Hang the Christmas lights around the tree starting from the top, working your way down. Don't wrap lights too close to the trunk—instead, have them rest on the inner parts of the branches.

So, learn a lesson from some of my Christmas decorating idea disasters, and avoid these ideas — unless you also take my advice on how to protect your walls, too.

4. Supersize your decorations Declutter your Christmas decor by using bigger – but fewer – decorations, such as a giant wreath as a wall display or a handful of huge flower clip-ons to fill ...

Part of the joy that can come from decorating for Christmas comes from nostalgia, which has been shown in studies to stir emotions and increase joy, according to an expert.

Permit yourself to start decorating for Christmas early this year. Embrace those nostalgic ornaments, enjoy the connections they help build, and let the warmth of holiday cheer brighten your days.

Of course, decorating for Christmas in early November might be met with an eye roll by people who insist you have to get through Thanksgiving before turning your attention to Christmas.

Decorating for the festive season doesn’t have to finish indoors. Once your interior is prepped for the holidays, there’s plenty of ideas to bring the festivities outside and into your yard.

At least one study has also shown that decorating the outside of your home for Christmas can make you appear more welcoming and sociable. " [Decorations] can lead to more positive conversations ...