As autumn dwindles and we progress deeply into our favorite winter holiday time season, most of us look forward to a little snowy weather here and there and the all too cherished chestnuts roasting on an open fire.  Okay, maybe I’m just kidding a little bit – after all, have any of you ever actually flame roasted chestnuts?  Personally, I must admit that I don’t think I even know what a chestnut looks like.

Sure, we all have our own holiday traditions for the season.  But just one thing – is all of the glitter, glamour, and the holiday décor conducive to open houses?

The debate rages on.  Many argue that seasonal decorations are a home stager’s worst nightmare.  In other words, one person’s cherished Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer collection is another person’s clutter that they just can’t seem to see past.

And we all know that ordinarily showing houses to sell them means decluttering every last nook and cranny.  The ultimate goal is usually to provoke visitors to see past the stuff and appreciate the characteristics of the house itself or at the very least, to appreciate its livability and feel right at home.

Unfortunately the holiday décor is indeed probably a distraction to the open house process.  But if the home is being lived in while it’s up on the market, it’s no fun not to enjoy your seasonal décor.  Perhaps the best solution is to compromise and only display the bare minimum.

Alternately, maybe the best solution is skipping selling during the holiday season altogether.  If a home’s not yet on the market, waiting until after all the hustle and bustle might attract more worthy attention to the home anyway.  Even then, we all know that winter isn’t exactly known for being the best time to sell.

Yes, that’s my favorite choice… If at all possible, wait until after the holidays to sell and enjoy the season to its fullest while it’s here!