It’s that time of the year again, festive music fills the air and decorations cover every inch of space, inside and out. However, some teenagers now label families 'extra' or 'clout seeking' for embracing a more-is-more ethos when it comes to decorations.
Meet the maximalists: they live by the mantra 'go big or go home,' with lawns blanketed in inflatables, porches shining like small suns, and interiors resembling explosion of glitter. For younger onlookers, these displays may evoke bewilderment or envy, or they might even identify with the sense of joy and reckless abandon these sights bring.
Among some teens, competitive decorating seems to inspire more eye-rolling than glee. A quieter, low-key visual aesthetic trumps an over-the-top spectacle for this demographic.
This season, families who tend to favor the 'less-is-more' lifestyle might keep only the essentials, swapping bright color for muted tones and understated decor motifs. Younger relatives and friends visiting such homes may see stark contrast between holiday displays in different neighborhoods.
This approach isn't mutually exclusive; families will blend bold visions with cozy minimalism to set boundaries. Over-egging the pudding with decorations results in homes that become an uncomfortable space for friends who do not mesh with a super-extra vibe.
Families embracing these hyper-decorating trends find great inspiration online and from social media influences sharing homes that stretch the limits of elegance and taste. Influencers often walk a delicate line between kitsch and charm, often adding elements of fun.
Any decorating choice will polarize families this holiday season – be it in an overly full household versus a sparse landscape. Therefore, accept that this is about choice and adapt decorations according to personal norms of aesthetics. Maximalists are likely having the most fun amidst a sea of choices: bigger tree lights; decorations splattered everywhere and in every crevice. Nonetheless, people often respect varying choices as they visit neighborhoods.