Selling Your Home During the Holidays: Should You Decorate of Keep It Simple?

Yes, it's that time again, the holidays. It seems the older we get, the faster time goes by. The holidays are full of warmth, celebration, and—sometimes—unexpected timing. If you’re planning to sell your home during the holiday season, you may be wondering: should I decorate or skip it altogether? The good news is, with the right approach, your home can feel festive, inviting, and still appeal to potential buyers.

Here’s how to strike the perfect balance.

Keep It Cozy, Not Cluttered

Buyers want to envision themselves living in your space, so keep your décor warm and welcoming, but not overly personal. A few thoughtful touches—like a neutral wreath on the door, soft throws, or candles with subtle seasonal scents—create an inviting atmosphere without distracting from your home’s features. Avoid anything oversized or cluttered that takes up valuable space or blocks key architectural details.

Stick to a Soft, Neutral Palette

If your usual holiday style leans bold and colorful, consider toning it down this year. Choose a soft, cohesive palette—think ivory, champagne, sage, and warm metallics—that complements your home’s existing décor. These tones feel festive but sophisticated, and they photograph beautifully for listings.

Highlight, Don’t Hide

Your decorations should enhance what makes your home special. Frame a fireplace with simple garland, use twinkle lights to draw attention to tall ceilings or large windows, or place a small tree in an open corner to emphasize scale. Avoid covering up architectural details, built-ins, or surfaces that buyers will want to see.

Keep Lighting Warm and Welcoming

Winter light can be dim, so use soft, ambient lighting to make your home feel bright and comfortable during showings. Add warm bulbs to lamps, use candles safely for glow, and open curtains to let in as much natural light as possible.

Mind the Scents and Sounds

Subtle sensory details can make a strong impression. Lightly scented candles or diffusers in notes like pine, cinnamon, or vanilla create a cozy feeling, but avoid anything too strong. Gentle background music—instrumental or acoustic—can help set a calm, inviting tone during open houses.

Keep It Clean and Clutter-Free

Between entertaining and decorating, it’s easy for things to pile up. Make a point to tidy daily and keep counters, floors, and surfaces clear. Buyers should feel that your home is well cared for and spacious, not overstuffed with seasonal décor.

The Takeaway

Selling your home during the holidays can actually be an advantage—buyers out looking this time of year tend to be serious, and a warm, beautifully styled home can make a lasting impression. The key is balance: decorate with intention, keep it light and inviting, and let your home’s best features shine through the sparkle.

And in case you are wondering about that burning question; a Christmas tree...to do or not to do?

When a Christmas Tree Works

A Christmas tree can actually enhance your home if:

• It’s tastefully done and minimal, not overwhelming the space.

• The colors and décor complement your home’s palette — think neutral ornaments, metallics, or soft whites and golds rather than bright reds and greens.

• It’s scaled appropriately for the room — smaller trees can still feel festive without making the space feel cramped.

• It’s positioned thoughtfully, such as in a corner or near a window, rather than blocking flow or light.

  
  

In this context, a tree reads as seasonal décor rather than a religious symbol. It adds warmth, light, and a cozy, welcoming feel — all of which help buyers emotionally connect with the space.

When to Skip It

You might want to skip the tree if:

• The home already feels tight on space, and a tree would make it feel smaller.

• You’re concerned about alienating a highly diverse buyer pool, especially in a competitive or urban market where subtle neutrality is key.

• You know you’ll be away for showings and can’t ensure it stays tidy, lit, or staged well.

  
  

A Balanced Alternative

If you’d rather play it safe, you can evoke the same cozy holiday feeling without a tree:

• Use evergreen garlands or small potted pines in neutral planters.

• Add soft twinkle lights, candles, and textured throws.

• Incorporate winter-inspired elements—like pinecones, birch branches, or a bowl of ornaments in muted tones

  
  

This approach gives your home that same inviting warmth while keeping the styling seasonal, not specific.

Bottom line: If your Christmas tree is subtle, elegant, and harmonizes with your home’s design, it’s not only okay — it can actually make your home feel more inviting and memorable.

Happy Holidays from Cedar & Birch Interiors