Christmas decoration trends have changed dramatically from year to year, and even more often over the last couple of years. From “Vintage Christmas”, to “All White Minimalist Christmas”. But how do these trends affect the environment?
Throughout the years, there have been various trends that have become very popular. For example, in 2020, some of the trends included candy decor, which was very maximalist, and colorful. “Maximalism is the biggest holiday decor trend of 2020. After all, with fewer people making travel plans and more people staying home, there’s plenty of time to obsess over the details, take design risks and achieve the look you really want” (Forbes). People would buy decorations, especially since they were at home during the Covid-19 pandemic at greater quantities. People would buy decorations because they were at home more and needed something to look at. These decorations represented the hope that people wanted to feel during those dark times.
In 2023, the trends included brass and chrome accents, minimalism, and jewel tones. These are drastically different from the trends that were seen in 2020, just 3 years earlier. This showed the fast changing societal norms for consumption. People seem to be consuming at a more rapid pace than ever, with cheaper decorations around every corner. Hobby Lobby, Michaels, and Target are all resources that people spring to for holiday deals, and cheap alternatives to participate in trends.
And now, the trends for 2024 include retro disco decor, and ribbons, and bows. This especially shows the specific nature that trends have taken. From the 20th century where trends generally consisted of reds, greens, and nature themes. But now it consists of “retro” things, but also things that are easy to find and buy.
What are some consequences of buying new decorations each year and discarding the previous year’s trends?
Most of the unwanted decorations end up in either the land fill, or thrift stores. But because of the cheaper nature of most of these decorations, they often break easily and end up in the landfill anyway.
But, many people would like to donate their old decorations to thrift stores as it feels more ethical, and less wasteful, but in reality most people are not going to end up buying it. After a while, the thrift store will take these items to landfills to make room for other products.
How can you reduce your waste? One way is by finding your own personal decoration style. Many people have a style that they naturally like for example, some people love vintage no matter the season, some are maximalist through and through, and others are very minimalist. Not following trends year after year and buying what makes you happy is a great way to ensure you will at least keep decorations for a couple years rather than seasonally discarding them.
Also, making recycled, homemade decorations are another great way to reduce, reuse, and recycle this holiday season. Making wrapping paper out of old paper bags and putting little drawings on them to make them festive. Or making the old school dried orange garlands that hang in the windows and help make your home smell fresh and lived in.
In the end, there are many ways that one can be more environmentally conscious this holiday season, especially when it comes to decor. So, try to find your personal style, and save some money and the environment along the way.
