Younger generations swap tradition for self-expression with holiday decorations

NEW YORK (AP) — Whether dressed in black, mimicking bare branches or decked out with enough bows for a Taylor Swift concert, the Christmas trees in some U.S. homes this year display an unconventional streak. They beckon visitors to behold the decorator's personality, not a mere symbol of Yuletide cheer.

The new-fashioned approach to holiday decorating doesn't end there. A demographic that ranges from teenagers up to adults shy of middle age are ditching the dominant green and red of Christmases past for pastel pink and blue palettes, going glam with faux fur, lamé and feather details, and investing in wacky or whimsical outdoor displays, according to retail and design experts.

“In a way, holiday décor for Gen Z and millennials is less about tradition and more about self-expression. It’s their own take on a season that’s all about warmth and joy, but with a thoroughly modern twist,” said Eric Goranson, an interior designer and host of the nationally syndicated radio show and podcast “Around the House.”

U.S. retailers, including Michaels, National Tree Co. and Home Depot, the nation's largest home improvement retailer, have encouraged the trend by bringing out Instagram-ready holiday collections they think will resonate with younger customers and glow especially bright on social media. Some trees can be programmed with a cellphone app to play music and to flash customized lighting effects.