Each year we place our Christmas tree in the front window of our living room.  A table is pushed aside, a large potted plant is moved outdoors and we crowd in our tree.  The tree and the gifts take over the living room but since we are not selling our home, our decorating is for our pleasure.  But what if you are hoping to sell your home during the Christmas season? 

Keep your holiday decorations to a minimum; “less is more”.   How do your prevent your tree and the other holiday decorations from taking over your home? 

* Purchase a smaller tree 

* The colors on the tree shouldn’t clash with your home’s décor.  Simplify by color coordinating the ornaments on the tree, or just tying simple red bows on the branches. Simplifying will give the tree and your home a less cluttered look

* Don’t crowd too many gifts under the tree; keep the small boxes hidden; I would not suggest leaving a Tiffany’s box under the tree.  I also recommend additional safety precautions during open houses.

The holidays are an ideal opportunity for you to “sell” some of your home’s features and benefits:

*A large formal dining room might be set for an elegant sit down dinner

*A beautiful wood burning fireplace could be showcased with your children’s stockings waiting for Santa

*A center island kitchen might be enhanced by cookbook opened to a Christmas cookie recipe

*A computer nook could be staged with a few holiday catalogs

If your home is listed for sale this time of year, make the most of it.  Many home sellers take their home off the market, so you will have less competition.

Los Angeles Holiday Lights Displays, 2008
Los Angeles Christmas Parades and Events and Celebrations for the 2008 holiday