13 Outdoor Christmas Traditions That Don’t Make Sense Anymore
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Christmas traditions bring warmth, joy, and a sense of nostalgia, but some of them might have us scratching our heads today. Some of our outdoor customs may have been beloved in the past, but now they are a little outdated or even downright puzzling. In a changing lifestyle and weather pattern, it is worth questioning why we still cling to some of these.
Dragging heavy decorations out into the cold and rituals that don’t quite fit modern neighborhoods, it’s time we revisited some of these traditions. So, let’s take a look at a few that might have lost their magic, or at least their practicality, in today’s world.
Live Nativity Scenes
Once, recreating nativity outdoors with real people and live animals was a heartfelt way to celebrate the season. Recently, it has become more and more impractical. These displays are rare because of cold weather, zoning regulations, and the logistical headache of keeping animals safe and comfortable. The neighborhood camel doesn’t really want to spend the night in your yard, and let’s be honest.
Overnight Caroling Trips
A favorite tradition in many communities was door to door caroling, but today’s fast life has taken it out of favor. Combine the fact that less people are home in the evenings and less comfortable answering their door for large groups, it’s easy to see why this tradition feels awkward rather than joyous in modern times.
Outdoor Candle Displays
Real candles were once a stunning way to light up the night by lining the driveway or walkways. However, with LED technology now providing safer, brighter and more weather friendly alternatives, why would anyone use open flames when they don’t have to? Just one gust of wind and your festive display turns into a fire hazard.
Stringing Popcorn for Birds
A nice thing used to be decorating trees outside with popcorn strings to share the holiday spirit with wildlife. But this tradition doesn’t hold up today. Modern feeders give local critters healthier, more sustainable options, but birds and squirrels are just as likely to make a mess as they are to enjoy the snack.
Ice Skating Rinks in Warm Climates
It’s magical to build an ice skating rink in your backyard, until you live in a warm weather state like Florida or Arizona. Rising temperatures have made it too expensive and wasteful to keep these rinks. Synthetic ice rinks are likely a better choice for warmer areas, but they can’t quite match the experience of the real thing.
Massive Wreaths Hanging on Roofs
A giant wreath on a roof is impressive, but it’s a risky and backbreaking tradition. The effort to anchor the wreath securely and the ladder climbing are not what you’d call festive fun, it’s a holiday activity that feels like an extreme sport. Plus, how many people can actually see it up there?
Sleigh Rides in Urban Areas
Once upon a time, Christmas was full of horse drawn sleigh rides down snowy streets. However, as cities began to grow and thus traffic became greater, this tradition became impractical and unsafe. Many communities have chosen wagons with wheels, or some totally different form of entertainment better suited to their setting.
Christmas Pageants That Are Over the Top
Outdoor pageants that once were staple of small town Christmas celebrations with large casts and elaborate sets have become less popular. Sustaining such communities requires a big investment of time, money, and coordination, which is difficult for modern communities. Today, families tend to like smaller, more intimate gatherings than large productions.
Outdoor Bonfires
Outdoor bonfires for Christmas might have sounded cozy, but outdoor bonfires for Christmas have become less practical, especially in suburban areas. This tradition is more trouble than it’s worth for a number of reasons mentioned by the US Fire Administration. But s’mores are still a win, just make them over a smaller, safer fire pit!
Decorating With Cotton Snow
One way to create a wintery vibe in areas that don’t have snow was to sprinkle cotton batting across the yard to mimic snow. It’s messy, bad for the environment, and it doesn’t last too long with wind or rain. This is certainly outdated and less acceptable today considering that you can do the same thing with eco friendly decorations and fake snow sprays.
Chopping Down and Displaying Trees Outdoors
An outdoor Christmas tree is an interesting concept, but cutting down a perfectly good tree for decoration in your yard doesn’t feel right anymore. With so many people concerned about deforestation and wanting to live a more sustainable lifestyle, living trees in a pot that can be replanted after the season is a more popular option.
Old Bulbs as Massive Light Displays
Twinkling lights are a good thing, but many people are still holding onto older, power hungry bulbs that eat up electricity and burn out quickly. They are also light polluting and strain local power grids. The old school version is a relic of the past; modern LED options are brighter, safer and more energy efficient.
Releasing Sky Lanterns
Sky lanterns were once a beautiful way to celebrate, but they have become increasingly controversial as they become more of an environmental and safety issue. The lanterns can also start fires or injure wildlife, according to RSPCA. This tradition is better suited for memories than for modern practice, and many areas have banned their use altogether.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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