The Joy and Joylessness of Christmas Decorations: Why Some Say No

Introduction

“Am I the only one who doesn't put up Christmas decorations? I don't put up lights, trees, garlands, or wreaths, and there are no lighted figures in the yard. Is something wrong with me?” Perhaps you've ever wondered why some people forego the festive decorations that others find essential. But you're definitely not alone in this sentiment. Many people have their reasons for not partaking in traditional holiday decorations, ranging from personal preference, cultural practices, minimalism to a desire to avoid stress. This article will explore these reasons and share why it's perfectly okay to stick to your own traditions and not feel pressured by what others may expect of you.

Reasons for Choosing Not to Decorate

There are many valid reasons why one might choose not to decorate for Christmas:

Personal Preference

Some people just don't enjoy the aesthetics of Christmas decorations, finding them overly commercial or too much of a hassle. They'd rather have a clean and simple home devoid of artificial lights and ornaments. This is a completely valid choice, just like anyone else is free to enjoy the decorations fully.

Cultural Practices

For some, their traditions or cultural practices may not include a lot of home decoration during the holidays. This could be due to religious beliefs or simply a family tradition that has been passed down through generations. It's important to honor these personal and cultural practices without feeling the need to align with others' expectations.

Minimalism

Minimalism has become increasingly popular in recent years. By choosing a simple and clutter-free lifestyle, some people find that they don't need the extra decorations, and it can reduce the overall stress and pressure during the holidays.

Stress Avoidance

Putting up and taking down Christmas decorations can be a significant task, especially when you have children or pets. It can be risky, especially with pets like dogs who might pull down the tree or chew on ornaments. In such cases, it's more practical to avoid the hassle altogether and keep things simple.

Religious Beliefs

For those who are religious, they may not find significant meaning in the decorations and instead opt to celebrate the holiday in other ways, such as spending time with loved ones or engaging in spiritual practices. These are just as valid and important ways to observe the holiday.

Case Study: My Family's Christmas Decorations

To be honest, this year was the first year my mom had returned to the holiday decorations in a while. But we still hesitated because we have a dog. We didn't put up decorations in the last couple years due to two dogs before a recent one passed away, making the risk of the younger dog pulling down the tree or eating the ornaments too high. Furthermore, the chore of repeatedly setting up and taking down decorations from late November to late January is a significant pain. So, why spend the time and effort if no one is paying you for it? The best solution is to never take them out in the first place and keep things simple. The only benefit I see in the decorations is having extra lights in your living room to avoid turning on the main lights.

My Personal Experience

I'm religious and I don't put up decorations either, at least not in recent years. I'm just too stressed and busy to find the joy in decorating. If you follow your personal joys, it's perfectly fine not to put up decorations.

Conclusion

There is nothing wrong with not decorating for Christmas. You do what makes you happy, and that's what truly matters. In our neighborhood of young families, exterior decorations are highly popular. I enjoy seeing them as I walk down our street. But at my house, we have only two strings of lights wrapped around the bushes by our driveway, enough to light up the drive. We have a tree, but it's not a live one and it's filled with decorations from Christmases past. My suggestion is to do what makes you happy and understand why one might not enjoy putting up the decorations only to take them down a few weeks later.