5 Things to Consider Before You Start Decorating for the Christmas Holidays: A Working Mom’s Guide

The holiday season is magical, but for working moms, it can also feel overwhelming. Before you dive into decorating for Christmas, take a moment to plan and organize. Here are five things to consider to make your holiday decorating stress-free and joyful.

Holiday expenses can quickly spiral out of control. Setting a budget helps you prioritize and avoid overspending.

Tips:

• Inventory what you already have to avoid duplicate purchases.

• Allocate funds for key areas: tree decorations, lights, and any new additions.

• Shop sales or consider DIY options to save money.

• Spread out your spending by shopping early or during sales like Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

A cohesive theme or color scheme simplifies decision-making and ensures your decorations look polished.

Tips:

• Choose a theme that fits your personality or family traditions (e.g., rustic, minimalist, or classic red and green).

• Use Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration.

• Stick to 2-3 colors for a more cohesive look.

• Reuse versatile pieces, like white lights or neutral ornaments, that can fit different themes year after year.

Involving your family turns decorating into a bonding experience and lightens your workload.

Tips:

• Assign age-appropriate tasks to your kids, like hanging ornaments or fluffing garland.

• Incorporate fun traditions, like playing Christmas music or enjoying hot cocoa while decorating.

• Let everyone contribute to the tree for a personalized touch.

• Keep the process fun and short to match your family’s energy levels.

Focus on areas that will make the biggest difference instead of trying to decorate every corner of your home.

Tips:

• Start with the tree, mantel, and entryway—these are typically the focal points.

• Add festive accents like holiday pillows or a wreath for quick impact.

• Use items like candles or fairy lights to create a cozy ambiance.

• Concentrate on spaces where you’ll entertain or spend the most time during the holidays.

The excitement of decorating is often followed by the dread of taking it all down. Planning ahead saves you stress in January.

Tips:

• Label storage bins for easy organization. Use clear bins or color-coded containers (e.g., red for Christmas items) to quickly identify them next year.

• Pack lights and garland neatly to prevent tangles.

• Dedicate a specific day for takedown and make it a family event to speed up the process.

The holidays are about joy, not perfection. It’s okay to skip certain things if time is tight. Decorating should enhance your holiday experience, not add stress.

For more holiday tips and tricks, subscribe to my blog, where I’ll be sharing additional ideas to help working moms navigate the festive season. And don’t forget to check out my latest Self-care Planner on Amazon—it’s the perfect way to stay organized and stress-free during the holidays!