Christmas is a time of year looked forward to by many. From the upbeat music to the colorful lights illuminating people’s homes and the personalized tree ornaments, Christmas is a season of joy and nostalgia, bringing back memories of childhood. But has a new trend flushed the color out of Christmas?
The growing trend of minimalism and monotone decor has sparked from the desire to maintain simplicity and serenity. According to Slice Marketing, “Minimalist graphic design is a philosophy of creating something where every element serves a purpose. These designs are easy for users to understand and engage with” (slice.marketing). The goal of this design technique is to avoid unnecessary clutter and keep everything straightforward. Especially in today’s world where overconsumerism is commonplace, minimalism is designed to only keep necessary items and those that serve a purpose.
Some might argue that by doing this, the space is stripped of its creativity and personality but, if done right, minimalistic designs can still maintain character while taking up little space. According to an article about Christmas decor, less is more. This means that there will be less pieces in the space but more value to the ones that are there. Because of this, to avoid a boring and empty look, textures, layers, and some personalized statement pieces will make the area lively (spacejoy.
com).
Using minimalist designs may also help your wallet. Due to the fact that there are less items, less money is being spent on them, saving you money; something that may be helpful especially during the holiday season. Minimalism can also keep you accountable for your spending. When shopping for new holiday decor, it may be easy to grab unnecessary items, but when using a minimalistic design, a reminder that everything must have a meaning, it may keep you from overspending.
Another reason some might sway towards the look of a minimalist Christmas is because of the havoc already tied in with the holidays. From buying last minute gifts, to red and green glitter everywhere, Christmas time may be a little hectic and a simple design may be a nice break. Senior Alyssa Castillo agreed saying, “I prefer minimalist decoration because it’s more aesthetically pleasing, having all your decorations match each other.” Sometimes aesthetic Christmas decor may be a good way to relax and step aside from the chaos.
On the other hand, isn’t the Christmas chaos the thing that makes it special? Christmas only happens once a year so why not celebrate with bright, chaotic, colors? “Personally, when I see green and red, I usually associate it with Christmas which makes me feel like I’m a kid again, always being so excited for Christmas,” said Senior Amilee Bounphamaly. Fun bright colors can separate Christmas from other holidays, making it so special.
Along with bright colors, handmade ornaments are also substantial elements of nostalgic decoration. They can hold memories of times in one’s childhood and be sentimental items to parents. But why are sentiments important? According to an article about Christmas decorations, “They’re powerful reminders of important memories, loved ones, and experiences that have shaped who we are. They hold emotions and stories and are a powerful connection to our past” (modernminimalism.com). Sometimes they may be thought of as clutter, but others view them as tangible memories, reminders of times or individuals.
After being stored for a year, when the time comes to take the decorations out and accessorize, memories flood back. Junior Kylee Blennerhassett agreed saying, “The holidays are a really sentimental time and the annual traditions during Christmas bring back the cherished core memories of childhood.” Traditions, such as decorating, bring people together to remember old times and celebrate the holidays.
The Christmas season sparks joy for many and can be a time of both relaxation and chaos. Some might say that to avoid this chaos, a minimalist color palette is the way to go; others say the opposite, arguing that Christmas is a time for nostalgia and fun. All that just goes to show that Christmas is a magical time of year, but the question is, which style will you choose this season?