12 Old Holiday Decorations You Need to Get Rid Of

Holiday decorations can quickly pile up, leaving you with cluttered storage and less space for fresh, new items. Over time, some decorations lose their charm or even become safety hazards, making it important to take a closer look at what you really need to keep.

Knowing which old holiday decorations to get rid of can save you time, space, and hassle during your seasonal setup. Clearing out outdated or damaged items helps you enjoy a more organized and stress-free decorating experience year after year.

Broken or non-working string lights

If your string lights are flickering or only half working, it might be time to let them go. Trying to fix bulbs or fuses can help, but if the wiring is damaged, it’s often not worth the hassle.

You shouldn’t cut out sections to reconnect wires because that can overload the rest of the lights. Instead, consider recycling them at a local drop-off or mail-in program.

This way, you avoid throwing them in the trash and keep e-waste to a minimum. Plus, you can upgrade to safer, more reliable lights next season.

Tangled and frayed extension cords

You’ve probably dealt with tangled extension cords more times than you can count during the holidays. They not only slow you down but also pose safety risks, especially if the wires are frayed or damaged.

Old cords can wear out, exposing wires that increase the chance of shocks or fires. Untangling them often makes the mess worse, so it’s best to replace any you find in poor shape.

Using short, well-organized cords can make decorating easier and safer. Don’t hesitate to toss those rat’s nest cords and upgrade to something reliable.

Shattered glass ornaments

If you have shattered glass ornaments, it’s time to let them go. Broken pieces can be sharp and dangerous around kids and pets.

You might consider repurposing the shards into glitter or small craft accents if you’re feeling creative. But if that’s not your thing, safely dispose of them to avoid any accidents.

Keeping old broken glass ornaments just adds clutter and risk. Clearing them out frees up space and peace of mind for your holiday decor.

Faded or peeling wrapping paper

If your wrapping paper looks faded or starts peeling, it’s time to let it go. Wrapping paper that’s damaged won’t make your gifts look great, and it can tear easily when you’re wrapping.

You might be tempted to reuse scraps, but if the paper is falling apart, it won’t hold up well. Instead, consider switching to fresh paper or trying eco-friendly alternatives like reusable fabric wraps or plain kraft paper.

Worn-out stockings with holes

If your holiday stockings have holes or look pretty tired, it’s time to let them go. Worn-out stockings don’t add to the festive vibe and can even look sloppy on your mantel.

You might feel attached to them, but old stockings with visible damage aren’t worth keeping around. Instead, consider replacing them with fresh ones or even DIY alternatives for a personal touch.

Old stockings can sometimes be reused for crafts, but keeping them hanging year after year only drags down your decor’s overall feel.

Old artificial garlands that shed

If your garlands start losing bits and pieces every time you touch them, it’s time to let them go. Shedding garlands can make a mess and don’t look great on your tree or mantel.

These old decorations often can’t be fixed, and keeping them might just add clutter. Instead, look for eco-friendly disposal options or consider donating if they’re still mostly intact.

Cracked ceramic figurines

If your ceramic holiday figurines have cracks, they might seem like keepers at first. But over time, those cracks can get worse, making them fragile and less safe to display.

You can try fixing small cracks with special glue or epoxy, but if the damage is extensive, it might be better to let them go. Holding onto broken pieces can take up space and bring down the festive vibe instead of adding to it.

Mismatched or missing ornament hooks

If your ornament hooks don’t match or some are missing, it can make your tree look a bit messy. Instead of keeping a bunch of random hooks, think about replacing them with a set that’s uniform and sturdy.

You could also repurpose old hooks by turning them into something new, but if they’re bent or broken, it’s better to toss them. Keeping only hooks that work well saves you time and frustration each year.

Torn or stained tree skirts

If your tree skirt is torn or stained, it’s time to consider letting it go. These marks can distract from your overall holiday look and make your space feel less festive.

You don’t have to toss it outright, though. Repurpose the fabric into something new, like Christmas stockings or pillow covers, to give it a second life.

Keeping a fresh-looking tree skirt helps keep your decorations feeling warm and inviting each year.

Battery-operated decorations with corroded batteries

If you find old holiday decorations with corroded batteries, it’s time to toss them. Corrosion can damage the battery contacts and cause your decorations to stop working. Cleaning may help, but often the corrosion affects the wiring beyond repair.

Leaving batteries inside decorations during storage increases the risk of leaks, especially in humid spaces. To avoid this, always remove batteries before putting decorations away. If corrosion is already visible, replacing the entire decoration is usually safer and easier than trying to fix it.

Discolored or brittle ribbons

If your ribbons are faded or starting to crack, it’s time to let them go. Old ribbons lose their charm and can break easily when you try to use them again.

Keeping brittle ribbons only leads to frustration when decorating. Instead, consider swapping them out for fresh ribbons that look and feel better.

You can also upcycle old ribbons into crafts, but if they’re falling apart, recycling or tossing them is the safer bet.

Bent or broken tree toppers

If your tree topper is bent or broken, it’s time to consider letting it go. These pieces often lose their shape and don’t sit properly on your tree anymore.

Trying to fix them can be tricky and might not hold up season after season. Instead, recycle or repurpose the material if possible.

Replacing it with a fresh topper will instantly update your tree’s look without the hassle. Your holiday display deserves decor that fits well and looks good every year.