You put so much time into decorating that tree and hanging garlands — seems a shame to take it all down in a month.
But most people do. According to a survey by OpenDoor, about 40 percent of Americans start decorating for Christmas before Dec. 1 and 51 percent take them down around New Year's Day.
Traditionally, the Christmas season actually lasts until Jan. 6, a day known as Twelfth Night or Epiphany.
Now, if you are selling your home during the holidays, you do have a decision to make. You won't have buyers on Christmas Day, but you might have some after, so taking down the decorations early might be wise.
If decorations must be up, don't go big. Conventional wisdom is that holiday decorations inside and outside a home for sale should be modest. Downsize that tree and maybe just use one string of lights on your favorite pine outside. This is a great time of year to decorate your home with fragrances such as vanilla or cinnamon. Try to avoid harsh pine smells.
Open curtains to display your Christmas tree, but make sure the windows are sparkling clean. Fido is going to have to keep his nose off the window this year.
Natural materials usually appeal to everyone, even if the kids do love those plastic reindeer. Wreaths of natural branches and pine cones are always tasteful.
If you are shopping for a home during the holidays, you won't have a lot of competition in the market — and that can be a good thing.
Buyers should try their best not to judge a home by its Christmas cover. Your taste is different, so concentrate on the bones of the place and ignore that inflatable Santa.