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 Plane Grace readers feel, read on to see the full results from our poll.
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.
Those who adore inflatables often cite their playful charm. A reader mentioned how their kids get a kick out of seeing a giant inflatable Santa waving from the neighbor’s lawn. It’s hard to deny the joy these decorations spark for younger audiences, turning a front yard into a festive wonderland. Still, their appeal seems limited to a smaller crowd, with many favoring more traditional decor.
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.”
The deflated inflatable issue is a real sticking point. Nothing screams “tacky” quite like a sagging snowman sprawled across the grass at 8 a.m. To avoid this, consider investing in a timer or a high-quality inflator pump to keep decorations perky around the clock. Placement also matters—grouping inflatables thoughtfully with other decor, like string lights or wreaths, can elevate the overall look.
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 have a timeless appeal, blending whimsy with elegance. They’re less likely to feel over-the-top and can complement a variety of outdoor setups. For those considering projectors, they’re a low-maintenance option that can cast festive patterns across your home’s facade. Try pairing them with subtle accents like pine garlands for a polished yet festive vibe.
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.
White icicle lights give off a crisp, sophisticated glow, perfect for a minimalist holiday aesthetic. Multi-color bulbs, on the other hand, lean into a nostalgic, playful vibe. If you’re torn, combining both can strike a balance—icicles on the roofline for elegance, colorful bulbs on shrubs for a pop of fun. Pro tip: use LED lights to save on energy costs and avoid frequent replacements.
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 who 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.
Wreaths are a holiday staple for a reason—they’re versatile, elegant, and easy to customize. Whether you go for a traditional evergreen wreath or one adorned with berries and pinecones, it sets a welcoming tone. For those eyeing a ribbon, it’s a bold choice that works best when paired with understated decor elsewhere. To make your wreath pop, consider adding a small battery-powered light strand for evening sparkle.
Our Best Advice for Beginner Gardeners: We’ll help you set up your first garden—whether that’s a few pots on your patio, a raised bed, or an in-ground plot out back—and select the right plants for your soil and region.