H
eather Harper's North Truro home is a winter wonderland, but it's also a real estate nightmare - specifically, her Christmas decor has taken over every available surface. "Every inch is covered," she says wistfully, listing off the many areas that are already decked out in holiday finery: arches, windows, floors, mantels, and even the yard.

    As the winter holidays approach, Harper's not alone in her decorating dilemma. Many people struggle to find space for their festive flair, with some resorting to creative solutions like hanging decorations from ceilings or using tiered shelving. "The vertical piece is big," advises interior decorator Nancy Michaels.

    But others take it a step further. Suzanne Nelsen, a Boston Symphony Orchestra musician, decorates her bassoon with ornaments and even makes them for her colleagues. And Nildete Miranda of Medford uses herself as a canvas, donning a Santa-themed knit skirt and top to get into the holiday spirit. Even that's not enough - she plans to add lights to wear.

    The National Retail Federation predicts a record-breaking $71.36 per-person spending on holiday decor this year, with many people adding to their existing collections rather than getting rid of them. Enthusiastic decorators describe a joy that comes from abundance, but it also brings pain as available space dwindles. As one shopper put it, "I really shouldn't be here - I can't buy anything else."