Americans Love to Decorate — And It’s About Much More Than Holidays

Seasonal decorating has become a defining part of how Americans create joy, signal transitions, and express identity at home. Nearly nine in ten households decorate for at least one season or holiday, and many do it for multiple occasions throughout the year. For millions, decorating is no longer just a tradition — it’s a creative outlet, a family ritual, and sometimes even a lifestyle.

Younger generations lead in decorating frequency, but participation is strong across every age group. Most people decorate both inside and outside their homes, blurring the line between personal enjoyment and neighborhood expression.

Decorating is driven by emotion, not obligation. People decorate because:

• It’s fun
• It changes the energy of their home
• Their families (especially kids) enjoy it
• It provides a cozy sense of seasonal rhythm

Competition barely registers — Americans decorate for themselves, not their neighbors.

Halloween: America’s Rising Cultural Powerhouse

Christmas remains the #1 decorating event, but Halloween has solidified itself as a major cultural moment that blends nostalgia, creativity, and community. Americans don’t just put out a pumpkin or two — many people build full themes, choose aesthetic “lanes,” and use décor as a form of personal expression.

Two dominant Halloween styles consistently emerge:

1. Cute & Family-Friendly: Whimsical ghosts, pumpkins, happy skeletons, colorful yard signs.

2. Scary & Haunted: Moody lighting, eerie soundscapes, creatures, graveyards, animatronics.

Both styles thrive year after year, giving brands, retailers, and creators two strong cultural lanes to tap into.

Most Americans enjoy Halloween activities ranging from costumes to trick-or-treating to at-home movie nights. Many plan budgets specifically for décor, candy, or costumes — with décor often coming out as the top spending category.

Halloween is no longer a one-night event; it's a multi-week season that blends nostalgia, play, and creativity.

Decorating as Emotional Self-Care & Identity

Decorating isn’t just aesthetic — it’s psychological.

For many, seasonal décor helps:

• Boost mood
• Mark the passage of time
• Create excitement and anticipation
• Strengthen family traditions
• Make home feel more alive

Parents especially report decorating “because the kids love it,” but younger adults decorate for fun, self-expression, and seasonal vibes.

Americans consistently describe decorating as:

• Enjoyable
• Relaxing
• Creative
• Family-centered

And although some say Halloween can feel commercial, most still embrace it wholeheartedly.

Spending & Participation Trends

Most Americans plan to spend something on Halloween and seasonal décor each year — typically under $200, with major differences by region, age, and household type. Rural households are more likely to keep spending low, while suburban and urban households report higher budgets for décor and candy.

Generational trends show:

• Millennials & Gen Z: Highest enthusiasm and participation
• Gen X: Biggest spenders on Halloween décor and candy
• Boomers: Participate strongly but keep budgets modest

Halloween continues to grow as a seasonal commerce moment, offering opportunities for retailers, home brands, creators, entertainment companies, and community organizations.

Why This Study Matters

This study uncovers:

• What drives seasonal decorating behavior
• How Americans emotionally connect to Halloween
• The style lanes dominating décor culture
• How much households spend — and why
• The intersection of family, identity, nostalgia & creativity

Journalists looking at lifestyle trends, cultural psychology, commerce shifts, and generational behavior will find rich storylines throughout the full dataset.