Holiday decorations hold a lot of sentimental value, having cozy Christmas memories associated with them. Obviously, you should always keep hold of the most cherished decorations that have been passed down through generations, but come on–you probably don’t need to hold onto all of them. Just about every American household has a cupboard full of excessive decorations that don’t even see the light of every Christmas, so if you have any of the following outdated pieces, it might be time to toss them out this year.
Tinsel Icicles
Back in the day, tinsel icicles were all the rage, but they’re falling out of fashion these days because of the mess they create. Furthermore, they’re made of plastic, and when the whole country is buying them, the environmental impact is pretty terrible. We haven’t even mentioned how they cling to carpets, pets, and clothing, creating a glittery mess that can last long after the holidays. So, it might be time to move on, as tinsel icicles have had their day.
Faded Plastic Wreaths
It’s pretty frustrating how plastic wreaths are prone to fading, so why are you still keeping hold of them? The once-vibrant reds and greens turn dull over time, especially after being exposed to sunlight, so it might be worth replacing them with fresh greenery or high-quality faux wreaths.
Inflatable Yard Displays
Not so long ago, if you had a huge inflatable yard display in your garden, it proved that you truly had a Christmas spirit. However, they have now become a lot less common due to the sheer maintenance they require. In particular, these displays are vulnerable to weather, making them a hassle to keep up, let alone keep clean. As a result, many homeowners now choose weather-resistant decor that stands up to the elements and offers a sleek, modern look for the holiday season.
Popcorn Garland
Popcorn garlands may have been a cute project in childhood, but they attract pests and often don’t last beyond a season. Many decorators now prefer alternatives like wooden or wool beads that mimic the look without the risk of critters snacking on the decorations. These reusable options offer a charming, rustic touch to any holiday setup, so there’s no need to ditch the garlands completely–just revise them.
Plastic Santa Figurines
That plastic Santa waving from your lawn may have lost its charm as more minimalistic and eco-friendly decor trends take center stage. Sure, they might look great initially, but over time, these figures become prone to cracking and fading, casting a sad-looking shadow over the Christmas spirit. Because of this, many people now opt for understated light displays or wreaths rather than a plastic Santa figurine.
Plaid Tree Skirts
Plaid is timeless, but many tree skirts in this pattern have faded or collected stains over the years. This doesn’t mean that you need to cling onto them; just grab a tree collar or a neutral skirt instead that offers a cleaner, more contemporary look, and it will be much easier to implement it into your Christmassy home.
Glitter-Coated Pine Cones
Originally, glittery pine cones added sparkle to holiday arrangements, but they’ve fallen out of favor as more eco-friendly decor takes over. It’s a sad fact of life that litter can be messy and is just not sustainable, so consider opting for natural or painted pine cones this year. Trust us–they’ll still give off the same rustic vibe but without the extra cleanup and environmental impact.
Ceramic Light-Up Villages
For decades, Americans have constructed enormous light-up holiday villages each year. Yes, they’re pretty adorable, but most of us are still using the same ceramic sets that we used many years ago, and frankly, they’ve seen better days. Unless they’re truly sentimental, consider throwing away sets that have chips, faded paint, or broken lights because all of these defects can detract from the cozy effect that they were designed for.
Single-Color String Lights
Those all-red or all-blue string lights that were once all the rage can seem a bit harsh nowadays. Many people now prefer warm LED lights or subtle, neutral tones that bring a cozy, versatile look to their decorations. The updated color scheme creates an elegant ambiance without overwhelming the eye, a simple shift with significant impact, so consider giving it a go yourself.
Plastic Garland
For some Americans, plastic garlands might still hold nostalgic value, but they do look a bit stiff and artificial today. Modern trends lean towards natural or high-quality faux greenery that mimics the real thing without fading or shedding needles, ensuring they look great all season.
Old-Fashioned Snow Globes
We can’t deny that snow globes evoke nostalgia, but if they’ve lost water or look cloudy, it might be time to say goodbye. Some people love vintage globes, but for the most part, others prefer newer designs with a crisp, clear look. There’s definitely no reason to ditch snow globes for good; just find some replacements that bring the same winter magic with fresh, polished designs.
Vintage Ceramic Trees
It’s certainly true that vintage ceramic holiday trees with colorful plastic lights have a nostalgic charm, but they’ve reached the end of their peak popularity. Sure, some families cherish these as heirlooms, but if yours doesn’t, it could be wise to move on to modern LED designs that have a more sleek and polished look.
Cloth Advent Calendars
Advent calendars are a huge part of the Christmas spirit, but that doesn’t mean that you have to hold onto those old, worn-out felt or fabric calendars. If they’re faded or fraying, a more modern advent calendar, perhaps with wood or sturdy compartments, can add a fresh twist to the tradition. If you really want to keep hold of your old clothes, feel free to store them in your attic, but otherwise, treat your family to the modern version.
Old Stocking Holders
Is your Christmas cupboard full of heavy stocking holders shaped like reindeer, snowmen, or Santa? If so, you’re not the only one, but let’s be real for a moment–they’re just so bulky and impractical. Most of them don’t even balance properly on mantels, leading many Americans to switch to sleeker designs that match their contemporary decor. Even just simple metal or wooden holders will blend seamlessly with most holiday themes, so consider making the switch for yourself.
Plastic Ornaments with Peeling Paint
It should go without saying that there’s no reason to keep hold of plastic ornaments that are peeling away. At one point, they might have felt long-lasting, but they’re not invisible. So, if you’ve got any peeling, chipped, or dulled decorations, try replacing them with glass or fabric ornaments. We’re sure you’ll love them just as much.
Dangling Felt Figures
Felt figures were once a staple of holiday decor, hanging from trees or walls in cheerful holiday shapes. However, they can fray easily and lose their color, which doesn’t feel very Christmassy Today, materials like wood or metal bring a similar folksy vibe without the wear and tear, and therefore, there’s not much reason to keep hold of these outdated figures.
Faux Fruit Decorations
Plastic fruit in holiday arrangements was once trendy, but these decorations can start to look worn and artificial. Instead, seasonal fruits like pomegranates or even garden finds such as pinecones bring a more natural touch, with some even incorporating dried oranges for a fragrant twist. Natural elements offer a fresh, authentic look that complements a holiday setting rather than the undeniable tackiness of plastic fruit.
Old Bulky Nutcrackers
Frankly, we doubt that nutcrackers will ever go out of fashion entirely, but there’s really no need for oversized, heavy versions anymore. Seriously–they’re incredibly cumbersome, and there’s really no need for them to be so large. So, consider saying goodbye to your original Nutcracker and choosing a smaller, more lightweight figurine instead, or better still, craft your own!
Wire Frame Reindeer
Finally, it seems that most American households have some sort of wire reindeer with tiny lights on their lawn. Despite this, they’re increasingly considered a dated decor choice, as there are many more robust, cozy-looking alternatives these days. Ultimately, the fragile nature of the wire ornaments makes them prone to breaking, so come on–it’s probably time for them to throw in the towel and make way for some new Christmas mascots.