How is the best way to promote christmas

Whatever you end up doing, then as with any fundraising effort, don't forget to "review" with staff and volunteers in the New Year - so future seasonal efforts can be made even more successful :)

I'd be different and start on 2nd January. Then tell people you are trying to beat the Christmas rush.

Seriously, so long as you don't start in mid-August (late August apparently is acceptable) then its down to what you feel is appropriate for time.

Good coverage of decorations works if you don't go over the top - though over the top can work really well if done right. :)

Personally I prefer a homey sort of feel. You know, the sort of decorations you have at home.
By the time I have time to put them up, its christmas eve. By the time there's time to take them down, its almost the end of January..... :)

How about daring to be different and NOT playing Christmas music until, say, the week before? By all means decorate the shop - although not until Advent?

I'm already half-seriously considering committing GBH if I hear any more Bing Crosby clones this year (is it me, or does ev-ery single retail store have that CD?) I wouldn't mind betting that your customers will find "normal" music a refreshing change from hearing the same old stuff in every other shop they go into during that day's expedition. I'm sure your staff/volunteers will thank you too.

As for Santa hats for your staff/volunteers - I would leave any Christmas dressing up to them: let 'em know you'd welcome it (again, not too early). Best to make it optional in my opinion - I would be a very grumpy little elf if forced to wear a Santa hat (my HAIR!) - but would welcome the opportunity to wear Sparkly Stuff and my cool flashy light earrings.

Sure, some effort would be expected of you. But to be brutally honest, cosmetics like the ones you mention in your first post are not going to make much difference to your sales.

However, it might be time to promote/prominently display all those dreadfully cheesy compilation albums (particularly Christmas ones, obviously) which have been gathering dust and taking up space since donated to you last January! Drag out *anything* which classes as Christmas present type stuff (any ornaments, nice crockery, games/toys, DVDs, hardback & good quality books that are in store/out back rather than on display) - plus more dressy clothes. "Dressing up" the windows/other displays with red/green goodies will add to the atmosphere too :) It's amazing what people will buy at Christmas that they wouldn't consider at other times of the year :S

Christmas is not a once-in-a-lifetime event which means that you are a Failure and an Unworthy Human Being if it's not perfect. It happens every year. I guess what I'm saying (apart from "Bah, humbug") - is don't stress about it too much :) - and on a less grinch-like note, it is a time of year when you can get away with a bit more than usual - so have fun with it ;)