NEW YORK — This year’s Christmas trees in numerous U.S. homes showcase a distinctive flair, with variations in style that reflect the decorator’s personality rather than serving solely as a festive symbol. Gone are the days when trees were merely adorned in traditional colors; today’s decorations invite guests to appreciate individuality and creativity, with designs ranging from bare branches to elaborate setups resembling a pop concert.
Contemporary holiday decorating extends beyond just ornamentation. Many younger consumers, including teens and early adults, are shifting away from the classic green and red color schemes of previous generations in favor of pastel pinks and blues. This trend incorporates luxurious materials such as faux fur and lamé while embracing quirky outdoor displays that spark joy and wonder. Eric Goranson, an interior designer and radio show host, expressed that holiday décor has transformed into a canvas for self-expression for Gen Z and millennials, blending the spirit of the season with a fresh, contemporary vibe.
Retailers across the U.S. are supporting this trend by offering attractive holiday collections designed to capture the attention of younger shoppers and enhance social media presence. For instance, some Christmas trees now come equipped with smartphone apps that allow users to synchronize music and customize lighting effects, making decorations even more interactive and fun. Balsam Brands, a seasonal home decor company, has expanded its line of artificial twig trees adorned with fairy lights and various embellishments such as faux crystal and pearl garlands. According to the company’s chief merchandising officer, Jen Derry, customers are eager to express their uniqueness and showcase their creative flair during the holidays.
Michaels, a popular arts and crafts retailer, is catering to this new style with an extensive variety of Christmas trees in non-traditional colors like pink, blue, black, and even orange. They have also introduced unique shapes, including an upside-down tree and one shaped like Santa Claus. Additionally, Michaels has launched themed collections that feature candy-inspired decorations, woodland accents, and ballet-themed ornaments, providing customers with various creative options to choose from.
In a bid to replicate the viral success of its Halloween decoration, “Skelly,” Home Depot has brought oversized holiday decorations to its shelves, including a reindeer and a nutcracker, which stand between 8 and 8.5 feet tall. These eye-catching pieces are priced between $249 and $299 and are designed not only for neighborhood appreciation but also to impress followers on social media. Lance Allen from Home Depot’s decorative holiday division noted that younger generations are enthusiastic about placing holiday trees in multiple rooms, a stark contrast to the traditional practice of having one large tree in the living space preferred by Baby Boomers and Generation X.
Experts attribute this departure from classic decorations to the time people spent at home during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The National Retail Federation anticipates that consumers will spend an average of $71.36 on holiday decorations this year, a noticeable increase from $60.95 in 2019. Younger consumers born in 1980 or after are expected to outspend their older counterparts, with averages of $91.62 for those aged 35 to 44, $88.44 for ages 25 to 34, and $77.11 for individuals aged 18 to 24.
Jess Druey, 27, the founder of a colorful wine brand, shared her experience moving from Los Angeles to Bakersfield, which inspired her to adopt a more adventurous approach to holiday decorating. Inspired by platforms like TikTok and Etsy, she chose a slender artificial tree adorned with retro-style baubles and topped it off with a large custom-made bow. Claire Reyhle, a 16-year-old from Denver, also found inspiration in TikTok trends, leading her to purchase a pink Christmas tree and decorate her bedroom with vibrant accents, reflecting her preference for a bright, colorful aesthetic despite her mother’s inclination towards a more minimalist style.
