27 Days ’Til Christmas: Your Christmas Decorating Day + Deck the Halls

This post is part of the 100 Days ’til Christmas Challenge — one small step each day to make the holiday season less stressful and a lot more fun.

We finally made it. After planning and staying one step ahead for 73 days, we’re officially in the Christmas season — the part where your home finally starts to feel like the holiday you’ve been preparing for.

And because it’s Black Friday, this becomes the perfect Christmas decorating day. You get to ease your home into holiday mode and make a little progress on your shopping list at the same time — but in a way that still feels calm and enjoyable.

Tree Day Energy (Whatever Tree You Love)

Your Christmas decorating day usually starts with the tree. We used real trees for years — messy needles, that pine smell, the charm of picking one out. Now we use an artificial tree, and honestly, I love the simplicity and consistency. Both bring their own magic, so whatever fits your energy today is absolutely perfect.

The moment the lights come on, the house shifts. Everything feels softer, warmer, and more December.

Making the Most of Your Christmas Decorating Day

Decorating and Black Friday can feel like a lot, but if you approach today with a “let it be simple” mindset, it becomes one of the most enjoyable days of the whole season.

Today has its tasks — the tree, the bins, a little shopping — but there’s so much joy tucked inside these moments. This isn’t about perfection; it’s about the vibe, the music, the small memories that happen along the way.

A few ways to make your Christmas decorating day feel good (without adding anything stressful):

• Put on a playlist that instantly lifts the mood
• Keep a cozy drink or snack nearby
• Let kids decorate the tree however they want
• Light a candle that makes your whole home smell like Christmas
• Pause every now and then to take in the twinkle of the lights

This is where the season begins — right in the middle of the “work.”

The Playlist That Sets the Mood

Music is what turns your Christmas decorating day into something memorable. Build your soundtrack from these favorites:

❤️ Classics

• Bing Crosby – White Christmas
• Nat King Cole – The Christmas Song
• Frank Sinatra – Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
• Brenda Lee – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

🎄 Cozy & Relaxed

• Michael Bublé – Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)
• Norah Jones – It’s Only Christmas Once a Year
• She & Him – The Christmas Waltz
• John Legend – Bring Me Love

✨ Kid-Friendly & Upbeat

• Kelly Clarkson – Underneath the Tree
• Pentatonix – Joy to the World
• Ariana Grande – Santa Tell Me
• Meghan Trainor – I’ll Be Home

🎧 Indie & Modern Vibes

• Sufjan Stevens – Sister Winter
• Ingrid Michaelson – Looks Like a Cold, Cold Winter
• The Shins – Wonderful Christmastime
• Sam Smith – Night Before Christmas

Turn it up and let it guide the day.

A Calm Black Friday Check-In

Since your Christmas decorating day overlaps with Black Friday, this is a great time to revisit your wish lists and cross off a few gifts — without letting it take over the day.

A peaceful approach to Black Friday:

• Review your lists once
• Pick one or two gifts you’d love to grab today
• Order anything that feels like an easy win
• Save the rest for tomorrow or next week
• Celebrate even tiny progress

You’re not behind — you’re simply choosing what fits your energy today.

Today’s To-Dos

• Ease your home into the season
• Enjoy your Christmas decorating day at your own pace
• Turn on your holiday playlist
• Set up your tree
• Take a calm approach to Black Friday
• Cross off a few gifts if it feels good
• Keep the day cozy and enjoyable