The holiday season always seems to sneak up on me. One minute, I’m buying sunscreen, and the next, my evening Costco runs are interrupted by a scene that looks like Santa crashing into a haunted house. It reminds me that many folks miss the mark on how to decorate for the holidays the right way, at least according to me. 

At this stage in life, my Friday nights often include things like trips to Costco, avoiding crowds, and quietly judging the towering inflatable snowmen. I tell myself it’s all for the sake of a relaxed week ahead, but really, it’s less crowded, and crowd avoidance has become somewhat of a sport for me.

As I browse the aisles, I see Halloween skeletons dancing next to reindeer, and cardboard turkeys stuffed between twinkling lights. And I’m reminded that so much of the holiday season hinges on giant plastic symbols of nostalgia or terror—depending on your point of view.

I assume that many of you would think that an interior designer would go crazy over holiday decor. But when it comes to holiday decorating, I play it low-key. My Halloween yard art has been around since my kids were little (they’re 19 and 17 now), and every year, another piece gets lost, broken, or simply disappears into the ether. Honestly, I can’t be bothered to replace any of it. The setup gets a little smaller and a little quieter each year.

For Thanksgiving, I might add a gourd or two to the porch next to a carved pumpkin. By Christmas, it’s all about the tree, which we put up late in the season and keep until “Little Christmas” in January. Outside, my husband goes wild with lights, and I don’t stop him. (Sound like a familiar Christmas movie to you?) That’s his department, and I have no intention of helping detangle the clumps of cords. 

 

I Didn’t Decorate Until Martha Stewart Made Me 

I was not raised in a household that lived for the holidays, so I never developed that deep, decorative instinct. I like to acknowledge the season without transforming every surface into a Santa scene. No shade to those who do! I just find joy in other parts of the season, like the smells of baking, the time with family, and the way the Austin air feels slightly crisp in December.

That is, I didn’t decorate until Martha Stewart made me. Back in the ‘90s, I’d wait in anticipation for each issue of Martha Stewart Living, the holy grail of domestic perfection. I’ve always admired her, but let’s be honest: I am not her. The best I could do is dress up as her for Halloween. 

Anyway, the pages of her magazine powered my holiday decorating phase. I strung popcorn garlands, hand-cut snowflakes, and made natural wreaths from backyard clippings. Then I had children, and my perfectly curated decor gave way to nursery-school-made paper angels, popsicle-stick reindeer, and construction paper Santa hats. My priorities shifted from “perfectly styled” to “perfectly sentimental.” And really, that’s the better look.

 

The Designer Rules on Holiday Decorating (and Why I Don’t Always Follow Them)

Designers love to make rules about holiday decorating. Many of us can’t help ourselves. After all, we strive to make our clients’ homes beautiful for a living. Most designers would give you the following advice (if you’re looking for it):

1. Develop a Theme or Color Palette

Choose a focus, whether it’s modern metallics or classic red-and-green. It gives your home a sense of cohesion and intention.

2. Prioritize Quality Materials

Skip the dollar-bin tinsel. A velvet ribbon or linen table runner will age beautifully and feel luxurious.

3. Embrace a “Less is More” Philosophy

Over-decorating can make even the most beautiful home feel chaotic. Edit your decor the same way you’d edit a design concept.

4. Integrate Natural Elements

Evergreen garlands, pinecones, and fresh greenery always ground a space in authenticity. Plus, nature never clashes.

5. Match Your Home’s Personality

Your decorations should feel like an extension of your home, not like they were borrowed from an inflatable wonderland.

6. Think Long-Term

Invest in timeless pieces that you’ll look forward to pulling out each year.

 

My Rule to Replace All Rules

All solid advice, really. But do you want my rule? Do whatever you want. 

Good taste (especially when it comes to decorations) is so overrated, right? If decorating every corner of your home makes you happy, go for it. If your idea of festive is fleeing the chaos of the mall for a mountain lodge retreat, that’s fine too. 

I find so many people get it wrong when it comes to holiday entertaining. They focus all on the “stuff” and forget to enjoy the actual moments together. There’s something lovely about celebrating the season in a way that feels like you and takes away any pressure to perform. 

 

Savor (or Skip) the Spirit of the Season

These days, my favorite parts of the holidays have nothing to do with decorations. I love baking, taking a break from the chaos of work, and sitting by the fire with my family. As my kids get older, I know that will shift again. There will be new traditions, new places, maybe even new countries. (A Christmas in Mexico sounds divine.)

So, decorate for the holidays, or don’t. I know there have been years when I’ve had a Blue Christmas and just skipped the decor altogether. There’s no wrong way to celebrate the beauty of another passing season.

It’s your home. It’s your call.