12 Things to Never Put in Your Yard for Christmas

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Putting up Christmas decorations in your yard can be a lot of fun, but sometimes people go overboard and put up things that just don’t quite fit with Christmas. It’s tempting to get in the festive spirit with your neighbors, but some choices might just have them scratching their heads or, worse, dialing down their holiday cheer. With a little thoughtfulness your yard can be festive and welcoming.

Not every idea is a good one, whether it’s decorations that clash with the neighborhood vibe or items that pose safety hazards. In the spirit of the season, here are 12 things to avoid when decking out your yard.

Oversized Inflatables

Yes, Santa is a great Christmas character, but a 15 foot inflatable staring down your block? Not so much. At night, these oversized inflatables can be intimidating, not festive. Let’s face it, windy days can give them a slumped over look instead of a holiday icon.

Lawn Ornaments that Don’t Match

You don’t want your yard to look like a thrift store clearance aisle rather than a festive display. Putting penguins with tropical Santa statues or combining traditional nativity scenes with cartoon characters only puts mud in the waters. To avoid creating a holiday head-scratcher in your yard, keep things cohesive.

Fake Snow Blankets

It’s fun to dream about a white Christmas, but the synthetic snow blankets usually end up looking like a soggy disaster. They drip from rain or dew, and they’re a pain to clean up after the season. They also can make slippery spots, which can lead to more accidents than smiles.

Bright Laser Light Displays

Laser lights might seem like an easy way to decorate without having to climb ladders, but if they’re pointed incorrectly, they can really annoy your neighbors. Improperly directed laser lights can even affect aircraft safety, a Federal Aviation Administration report warned. Keep it simple and neighbor friendly.

Outdated Decorations

If you have a 70s era blow mold Santa that is no longer colored, it is time to put him out. Chipped, broken or faded decorations don’t make your yard feel nostalgic, they just look neglected. There’s a huge difference between vintage charm and an outdated eyesore.

Decorations That Block Walkways

It shouldn’t be a hassle to get into the Christmas spirit. Sometimes oversized arches and lit reindeer can get really frustrating. Make sure pathways are clear from tripping hazards, so that everyone, including neighbors, delivery folks and guests can safely get by.

Too Many Flashing Lights

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A little sparkle is fun, but a holiday rave is too much. Blinking lights are irritating to neighbors and can even create problems for people with light sensitivities or epilepsy. Moderation is the key to keeping the holidays bright—literally and figuratively.

Cheap Plastic Figurines

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The holiday staple of plastic snowmen and Santas is a welcome sight, but the low quality ones that blow away at the slightest breeze don’t add much to the charm. Skip them altogether or opt for sturdier options to avoid chasing your decorations all over the neighborhood.

Sound Systems Blasting Carols

Don’t Skimp! These Must-Have Items Will Transform Your Home — Image Credit: Marinko Krsmanovic/Pexels

It’s not a bad idea to have some outdoor speakers playing Christmas music until they’re turned up so loud that the entire block is forced to listen to Jingle Bells on repeat. Noise pollution is one of the most common complaints homeowners have. Lower the volume and receive that goodwill from your neighbors.

Dangerous DIY Decorations

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While homemade decorations can be pretty adorable, safety should always come first. Accidents can happen when you have sharp edges, dangling wires or items precariously balanced. According to a 2019 study from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 14,800 injuries are sustained from holiday decorations each year. Secure your creations safely and play it safe.

Excessive Holiday Messaging

It’s sweet to have signs that say “Merry Christmas” or “Season’s Greetings,” but putting a wooden plaque in your yard for every holiday can be a little much. Not only does overloading on signs detract from the beauty of your decorations, but it also makes the space look cluttered.

Themes That Don’t Make Sense

It may sound quirky to have zombie Santas, pirate snowmen or alien elves, but more than being entertaining, it may confuse people. Creativity is encouraged, but make sure your theme relates to the holiday spirit so that your yard is festive, not bizarre.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.