Before You Buy That Reindeer…

It's barely October, and yet here we are. The first chilly breezes are blowing, pumpkin spice is practically a food group, and the holiday décor aisles? Oh, they’re twinkling already.

If you’re anything like me (a certified Christmas enthusiast), your heart probably skips a beat when you see shelves stacked with glittery reindeer, forest-scented candles and throw pillows embroidered with words like Merry and Bright. It’s tempting. Very tempting.

But before you let another ceramic snowman leap into your cart, let’s pause.

I love holiday décor as much as anyone and I’ll admit, I’ve definitely been swept up in the excitement of the season, eager to add just one more piece to my collection. Over time, I’ve come up with a way to bring more intention to my holiday shopping. It helps me stay grounded, avoid going overboard and still fully enjoy the magic of the season.

It’s a fine line between joyfully adding to your collection and tumbling headfirst into excess, especially when you’re buying duplicates or picking things up just because they’re on the shelf. I’ve seen firsthand how quickly those festive treasures can turn into clutter.

So, before you start shopping, I’d like to offer a little pep talk. Think of it as a pre-season joyful check-in.

Resist the “It’s New, So I Need It” Trap

Retailers are very good at convincing us that this year's holiday trend is the one we've been waiting for. But just because something is new on the shelf doesn’t mean it belongs in your home. Before buying another set of ornaments, or yet one more lighted tree, ask yourself: Do I love this? Does it truly spark joy? Or am I just caught in the seasonal sparkle storm?

Buying mindfully now means you’ll have less to declutter, pack away and store in January. And that’s a gift to your future self.

Shop Your Own Stuff First

Before you even think about hitting the stores (or adding to cart), take a moment to check what you already own. Yes, that means pulling down those bins from the attic or opening the closet where the wrapping paper lives. You may discover forgotten treasures you already adore, or duplicates you didn’t know you had. (I once worked with a client who discovered she had five “Let It Snow” signs. In her words: “Apparently, I really wanted it to snow.”)

Rediscovering your current collection can bring just as much joy as shopping, all without the hefty price tag.

Curate with Joy, Not Guilt

As you unpack your holiday decorations, approach them the KonMari way: hold each item and ask yourself if it truly sparks joy. Even that lopsided macaroni ornament from preschool deserves its moment of reflection. Joy isn’t always about aesthetics. Sometimes it’s the memories and emotions an item holds that make it special. If you’re keeping something purely out of guilt or obligation, it might be time to thank it and let it go; and if you’ve simply outgrown a piece or it no longer fits your style, that’s perfectly okay too.

When you do decide to part with holiday items, try to donate them sooner rather than later. That way, they have a chance to bring joy to someone else’s home this season—not next year.

Buy What You Truly Love

If you’ve done your reflection and your heart still leaps at the sight of that hand-carved nativity set or those sparkly garlands? Go for it.

Mindful decorating isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about making space for the things you love and surrounding yourself with things that make you happy. When you intentionally choose what to bring into your home, every item feels more special.

Just remember - each new piece you buy is also a piece you’ll need to pack up and store in January, so make sure it’s worth the real estate.

Think Beyond December

Holiday decorations are like seasonal celebrities - they shine bright for a short time, then need to make a graceful exit until next year. Before you bring anything new home, ask yourself: Do I have the space to store this safely and neatly for the next 11 months? Can it be packed in a way that protects it and won’t make me dread unpacking it next year?

If storage space is limited, consider setting a few gentle boundaries. Perhaps one bin for ornaments, one for the mantel, one for outdoor lights. You’d be surprised how freeing a little container constraint can be.

Choose Joy

Decorating for the holidays should feel magical, not stressful. By taking a moment to pause, reflect and curate, you’re setting yourself up for a season that’s both beautiful and peaceful.

And if you find a reindeer that makes your heart leap? Take it home. Just make sure it’s something fresh and joyful and not just a repeat of last year’s “had to have it” find.

If you want help curating your holiday décor, I’m happy to help – just reach out. Happy tidying!