Curating Holiday Decor with Intention

November 22, 2025

Cover photo- find these on Glass Vintage Decors on Etsy

As a home organizer, one of my biggest joys is helping people create spaces that support who they are today, not just maintaining habits or traditions out of routine. Decluttering isn’t only about clearing physical items, it’s about releasing outdated expectations and shifting out of autopilot decisions about what we display in our homes. Holiday décor is a perfect example of how easily things accumulate and how quickly we can fall into patterns of decorating simply because we “always have.”

This time of year, many households are transitioning from fall décor into Christmas reds and greens, Hanukkah blues and silvers, or more neutral winter-inspired themes. It’s a beautiful season of celebration, but it’s also an ideal moment to pause and be intentional about what we bring into our homes, both physically and energetically. Instead of automatically unpacking every box from years past, it can be helpful to approach holiday decorating as a conscious design choice, one rooted in personal meaning rather than obligation.

Sorting and Decluttering Holiday Decorations

Before putting up décor, start by pulling out all your holiday items and sorting them by category: ornaments, wall décor, lights, soft décor, tabletop items, figurines, and so on. This process allows you to see everything at once rather than piecing it together from scattered bins. From there, evaluate what is broken, outdated, or no longer meaningful. Many people keep items simply because they feel they “should,” especially if something was inherited, gifted, or tied to past family traditions.

A helpful question to ask is: Do I love this because it reflects my current style, or am I keeping it out of habit? Sentimental items can still be meaningful, but meaning can change over time. It’s okay to keep a few special pieces while letting go of the décor that no longer resonates.

Updating Decor to Match Your Style Today

Just because you’ve decorated the same way for ten years doesn’t mean you’re required to continue. Your home can evolve just as you do. Rather than defaulting to whatever is stored in the bins, take a moment to imagine what you want your home to feel like during the holidays this year. Maybe you want a calm, minimal winter aesthetic instead of bold traditional colors. Maybe you want a retro look inspired by vintage Santa figures and jewel-tone ornaments. Or perhaps this is the year you highlight natural textures, handmade décor, or pieces that reflect where you live.

Looking for inspiration on Pinterest or Instagram can be helpful, but the goal is to choose décor that reflects your personality, not just trends. Even updating a color palette, replacing one style of lights, or choosing a cohesive theme can make your space feel refreshed and more aligned with your vision.

Avoiding Overconsumption

Holiday décor is a major source of seasonal overbuying, especially when stores start displaying items months in advance. Before purchasing something new, pause and ask whether it truly fits your long-term style or if it’s simply appealing in the moment. Consider sustainable alternatives such as thrifting vintage holiday pieces, borrowing décor from friends, refurbishing older items, or incorporating natural elements like branches, pinecones, citrus, or dried flowers. This approach reduces waste and adds character without creating excess.

Storing Décor Thoughtfully for Future Seasons

At the end of the season, how you store décor can determine how stressful next year’s decorating will be. Use sturdy storage bins, clearly label each container by category or room, and designate a dedicated storage area so items aren’t scattered throughout the house. Ornament organizers help protect delicate pieces, while rotating year-round décor into storage ensures there is space for seasonal pieces without crowding.

A Season for Intention

Holiday décor should feel meaningful, joyful, and reflective of who you are today, not dictated by obligation, trends, or clutter. When you decorate with intention, you create a home that feels warm, peaceful, and authentic to your current life.

If you’d like help curating your holiday décor or organizing seasonal storage, I’d love to support you, virtually or in person. Send me a message to schedule a session.

Cover photo- find these on Glass Vintage Decors on Etsy