decorations to one’s home makes us (and others) feel hopeful for the future, then we’re all in.
