You’d better hope Santa Claus puts some cash under the Christmas tree this year. For Home Gnome’s “Santa Is Coming” Cost Index, we found that the average cost to prepare your home for Santa’s arrival in 2024 is $2,992.36.
This total includes costs from fixing the roof to buying Christmas stockings. If you don’t have to repair the landing deck for Santa’s sleigh, your cost to get your home ready for that jolly old elf is just a hair over $2,200.
But to put that total in perspective, this amount is significantly less than the cost of buying every item mentioned in the “Twelve Days of Christmas” song. This year, the song’s haul will ding your bank account to the tune of $49,263.47.
To calculate the “Santa Is Coming” Cost Index, Home Gnome researched the costs for 15 items you should jot down on your to-do list before St. Nick comes shimmying down the chimney. In most cases, the cost of goods or services is based on a U.S. average.
Roof Repair
Personal finance blogger Paula Pant says that while the “Santa Is Coming” Cost Index tally sounds high, one item — roof repair — “is the gift that keeps on giving.” Roof repair accounts for more than 27% of our index.
“Repairing your roof is a need, rather than a want, since it will protect your home from leaks, mold, and infestations. I’d prioritize spending your holiday money on that,” Pant says.
If Santa, his sleigh, and his eight reindeer are landing on your roof, you don’t want them crashing through it. Therefore, it’s smart to consider the cost of fixing your roof before Santa comes to town.
Cost: $767
Chimney Sweep
Sure, Santa is used to getting soot on his suit from squeezing into chimneys around the world, but if you hope to be in Santa’s good graces, you probably should ponder the price of a chimney sweep before he arrives.
Today’s chimney sweeps are a far cry from the soot-covered figures you might remember from Mary Poppins. Modern chimney cleaning is more high-tech and efficient, utilizing advanced tools and vacuum systems to minimize mess.
Cost: $230
Gallon of Whole Milk
Even Santa needs a break from his busy night of gift-giving, and what better way to delight him than with a refreshing glass of milk? Sticking to tradition, you’ll want to set out a glass of milk so that Santa can keep up his energy. It is a thoughtful gesture at a low cost.
Cost: $4.02
Chocolate Chip Cookies
No Christmas Eve is complete without setting out chocolate chip cookies for Santa. Whether they’re homemade or your favorite store-bought variety, having these sweet treats ready adds a special touch to his visit.
Make sure to have a generous plateful — enough to delight Santa and share the festive joy with your family.
Cost: $5.17 per pound
Bag of Carrots
While preparing for Santa’s arrival, let’s not forget about his faithful reindeer team. Picking up a 1-pound bag of carrots can help ensure Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, and, of course, Rudolph, stay energized with this nutritious snack.
Cost: $0.98 per pound
Christmas Lights Installation
The magic of Christmas often begins with that first enchanting view of a home adorned with twinkling lights. Moreover, you don’t get a second chance to make a first impression, so you’ll want to be sure the outside of your house is gleaming with Christmas lights.
Cost: $436
See Related: A Complete Guide to Hanging Christmas Lights on Your Gutters
Real Christmas Tree
A real, live Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday cheer in many homes. Its fresh pine scent and natural beauty bring the essence of a winter wonderland indoors. It is also the perfect spot for Santa to leave his gifts, so don’t forget about this timeless tradition.
Here are a few types of trees to consider:
- Grand fir
- Balsam fir
- Douglas fir
- Noble fir
- Scots pine
- Blue spruce
- Black hills spruce
Cost: $107
Christmas Stockings
Preparing your home for Santa’s visit includes hanging Christmas stockings for each family member. Whether handmade or purchased, each stocking will await Santa’s arrival, ready to be filled with surprises.
Cost: $29.71 (6-pack)
Holiday Wreath
Nothing says “Welcome, Santa!” quite like a holiday wreath on the front door. This classic touch adds a festive feel to your home and lets Santa know he’s in for a cozy visit. Pick a wreath that matches your style, whether it’s simple and green or decked out with berries and bows.
Cost: $39.98
Mouse Control
“A Visit from St. Nicholas” starts with: “‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.”
But just in case you have mice – sleeping or otherwise – consider the cost of a mouse exterminator to maintain a clean and welcoming environment for Santa’s visit. A mouse-free home ensures that your holiday treats and gifts remain undisturbed, keeping your festive night magical and merry.
Cost: $339.50
Snow Removal
Santa’s sleigh might glide effortlessly over snow, but why not clear a path to welcome him? Paying a pro to remove snow from your driveway and walkways will ensure a safe landing and make your home more inviting, setting the scene for a festive arrival.
Cost: $98
Leaf Removal
While Santa’s sleigh is set to land on the roof, he’ll surely have a bird’s-eye view of your lawn. To make sure your home looks its holiday best, consider the cost of leaf removal. A clean, leaf-free lawn adds to the overall festive appeal, ensuring that your home doesn’t look ho-ho-hum from Santa’s vantage point.
Cost: $300
Yard Cleanup
In the run-up to Santa’s arrival, a thorough yard cleanup is essential, especially in regions where the fall season leaves its mark. Investing in a yard cleanup service or dedicating a weekend to tidying up can transform your outdoor space into a welcoming scene for the festive season.
Cost: $318
See Related: How to Put Holiday Decorations in Your Yard and not Destroy Your Grass
Gutter Cleaning
As you deck the halls and mow the lawn, don’t forget about the gutter cleaning costs. This task ensures that your house looks well-maintained from Santa’s rooftop perspective. Clean gutters keep pests from making their home in them and prevent potential water damage, keeping your abode in top shape for the holiday season.
Cost: $240
Lawn Mowing
If you live in the extreme South, ponder the cost of a final lawn mow before the holiday season sets in. This ensures that your yard presents a tidy and well-kept appearance, enhancing the holiday lights and decorations. A freshly mowed lawn also shows Santa that every detail has been taken care of in anticipation of his magical visit.
Cost: $77 (varies depending on the size of your yard)
FAQ About Preparing for Christmas
How Do I Make My House Look Like Santa Came?
Making your home look like Santa Claus has paid a visit is a delightful way to keep the magic of Christmas alive, especially for the little ones. Here are some tips to create a scene that suggests Santa really did stop by:
- Leave a trail of cookie crumbs leading away from the plate.
- Sip a bit from the glass of milk left for Santa, leaving it half-full.
- Scatter small items like buttons (preferably red or green) or jingle bells around the house.
- Create snowy footprints leading from the chimney or door to the Christmas tree.
- Take small bites out of the cookies and the carrots left for the reindeer.
- Leave a handwritten note from Santa.
How Much Will Shoppers Spend on the Holidays in 2024?
According to the National Retail Federation, each shopper will spend an average of $902 on holiday gifts, décor, food, and other items in 2024. That would be a record. The $902 amount is about $25 per person more than last year’s figure and $16 higher than the previous record set in 2019.
Based on LawnStarter’s 2024 Holiday Decor Survey, that cost could go as high as $1,063.
The increase in holiday spending is largely attributed to gifts for family members.
Get the Final Touches for Santa’s Visit
Preparing your home for Santa’s grand arrival takes some time and thought — and quite a bit of green — but it’s all part of the holiday magic. From sprucing up the roof to hanging stockings by the chimney, each task brings you closer to creating an inviting home for that jolly visitor and his reindeer.
With a little planning and a sprinkle of holiday cheer, your home will be ready to welcome Santa in style.
Main Image Credit: alswart / Adobe Stock Free / License
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