A live Christmas tree or a fake one? Santa Claus or Saint Nick? Festive holiday garments or ugly Christmas sweaters? The holiday season is filled with disagreements. And, based on a recent poll we posted on social media, you can add Christmas inflatables to the list of disputes. Many of our readers have nothing but positive things to say about inflatables. For example, one poll respondent shared, “I love them! There are so many cute ones to choose from. Many of my neighbors use them too!” However, not everyone shares this same sentiment. If you’re curious to see how your fellow SfnHk readers feel, read on to see the full results from our poll.
Personally, I get why inflatables spark such a debate. Walking through my neighborhood last December, I saw a giant inflatable Santa that was honestly pretty charming at night, but by morning, it was a sad, deflated blob on the lawn. It’s like they’re full of holiday cheer… until they’re not. If you’re thinking about jumping on the inflatable trend, consider the upkeep. They need a power source to stay puffed up, and you’ll want to secure them well—strong winds can turn your festive snowman into a tumbleweed. A quick tip from my own trial and error: check the weatherproofing on the blower motor. A cheap inflatable might not last through a snowy week, and replacing it mid-season isn’t exactly budget-friendly. Also, a 2023 survey from the National Retail Federation noted that 15% of holiday decorators planned to buy inflatables, so they’re definitely a growing trend, even if opinions are split.
Yay: 21.4 percent say, “I love holiday inflatables!”
220 people responded to our polls on Instagram and Facebook. Of those, 47 people responded that they “love holiday inflatables.” However, this works out to just 21.4 percent of all respondents. Surprisingly—or, perhaps not surprisingly to some—holiday inflatables aren’t all that popular.
I have to admit, I can see the appeal for the inflatable fans out there. They’re eye-catching, easy to set up, and let’s be real—kids go nuts for a 10-foot-tall Grinch waving in the yard. If you’re in the pro-inflatable camp, here’s a pro tip: group them strategically. A single inflatable can look a bit lonely, but pairing, say, a reindeer with a sleigh creates a scene that feels cohesive. Also, if you’re worried about energy costs, look for LED-lit inflatables—my neighbor swears they cut his electric bill compared to older models. Data from EnergyStar suggests that LED holiday decorations use up to 70% less energy than traditional bulbs, so it’s worth checking the specs before you buy. Just make sure you’ve got a good storage plan for the off-season; those things take up more space than you’d think when they’re not inflated!
Nay: 77.7 percent say, “Holiday inflatables are tacky!”
Big Christmas or Halloween decorations just aren’t for everyone. In fact, a resounding majority of the respondents to our poll—over three-quarters of the 220 people who participated—said that they think inflatables are tacky. Some were dead-set against them under any and all circumstances, with one person commenting, “I don’t care for holiday inflatables especially when they’re dead, flat on the ground in the morning.” Other respondents were a little more open to the idea of inflatables—but only under certain circumstances. “They are tacky by themselves unless you are creating a good scene with multiple ones,” shared one of our readers. Another said that inflatables can be “cute if you have children around or grandchildren—otherwise it’s a little cheesy.”
I totally get the “tacky” critique—there’s something about a deflated snowman sprawled across the grass that screams “holiday hangover.” But if you’re on the fence, there’s a middle ground. For instance, my cousin went all out with inflatables last year but kept them tasteful by sticking to a single theme—think all winter animals, no random Santas mixed with dinosaurs. If you’re anti-inflatable but still want some yard flair, consider maintenance costs. Inflatables can be pricey, with decent ones running $50-$200, and they’re prone to tears or motor issues. A 2022 Consumer Reports article mentioned that inflatables often need repairs after just one season, so weigh that against sturdier options like wooden or metal decorations that might last years with minimal upkeep.
If not inflatables, then what?
In addition to asking our readers their opinions on inflatables, we also polled them to discover what their favorite yard decor was. While over half of the respondents selected “something else” besides inflatables from our poll options, light up reindeer was the next most popular choice. 112 people responded to the poll, and 39 of them chose this option. Who knows? Maybe they think these will make it easier for Rudolph to guide Santa’s sleigh to their home. Seven of the 112 respondents (or about 6 percent) selected light projectors as their favorite yard decor.
Light-up reindeer are such a classic, and I’m not surprised they’re a fan favorite. Last year, I helped a friend set up a pair in her yard, and they instantly gave that cozy, nostalgic vibe. If you’re going this route, pro tip: anchor them securely. A gusty night knocked one of ours over, and we spent an hour untangling the antlers. Light projectors are another solid pick—my brother uses one to cast snowflakes on his garage, and it’s low-effort but super festive. According to a 2024 Home Depot holiday trends report, projectors are gaining traction because they’re versatile and don’t require climbing ladders like string lights. They’re also budget-friendly, with basic models starting around $20. If you’re torn between options, think about your yard’s layout—reindeer work great in open spaces, while projectors can jazz up a plain wall or fence.
Do you like icicle lights or multi-color bulbs?
Another question on our Instagram poll was, “What’s your outdoor lights preference?” Of the 362 people who saw the poll, 115 people responded. 36 percent (or 41 people) said that they prefer multi-color bulbs, while 64 percent (or 74 people) voted for white icicle lights. Either of these can brighten up your front yard and make it festive. You could also use the two different light types together—with icicle lights along your roofline and multi-color bulbs over your bushes and trees.
I’m team icicle lights myself—there’s something so elegant about that dripping, wintry look along a roofline. But I’ve got to admit, multi-color bulbs bring a fun, retro vibe that’s hard to beat. Last Christmas, I mixed both in my yard, and the combo was a hit with the neighbors. If you’re planning your setup, here’s a heads-up: icicle lights can be a pain to untangle, so store them carefully. Also, check for LED options—my electric bill was noticeably lower after I switched. A 2023 study from the Department of Energy found that households using LED holiday lights saved an average of $10-$20 per season compared to incandescent ones. If you’re mixing lights, keep the colors balanced—too many clashing hues can look chaotic. And don’t skip a timer; it’s a lifesaver for keeping your display on schedule without wasting power.
Is there a big ribbon or classic wreath on the front door?
In addition to decorating their yard—with or without inflatables—and hanging lights along their roof, many people also get into the holiday spirit by decorating their front door. One of the questions in our poll focused on this, asking our readers, “What do you hang on your front door?” Of the 116 people responded, a whopping 96 percent shared that they stick with a classic wreath when adorning their door for the holiday season. Just 4 percent of respondents stray from tradition and shared that they opt for a big ribbon when decorating their entryway.
I’m not surprised wreaths dominated the poll—they’re timeless and smell amazing if you go for a fresh one. I’ve been making my own for years, adding pinecones and berries from my yard, and it’s always a conversation starter. If you’re team ribbon, though, I get it—sometimes you want something bold and simple. A quick tip: if you’re buying a wreath, check the diameter to match your door size; a 24-inch one works for most standard doors. Also, wreaths can be pricey—$30-$100 for a nice one—so consider DIY if you’re crafty. A 2024 Better Homes & Gardens article suggested using weather-resistant materials like burlap or plastic ornaments for outdoor wreaths to avoid fading or water damage. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s secured tightly—my first wreath took a dive in a windstorm, and I was not thrilled to fish it out of the bushes!
