A few years back, I penned a rather contentious piece sharing my aversion to inflatable lawn ornaments. I didn’t hold back, declaring, “Your motorized waving reindeer looks like sadness.” While my tone was partly tongue-in-cheek, I recognize now that my comments could be seen as insensitive. I apologize for that.
Many readers, however, seemed more focused on the fact that I disparaged their beloved Disney characters, and consequently, their holiday spirit. I received a range of feedback, from those who agreed with my view on tackiness to others who were less than thrilled with my stance:
- “Wow, who crapped in this writer’s Christmas stocking? They must be a blast at holiday gatherings.” (I took the liberty of correcting the misgendering here.)
- “Just let people enjoy their decorations!”
- “This article was so negative that I feel compelled to buy one just to spite you!” (Reverse psychology at its finest?)
For the record, I’m a lot of fun at parties, thank you very much. I still prefer a bit more creativity in holiday decor over inflatable displays. I’m not convinced anyone needs an air-powered lawn ornament for the 4th of July. The sheer volume and mass production of these items scream consumerism. However, I’m slowly coming to terms with the fact that holiday inflatables aren’t entirely terrible.
Maybe I’m softening or just becoming less stubborn. There’s something about the pandemic that has made me appreciate the joy I see in others. Last March, when people hung twinkling lights to bring a bit of cheer during those bleak days, my perspective shifted. By October, I found myself surprisingly delighted by the arrival of inflatable ghosts and pumpkins. Their presence symbolized resilience and a desire to spread happiness during tough times.
My kids have always adored these inflatable decorations, and their excitement when spotting extravagant displays was infectious. As my heart grew a few sizes, I began to appreciate the charm in these otherwise gaudy items.
While I’m not completely reformed, I’m working on being less critical of your holiday choices. But honestly, what drives someone to choose specific characters for their yard? Is there a deeper meaning behind a Winnie the Pooh in a Santa hat? And don’t get me started on the “patriotic” Christmas eagle or the inappropriate Santa figures. It’s a little much.
Even nativity scenes can feel a bit over the top. While they’re just inflatable characters, it feels like they cross a line between celebration and showboating. I respect your desire to “keep Christ in Christmas,” but I prefer to wish you a Happy Holidays instead.
I digress. This article is about my feelings towards inflatables, not religious beliefs, though the two sometimes intertwine. You don’t need my approval to enjoy what makes you happy, even if your choices spark my disdain. It’s easy to dismiss the creativity of a Santa-hatted Baby Yoda, but I won’t lie—I’ve found some enjoyment in these displays.
Hallelujah! Where’s my Tylenol?
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Summary:
The author reflects on their past criticism of inflatable yard decorations, acknowledging a shift in perspective due to the pandemic and the joy these displays can bring. While still holding some reservations regarding specific choices, they recognize the importance of allowing others to express their holiday spirit without judgement.