Should You Decorate Your Home for the Holidays While It’s Listed for Sale in Big Canoe?

When your home is on the market during the holidays, it’s natural to wonder:

Should I decorate, or will that distract buyers?

In a community like Big Canoe, where many homes are second homes or investments, my personal view is that tasteful holiday décor can be a real advantage. Many of these houses can feel a bit empty or “cold” when they’re not lived in full time. The right seasonal touches can add warmth, emotion, and a sense of “home” that helps buyers connect.

That said, there is a right way and a wrong way to decorate when your home is for sale. Here’s how I think about the pros, cons, and best practices.

Why Decorating Can Help Your Home Sell

1. Warmth in a Second-Home Market

In Big Canoe, buyers are often walking into homes that aren’t occupied full time. The furniture may be minimal, the closets half-empty, and the overall feeling can be a bit impersonal.

Simple holiday décor can soften that:

• A Christmas tree with white or warm lights

• A front door wreath that feels welcoming

• Garland with lights across the mantle

• A few cozy touches like throw blankets or winter greenery

These small choices signal: “People love being here. This is where memories happen.” That emotional layer can be powerful.

2. Creating an Atmosphere During Showings

When used thoughtfully, holiday décor can turn a showing into an experience instead of just a tour.

For example:

• A tree with lights turned on during showings

• Soft holiday music playing in the background

• A subtle seasonal scent (nothing overpowering)

Buyers tend to linger longer in homes that feel inviting. The longer they stay, the more they imagine themselves there.

3. Highlighting Features, Not Hiding Them

Holiday décor can also help draw attention to the best features of your home:

• Garland and candles (battery-operated) to frame a beautiful stone fireplace

• A wreath to make a strong first impression at the front door

• A simple tablescape to showcase a great dining area

The key is to enhance what your home already offers, not compete with it.

When Holiday Décor Can Work Against You

Decorating while listed doesn’t come without risk. Here are a few ways it can backfire if you’re not careful.

1. Overdoing It

Too much décor can make rooms feel smaller, darker, or cluttered. If buyers are spending more time looking at your ornaments than your flooring, views, or layout, the décor has become a distraction.

Avoid:

• Multiple large trees that eat up floor space

• Excessive knickknacks on every surface

• Busy or blinking lights inside the home

Think “light staging,” not “holiday explosion.”

2. Strongly Personal or Religious Themes

You want your home to appeal to as many buyers as possible. Very specific or intensely personal décor can make it harder for some buyers to picture the home as theirs.

Consider scaling back on:

• Décor that is heavily religious in nature

• Oversized family photo displays tied to the holiday theme

• Highly specific or niche holiday collections

Your goal is a warm, welcoming feeling that still feels neutral enough for any buyer to step into.

3. Listing Photos and Timing

If your home is likely to be on the market beyond the holiday season, heavily seasonal listing photos can feel “dated” in January and February.

A good strategy:

• Take your primary listing photos before decorating, if possible

• If you do include some holiday shots, keep them minimal and timeless

• Be ready to refresh photos once the holidays pass, if the home is still on the market

Practical Guidelines for Holiday Décor in a Home for Sale

If you decide to decorate while your home is listed, here are some simple guidelines I recommend:

1. Keep it Simple and Cohesive
   Choose a limited color palette (for example, greens, whites, and metallics) and keep the look clean and calm.

2. Prioritize Lighting
   Warm, soft lights are your friend. A tree with white lights, a few lit garlands, and good lamp lighting throughout the home can make everything feel more inviting, especially for late-afternoon showings.

3. Focus on Key Areas

   • Front door and entry

   • Living room / great room

   • Fireplace mantle

   • Kitchen island or dining table

   You don’t need to decorate every room.

4. Avoid Clutter and Obstructions
   Make sure décor doesn’t block walkways, doors, or windows. Buyers should be able to move easily and see your views, not maneuver around décor.

5. Pair Décor with Sensory Cues

   
   During showings, consider:

   • Soft holiday or instrumental music playing

   • A subtle seasonal scent from a diffuser or stovetop simmer (avoid strong artificial fragrances)

   • The thermostat set to a comfortable temperature

6. Safety First
   Check that cords are tucked away, no real candles are left burning unattended, and nothing presents a trip hazard.

My Bottom Line

In Big Canoe, I lean firmly toward “yes” on decorating your home for the holidays while it’s listed for sale, as long as it’s done thoughtfully. In a second-home and resort-style market, a little warmth goes a long way.

Done right, holiday décor can:

• Make your home feel inviting instead of empty

• Help buyers emotionally connect with the space

• Highlight your home’s best features

Just remember: the house should still be the star. The décor is there to quietly set the stage, not steal the show.