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As the queen of the festive season, Mariah Carey, would say, “It’s tiiimeee!” to deck the halls with boughs of holly. Whether you’re chasing trends, sticking to the classics, or doing retro this year, there’s no wrong or right way to decorate for Christmas

But if by any chance you’re struggling with ideas this year, you better not pout, as our team of little elves at Bored Panda has compiled a whole list of holiday ideas that are guaranteed to impress Santa himself. Scroll down to find them and make sure to upvote the ones that inspired you to get straight to decorating.

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    #2

    We Turned The Dead Dogwood Tree In Our Front Yard Into A Charlie Brown Christmas Tree

    A creative Christmas decorating idea featuring a bare tree with a large red ornament in a yard.

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    Traditionally, Christmas decorations along with the tree should go up on the first day of Advent—the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year, this date fell on the first of December. 

    However, many households do it earlier or later. At the end of the day, it all comes down to a preference. 

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    "In recent years, it has not been uncommon for families to get ahead and welcome the festive season early, with some setting up their trees as soon as Halloween is over! Another popular choice for when to deck the halls is the slightly earlier date of December 1st,” said the team over at Christmas Tree World. 

    “Many households like to set up their tree and other festive decorations on the first day of the month to mark the start of the official countdown to the big day!"

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    In 2022, a survey by Lombardo Homes found that the most popular holiday decoration in America was the Christmas tree, with 67% of respondents preferring a real one and 33% of people prioritizing an artificial one. Runners up were garlands, Christmas lights, mistletoes, snowmen, stockings, wreaths, nativity scenes, angels and stars. On average, these decorations take around four hours to be put up.

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    #12

    I Decorated My Fist Apartment Last Year - This Was The Result

    Christmas-decorating-ideas with a tree, wrapped gifts, and stockings over a mantle in a cozy living room.

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    KDS
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know that was supposed to say first but I can’t help but picture a fist filled with furniture.

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    However, this year it seems to be all about bows. “The biggest trend for holiday 2024 is bows, bows, and more bows! As trends go, this one is refreshingly simple and affordable to take part in. Pick a ribbon or two from the craft store that coordinates with your existing decor and then go to town tying bows on everything that will sit still. Pro tip: don't double knot and post-holiday clean-up will be a breeze! The best part is you can save all your pre-cut ribbons for next year and deck the halls in half the time,” says interior designer Bethany Adams.

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    #14

    Our Dining Sideboard Is Ready For Christmas! I Just Love These Metal Deer. I Use Them All Over Our Home Each Year Again And Again And I Think They’re Beautiful And Timeless

    Christmas decorating ideas with pine branches, candles, and deer sculptures on a wooden cabinet.

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    My favorite way of incorporating bows is by having them as huge centerpieces on Christmas trees. It requires no additional decorations and is the embodiment of elegance and feminine charm. One such example can be found by clicking here

    #17

    Created My Own Hot Chocolate Station Today. I Am Obsessed And The Kids Went Crazy For It As Soon As They Got Home From School

    Christmas decorating ideas with gingerbread figures, festive mugs, and holiday treats on a red checkered tablecloth.

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    #18

    Finally Inherited The Family Christmas Houses From My Mom

    Christmas-decorating-ideas with a garland on a mantle and a charming miniature village below.

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    Lene
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    OP waited to inherit an entire house to decorate the fireplace 😂

    This holiday season is all about what’s cozy and comfortable, which means that homemade, simple decorations are another popular choice for decorators this year.

    “People are embracing evergreen branches, pinecones, and ornaments made from handmade felt and wood, which creates such a warm, organic look. Personally, I decorate in this style every year because it feels timeless and comforting, with materials that reflect what’s in season. I also have a soft spot for anything handmade; those pieces are perfectly imperfect, bringing so much character and charm to holiday decor,” said Becky Shea, creative director and founder of Becky Shea Design.

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    In 2024, another Christmas decor tendency is nostalgia. But let’s be honest, when isn’t it? “People are embracing whimsical and playful elements, and velvety bows are big. Village themes, woodland motifs, and patchwork details evoke a joyful, childlike spirit,” said Linette Dai, founder and principal designer of Linette Dai Design. 

    #23

    My Cozy Christmas Corner

    Rustic fireplace with Christmas decorating ideas featuring a lit tree, poinsettias, and festive wreath on a wooden wall.

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    #24

    One Of Our Favorite Yearly Holiday Traditions Is Decorating A Mantel With Stockings. This Year We Went All Out

    Silver Christmas tree with pink ornaments, surrounded by gifts and decorations, showcasing festive Christmas decorating ideas.

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    The last trend of Christmas 2024 that we're mentioning today is nature. “My favorite holiday decor trend is definitely the use of natural elements that embrace the winter season,” says Shea. “I love decorating with balsam fir and fresh evergreen—the scent is incredible and brings such warmth into the home. Incorporating juniper berries and pinecones, and even making garlands from scratch, adds a special, personal touch. There’s something so meaningful about using these natural materials; it feels intricately considered and creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere that celebrates the season’s beauty.”

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    #29

    Golden Hour And Warm Christmas Lights For The Winter Wonderland Christmas Village

    Miniature village with lit Christmas tree, surrounded by festive lights, showcasing Christmas decorating ideas.

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    #30

    My Christmas Decorations. So Happy Because My Kids Love It So Much And I Know They Will Remember It With Happiness And That Makes Me So Happy

    Cozy Christmas-decorating-ideas with gingerbread pillow, festive tree, garland, and holiday scene on TV above fireplace.

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    Rob D
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They'll appreciate the effort. I have great memories of my mom getting our house festive. I now appreciate the work it took. They will too someday.

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    #32

    Flew Back Home To See My Parents For Christmas. They Really Outdid Themselves This Year

    House decorated with Christmas lights and inflatable snowman, featuring trees and stars for festive decorating ideas.

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    Rebecca O’Donnell
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Love this! The work and dedication to “light” up people’s faces, especially children. This is what Christmas is about. Making people happy.

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    #33

    Almost Finished Decorating For Christmas This Year

    Christmas-decorating-ideas with a pink and white tree, ornaments, stockings on a mantel, and a festive fireplace scene.

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    #34

    I Added My Metal Christmas Card Holder I've Had For Several Years To My Entryway And Love How It Matches All My Decor

    Christmas-decorating-ideas with frosted wreath, stockings, red and white pillows on a bench, and a "Christmas Trees For Sale" sign.

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    #36

    It's The Last Day Of Term Already For Our Little One, So Here Are Some Pics Of The House Looking Tidy For The Last Time This Year

    Cozy living room with festive Christmas decorating ideas, including a tree, wreath, and holiday-themed decor on shelves.

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    #37

    Favorite Corner

    Christmas decorating ideas with a red berry wreath, small festive houses, and glowing garland on a wooden mantel.

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    #38

    This Year, I Wanted My Office Nook To Feel Like It Was Extracted From A Cozy Christmas Movie. Organized Chaos Caused By All The Things That Bring Me Joy

    Cozy room with Christmas-decorating-ideas: gingerbread houses, festive shelves, small Christmas tree and wrapped gifts.

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    #39

    My Holiday Bedding

    Cozy bedroom with festive bedding, featuring red and green Christmas decorations and holiday-themed pillows.

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    Rebecca O’Donnell
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bows are definitely in for Christmas decor this year. Looks lovely!

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    #41

    This Year I Wanted To Incorporate Burgundy For A Subtle Pop Of Color. I Also Layered In Florals, Natural Materials, And Chunky Knits For A Cozy & Earthy Feel

    Christmas decorating ideas with a festive tree and cozy living room accents, featuring stockings and rustic decor.

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    Alex Boyd
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm not digging the "droopy bows on the Christmas tree" trend.

    #42

    It's All In The Details. Candles, Baubles & Garlands For A Perfect Christmas Table Setting

    Elegant Christmas-decorating-ideas with candles, pine branches, and golden ornaments on a festive table.

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    #43

    Holiday Home Office

    Home office with Christmas-decorating-ideas, featuring a wooden desk, small Christmas trees, and festive wreath.

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    #47

    The 1st Of December Marks The Day We Officially Start Decorating In Our House! I Love This Time Of Year, Fairy Lights, Cosy Feels, Mulled Wine And Hot Chocolate

    Festive kitchen decor with greenery, ornaments, and Christmas-themed signs above a red stove.

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    #50

    Cozy Dinners, Anyone?

    Christmas-decorating-ideas with a beautifully set dining table, festive tree, and elegant chandelier lighting.

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    Aleksandras Tvardauskas
    Community Member
    2 days ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    A bit too pretentious to be called coz, imho. The tree on the table is a little big and creates a division between diners. The tall candles are a bit too dramatic for the cozy setup. I am sure it was an amazing dinner regardless :)

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    #51

    Honestly, My Favorite Christmas Yet

    Cozy Christmas decorating ideas with candles, wreaths, and twinkling lights in a festive living room setting.

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    #54

    I Love Using Our Christmas Presents As Holiday Decor In My Home Office! I Actually Also Fill Shelves All Around Our Home With Them. They Add Such A Fun Festive Touch And - Best Of All - They Are Holiday Decor That Require No Storage For The Remainder Of The Year

    Cozy room with festive Christmas-decorating-ideas, featuring wreaths, gifts, and a window seat with plaid cushions.

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    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know someone who wraps all the hanging wall pictures in her house as presents.

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    #55

    Oodles Of Cute Little Elves Are Working Their Magic Inside My China Cabinet

    Festive Christmas-decorating-ideas with vintage figures, Santa, snowman, joy canisters, and gingerbread houses in a cabinet.

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    #56

    Best Wishes From The Country House

    Christmas decorating ideas with red candles, festive houses, and greenery on a dining table.

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    #57

    Christmas Is Coming Soon

    Christmas decorating idea featuring a festive wreath with candles, ornaments, reindeer figurine, and a decorative tree.

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    Gémeaux jumeaux
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The deer looks a bit like Rudolph's father in the Claymation holiday classic.

    #58

    Pink Christmas

    Festive fireplace with red and white Christmas decorations and gifts, highlighting creative Christmas-decorating-ideas.

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    #59

    Holiday Decor In My Home

    Festive Christmas decorating ideas with wreaths, greenery on stairs, and elegant table settings in a cozy home.

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    #60

    Living Room Holiday Inspo

    Cozy Christmas-decorating-ideas with garland, stockings, and a warm fireplace setting.

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    #61

    The Living Room Is All Decorated For Christmas

    Cozy fireplace with Christmas-decorating-ideas, featuring garland, wreath, and festive candles on the mantel.

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    #62

    Simple Christmas Decor

    Christmas-decorating-ideas with miniature houses, trees, and candles on a wooden table centerpiece in a cozy living room.

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    #63

    White Christmas. Not Everyones Cup Of Tea, But We Like It.

    Christmas-decorating-ideas: Decorated tree with lights and ornaments, gifts underneath, and holiday movie on TV with string lights.

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    #64

    Good Morning On The Second Day Of December

    Miniature Christmas tree and decorative houses on a kitchen counter, showcasing festive Christmas decorating ideas.

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    #65

    Our Cozy Kitchen Decorated For Christmas

    Cozy Christmas decorating ideas in a festive kitchen with cookies, red mixer, and holiday decor.

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    #66

    It's All About Two Trees And A Dash Of Stripes

    Festive Christmas-decorating-ideas with a modern fireplace, greenery, gold ornaments, and stylish black-and-white accents.

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    Rebecca O’Donnell
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like the clear boxes filled with ornaments on the floor to the left of the fireplace.

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    #67

    Christmas Is Up

    Christmas decorating ideas with a lit tree, adorned fireplace, and festive mantel in a cozy living room.

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    #68

    Not Sure How To Top Last Year's Christmas, But I Will Try

    Christmas-decorating-ideas featuring a lit tree with gold ornaments beside a fireplace adorned with garland and stockings.

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    #71

    This Year's Christmas Dinner Tablescape. Love How It Turned Out

    Christmas decorating ideas with a festive table setting, featuring candles, pine branches, and holly-themed napkins.

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    #72

    Front Door Christmas Decor

    Front porch Christmas decorating ideas with wreath, mini tree, and reindeer by a white door.

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    #73

    Christmas Stair Decor

    A woman and child in festive clothes on stairs decorated with Christmas garland and nutcrackers; Christmas decorating ideas.

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    #74

    Officially Off For The Week Of Christmas And I'm So Excited To Share The Magic With Baby Liam For His First Christmas

    Cozy entryway with Christmas-decorating-ideas, featuring a wooden cabinet, festive trees, and a large vintage clock.

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    #75

    Forever One Of My Favorite Rooms In Our House. And It's Even Better Decorated For Christmas

    Dining room with Christmas-decorating-ideas: Santa painting, rustic table with greenery, candles, and festive touches.

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    #76

    My Place At Christmas

    Festive living room with a Christmas tree, stockings by the fireplace, and colorful lights, showcasing Christmas decorating ideas.

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    #77

    Beautiful And Whimsical

    Nutcracker and garland with baubles and ribbons adorn a staircase in a festive Christmas-decorating display.

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    Mother of Giants
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There's a whole lot of different themes going on here. It's way too busy for my taste.

    #78

    Outdoor Holiday Decoration

    Frosted trees and wreath at entrance, highlighting Christmas decorating ideas.

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    #79

    A Look At Last Year's Christmas

    Shelf with festive Christmas decorating ideas featuring miniature houses, greenery, and metallic trees.

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    #81

    Cape Cod Christmas

    Festive dining room with pinecone centerpiece and candles, showcasing Christmas decorating ideas.

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    #84

    This Is My Favorite View In My House Right Now

    Festive Christmas decorating ideas with stockings, red and green ornaments, and a fireplace adorned with greenery.

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    #85

    Cute Christmas Decor

    Festive Christmas decorating idea with candles, pine branches, and cute figurines in a rustic basket.

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    #86

    Welcome The Wonder

    Festive Christmas decorating ideas with Santa figurines, a wreath, and a "Welcome the Wonder" sign on a wooden shelf.

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    #87

    My Living Room Is All Decorated. Last Night We Lit All The Candles And Made Ourselves Comfortable On The Sofa

    Cozy living room with Christmas-decorating-ideas, featuring a wreath, pinecones, candles, and festive pillows.

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    ElfVibratorGlitter
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tell me you don't have pets or children, without telling me you don't have pets or children 😭 all these lit candles are beautiful but....nerve wracking to me

    #88

    Christmas Loading

    Festive Christmas-decorating-ideas with greenery, ribbons, and ornaments in wooden frames on a newspaper-covered surface.

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    #89

    Entryway Is Officially Christmas-Fied

    Cozy Christmas decorating ideas with frosted trees, rustic sled, and "Merry Christmas" wreath on a bench.

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    #90

    Christmas Day Lane With A Change Of Colours

    Miniature winter village with snow-covered houses and pine trees for Christmas decorating ideas.

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    #91

    Our Family Room All Decorated For Christmas

    Cozy living room with Christmas-decorating-ideas, including small trees, pinecones, and wreaths on the windows.

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    #93

    This Year’s Christmas I’m Really Feeling The Paper Honeycomb Trend! Paper Trees And Paper Ornaments

    Festive Christmas decorating ideas with pine garland, berries, and illuminated tree ornaments.

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    #95

    Welcome To Our Entryway

    Festive scene with various Christmas-decorating ideas, including garlands, wreaths, and Santa-themed art.

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    #97

    I Just Want Christmas Time To Go More Slowly. Love The Atmosphere In My Home

    Festive Christmas decorating ideas featuring Santa figure, stockings, and holiday greenery on a staircase.

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    #98

    Even My Bathroom Got Some Christmas Vibes

    Christmas-decorating-ideas in a bathroom with a festive towel, mini tree, and candles on a tub tray for cozy ambiance.

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    #100

    There's A Special Kind Of "Magic" To Christmas Decor That Really Gets Me In A Happy Mood. I Like To Keep Things Neutral And Add A Pop Of Color In Just A Few Places

    Christmas decorating ideas featuring miniature trees, village houses, and candlelight for a cozy holiday mantel display.

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