7 Holiday Decorations It's Time to Toss Before the Season Starts

Broken or Run Down Décor

Every item on this Earth has a lifespan, including holiday décor. “Each of us has that bin (or three) of misfit lights, broken ornaments, and dusty décor that we save for ‘just in case,’” says Tina Priestly, professional organizer and CEO of Ready, Set, Refresh. “It feels so easy not to sort through it since we don't see it for most of the year—until we unpack it all again and realize half of it is broken.” 

She suggests setting aside one hour to sort through your décor before you start to decorate. Only keep what you love and what works. Label the storage boxes so next year, you don't have to dig through a mystery pile. 

Incandescent String Lights

Modern LED lights are the gold standard not just because of their brilliance, low energy use, and longevity, but because they are notably safer than old incandescent string lights. 

“Old string lights run hot and can become a fire hazard if the wire cracks or frays over time,” says Laura Ellis, founder of Organized by Ellis. “While the warm glow of the older lights may be appealing, they’re not worth the risk. Many of these cords likely don't meet current safety standards.” Her advice is to source LED bulbs in warm, nostalgic tones if you like that retro look. 

Leaking Battery-Operated Décor

Battery corrosion can damage both your decorations and storage bins, and this acidic residue can be potentially hazardous to touch. Carefully inspect any battery-operated décor (think: twinkling figurines, light-up wreaths, or animated displays) for signs of leaking or rusting. 

If you see any of that tell-tale white powder, sticky residue, or discoloration around the battery compartment, it’s best to dispose of the item safely. Going forward, remove batteries before storing your décor, and consider switching to rechargeable or plug-in options.

Vintage Ornaments With Flaking Paint

The charm is undeniable with vintage glass ornaments, but if yours are flaking, chipped, or broken, it’s best to retire them. 

“Family traditions are one of the best parts of the holidays, so the delight in displaying grandma’s ornaments is important to maintain. However, decorations with even minor chips can be especially unsafe for children and pets,” Ellis says. “Ornaments made before the 1970s may contain toxic, lead based paint, so it's best to keep these family treasures out of reach.”

Faux Trees Older Than 10 Years

One of the benefits of an artificial Christmas tree is that you can use it year after year. However, faux trees that’ve racked up 10 years or more are likely not in the best shape and should be considered for retirement, says Ellis. (Of course, make an exception for vintage and antique faux trees that aren't getting the same wear and tear as your main tree.)

“These may begin to degrade, and if the branches and needles become brittle, they could present risks,” Ellis says. She adds, “Some older trees may have been made with toxic or non-fire-retardant materials, and you don’t want your family exposed to these hazards.” 

Replace these with new trees made from safer materials and pre-strung LED lights. Or opt for a natural look with a live, potted evergreen that can be composted or planted outdoors after the holidays.

Stained or Frayed Textiles

Soft décor items like tablecloths, blankets, tree skirts, runners, and even napkins are the finishing festive touch in any home. However, these items are particularly prone to stains due to the extensive use they receive each year. Take stock of your collection and replace anything with stubborn stains, ultra-frayed edges, or otherwise “beyond rescue” damage. 

In some cases, you may be able to repurpose the item into something new or add a festive patch. But if they’re looking tired, it’s time to let it go. 

Aged Extension Cords

Brittle cords and overloaded power strips are one of the most common causes of holiday electrical fires, so they should definitely be on your list for holiday must-replace items. (Plus, little hands and pets can easily get a hold of an exposed wire and get a shock.) 

“Too many items plugged into an old, underrated power strip leads to overheating and can be a real risk,” Ellis warns. “Replace them with new power strips with surge protectors and automatic shutoff features. I also recommend selecting new efficiency-rated cords that are color coordinated to your tree and décor.” These strips are safer and look much better.