When to Buy Seasonal Decorations

'Tis the season for putting up garlands, lighting candles, setting up a Christmas tree, placing the menorah in the window just so, and dusting off the Nativity scene to put it on the mantle. If you are in the market for some new seasonal decorations, though, is this the best time to buy? You want to get the most bang for your buck, particularly since holiday decorations are something that you really only have up for a month or two. Here are some tips on when to buy seasonal decorations:

• Black Friday
  It’s coming up quickly, and a lot of Americans will be taking part in the shopping festivities. The day after Thanksgiving is well-known for having gift items available at rock-bottom prices. The good news is that although holiday decor is also often on sale, the crowds won’t be gathered in the seasonal decorations aisle; shoppers are much more likely to be vying for the big-screen televisions and laptops! So don’t feel as though you need to rise in the wee hours of the morning to take advantage of Black Friday holiday decoration sales. You can safely venture out at any time of day (around noon, the crowds might start thinning) to pick up some new decorations for a steal.

• December 24
  Most people are well past decorating for Christmas by the time Christmas Eve rolls around. The stores will be putting many items, including seasonal decorations, on the clearance rack a day or two before the big holiday. You could create a tradition in your family where you decorate and gussy up the house on Christmas Eve and leave the decorations up until Epiphany, which takes place on January 6. This way, you can take advantage of last-minute sales and still enjoy your decorations through the twelve days of Christmas.

• December 26 and Beyond
  Of course, the lowest prices are going to be available right after the holiday. This is an excellent way to get started on next year’s decorations! You can also take advantage of exceptionally low prices on gift wrap, gift bags and even leftover gift items as you start your Christmas shopping early for next year. The only downfall here is that if you have your heart set on a particular type or style of decoration, it might be sold out by now. If you’re flexible, though, you can really make the most of every decorating dollar!

Holiday decorating does not have to cost you an arm and a leg. Use the items that you have in your home already as you decorate for the winter holidays, and pick up some new ones as the opportunity presents itself. By timing your holiday decoration shopping well, you can save money and end up with some beautiful new decorative pieces.