Sydney Martinez, Campus Carrier opinions editor
We’ve all heard the term “sad beige,” often used to describe minimalist aesthetics in baby clothing or toys, home decor and even social media trends. It refers to a natural palette of muted browns, soft beiges and earthy tones. But in recent years, this trend has taken over the holiday season. Beige Christmases are now a reality, with decorations in ivory, taupe and rust adorning both traditional green and stark white trees combined with soft white lights. What was once a celebration of vibrant reds, greens and shimmering lights has been replaced by a muted, minimalist aesthetic.
Christmas is meant to be joyful, nostalgic and magical. Yet lately, it feels dull. Traditional decorations — multicolored lights, whimsical ornaments and playful patterns — are harder to find. Stores like Hobby Lobby, Target, Michael’s and Walmart now stock shelves with neutral-toned holiday decor. Instead of evoking the warmth of childhood memories, today’s Christmas decorations resemble year-round home decor: sleek gold deer with antlers, plain white ceramic houses and minimalist wooden tabletop trees that lack any sense of character.
This trend has gone so far that on TikTok people are actively mocking traditional holiday decorations. In one TikTok, a girl pretending to gag dramatically every time she saw colorful Christmas lights. In another TikTok, a mom saying that her kids had to beg for colorful lights as she passes by the tree gagging. Their exaggerated reaction to bright, festive displays highlights how far the minimalist aesthetic has taken hold, with bold holiday colors now seen as flashy or outdated by some. But what they mock is exactly what makes Christmas special — the bright, clashing colors that bring excitement and joy.
It’s not the decorations themselves that are the problem, but the colors. The muted tones make it feel as though the holidays have lost their unique magic. Christmas decorations should not blend into the background or feel like they could stay up all year. The season is supposed to be distinct — a celebration of color, light and cheer that stands apart from the rest of the year.
There is, of course, a place for simplicity and minimalism. Clean lines and neutral tones create a sense of calm and order in everyday life. But Christmas is not about restraint. It’s the one time of year when homes should be filled with an explosion of color and light — a joyful clash of patterns and textures that evoke excitement and nostalgia. The tidy look of neutral decor may fit modern design trends, but it feels out of place during the holidays. Christmas is supposed to feel magical, not sterile.
At its core, Christmas is about embracing joy, warmth and wonder. Multicolored lights strung across trees, bold red and silver ornaments, and vibrant garlands bursting with color are not outdated relics — they are the essence of the season. Neutral decorations may work the rest of the year, but Christmas is meant to be different. It’s a time to break free from everyday aesthetics and let the holiday spirit shine through in all its chaotic, colorful glory.
There’s no need for Christmas to feel dull or lifeless. Let the decorations be bold. Let the lights be bright. Red, green, silver, and gold should clash beautifully, filling homes with festive cheer. This season is meant to be celebrated with color, joy and nostalgia — not toned down to fit a minimalist aesthetic. Christmas should not be neat and tidy, but vibrant and alive.
Decorate however you want, but don’t forget what makes Christmas special. This is the time to embrace the magic, not to mute it. At any other point in the year, white lights and neutral decor are perfectly fine, but Christmas should be different. It should be a celebration — loud, colorful and unapologetically joyful.