Driving through neighborhoods in December reveals a lot about the families who live there. Holiday decorations can tell us a story about wealth and values, even before we check home prices.
Having lived in different kinds of neighborhoods, I noticed this shift firsthand. My modest apartment during college looked very different from the upscale area where I lived after landing a finance job. It wasn’t just about what people spent; it was about how they celebrated.
Let’s break down some decorating choices that highlight these class differences.
### 1. Inflatable Lawn Decorations
You often see large inflatables, like a giant Santa or a massive snow globe, in lower-middle-class neighborhoods. While some critics call them tacky, many families feel they bring joy to the community. Research shows that extravagant displays tend to be more common in working-class areas, whereas wealthier neighborhoods prefer simpler, tasteful decorations.
### 2. Light Choices: Color vs. White
In affluent areas, white lights dominate. They’re seen as classy and understated. Although surveys indicate 62% of people prefer multicolored lights, 90% of professional decorators lean towards white. This shows a divide in how celebration is perceived—wealthy homes aim for elegance, while others embrace a more vibrant, nostalgic approach.
### 3. DIY Decorations from Dollar Stores
A lot of DIY decorations are crafted from inexpensive materials, easily recognized yet skillfully made. These creations tell stories of creativity and resourcefulness. In contrast, wealthy homes might showcase high-end decorations from stores like Pottery Barn. There’s a noticeable difference in materials and style, even if both are well-made.
### 4. Prolonged Holiday Displays
In lower-middle-class neighborhoods, it’s common for decorations to stay up well into February or even March. This often stems from busy schedules where taking down decorations becomes a lower priority. In contrast, wealthier neighborhoods usually see decorations taken down days after Christmas, often with the help of hired hands.
### 5. Front Door Focus
Many lower-middle-class homes emphasize the front door in their decorations, utilizing space creatively. Wealthier homes diversify decorations throughout their properties, showcasing elegance across larger spaces.
### 6. Theme Choices
In working-class homes, mismatched decorations are common. They reflect personal history and sentiment. On the other hand, wealthier households usually pick a single theme, displaying a curated aesthetic.
### 7. Material Choices: Plastic vs. Natural
Lower-middle-class homes often use plastic decorations, which are durable and affordable. Wealthy homes showcase natural materials, reflecting a trend towards sustainability that affluent families can afford.
### Wrapping Up
These decorating choices aren’t good or bad—they simply reflect different circumstances. Working-class families often focus on community joy, while wealthier ones highlight taste and restraint.
This holiday season, let’s appreciate the festive spirit behind those giant inflatables and dollar-store wreaths. They represent effort and joy, not just decoration. That’s what the holidays are really about.
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