Home Decor for Holiday Haters: Turning the Grinch into a Design Guru

The leaves are off the trees, the thermostat is cranked up, and the aisles of every local store are awash in green, gold, and red. Once again, the holidays are here. But not everyone feels the same level of delight and anticipation. While merry children, festive parents, and enterprising shopkeepers are thrilled with the coming celebrations, some of the rest of us are left to silently – maybe even secretly – ponder, “What to do when you hate the holidays?”

First off, know that you’re not alone. According to a 2022 study, more than one in four Americans (26%) want to see the holidays completely canceled due to the stress they often cause. Since they likely aren’t going to get canceled – at least not in our lifetimes – we must make the best of them. Our advice to holiday haters is to embrace them on your terms and focus on the elements that you like (or at least can live with) while trying to minimize the rest.

One place that’s easy to start this new approach is your home. No true holiday hater would be seen with the garish decorations that often hit the shops this time of year – but that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun and be celebratory.

Embracing the Festive Season with a Twist

While it’s tough for holiday haters to feel anything but increasing levels of dread and anxiety as the days count down, there are ways to make your home a place of tranquility, peace, and a place to take a break from the décor madness outside. Keep scrolling for our top ideas.

Incorporate the Year-Round Aesthetic

One of the features of this time of year that could make a Christmas hater out of just about anyone is the amount of waste that’s generated by wrapping paper, packaging, and decorations. Focus your holiday décor on pieces that can be incorporated and used in and around your home throughout the year. Our shopping list this year includes:

1. Battery-operated, flameless candles from Amazon
2. Everyspace recycled waterhog doormat from L.L. Bean
3. Outdoor/indoor string lights from Home Depot
4. Wooden gold star garland from Etsy
5. Glass dome with gold base from IKEA

Minimalist Decor: Less is More

If you find yourself shyly raising your hand when asked “Who hates Christmas?”, it might be the maximalism that’s turning you off. Decking the halls doesn’t leave a lot of space for…well, space. Or serenity. Shirk your holiday hater spirit by turning hard into minimalism for the season. Place a few monochromatic stars on your mantel, decorate your tree solely in white lights, and wrap presents in craft paper with a sprig of holly. Update your porch in white and brown and hang a simple, unadorned evergreen wreath on the door. Create a candle cluster with unadorned holders and single-color tapers. Wherever you see an opportunity to pare down, simplify and create space and peace, take it. Like the Grinch, you may find your heart growing three sizes once it has room to do so.  

Nature-Inspired Decor: Bringing the Outdoors In

One of our favorite holiday décor tips is to add as many natural elements as you can. Not only is this approach generally cost-effective, it also can have the same calming effect as being in nature itself. While the winterscape in most of the country is somewhat stark and barren, there is inspiration to be had if you take the time to observe the beauty of what Mother Nature has to offer. See below for some quick ideas.

1. Evergreen sprigs: Use these for everything from dining room centerpieces to swags to cocktail garnishes. They can often be found for very cheap or even free at a Christmas tree retailer.
2. Bare branches: We love the look of bare branches in a glass vase, with or without sparkling fairy lights. Hang a vintage ornament or two on them if you’re feeling particularly festive.
3. Pinecones: Like evergreen sprigs, these can be used throughout the house. Toss a few on a table or sideboard, string some on a garland, or use them in the bottom of an arrangement.

Monochromatic Magic: A Single Color Palette

Even the most dedicated Christmas hater can be soothed by the harmony of a single-color palette. Whether you choose a traditional holiday color (like red or gold) or go for a neutral (like cream or taupe), the key is to choose one dominant color and then experiment with different tones, shades, and textures. A monochromatic color scheme is particularly interesting when you use it to highlight a specific item or architectural element in the room, so think through what you want to be the focal point before you start decorating. Don’t be shy about adding accents in a complementary – or even contrasting – color. It won’t ruin the look. On the contrary, it will add depth and visual interest.

Anti-Holiday Art: Express Your Feelings

Homemade touches during the holidays don’t have to look like construction paper ornaments and popcorn garlands. If you’re contemplating what to do when you hate the holidays, we have one suggestion: get creative. Channeling those feelings into artwork will not only be cathartic, but it just might also provide you with some home décor that expresses your exact take on the season. Whether that’s a painting, a floral arrangement, a felted scene, or a handmade “ugly Christmas sweater,” the art of engaging your inner creativity during the holidays will likely bring about some real feelings of peace and contentment. And who knows? You might get a gift or two out of the effort as well.

Cozy Sanctuary: Blankets and Pillows Galore

Your home should be your sanctuary at all times, and especially so if you feel overwhelmed by the seasonal celebrations outside. Winter is the ideal time to reinvest in your comfort by freshening up your pillows, blankets, and other decorative items. While it’s tempting to buy new, you should also shop your storage to make sure you don’t already own anything that can be put to good use.

If you are in the market for new items for yourself or your holiday guests, we suggest you take a look at the following cozy pieces that will last long past December:

1. Brushed woven throw from West Elm 
2. Square faux fur channeled decorative throw pillow from Target
3. Mainstays fleece electric heated throw blanket from Walmart
4. RÖDARV multicolor cushion from IKEA
5. Backrest wedge pillow from Pottery Barn

Holiday haters unite: there is a place for you…and it’s in your own home. Tap into the feelings you want to evoke in yourself – and your visitors – and let your décor follow suit. Don’t be pressured into festooning your living areas with all matter of red and green if that’s not what fills your soul. Instead, aim for comfort and calmness to anchor yourself through the days and weeks to come. Let your home be your sanctuary during this season and beyond.