10 Family Friendly Holiday Decor That Work for Christmas and New Year’s

Looking for decor that lasts through both holidays? Here are 10 ideas to make your home holiday-ready without a complete re-do.

Window Decor with Twinkle Lights
Window Decor with Twinkle Lights | Photo by Alisa Anton

Making your home festive for both Christmas and New Year’s doesn’t have to mean redecorating from scratch. With a few smart choices, you can create a setup that transitions easily between the two holidays, keeping your home festive and celebratory without extra hassle. Here are 10 decor ideas that are family-friendly, budget-conscious, and versatile enough to last through both celebrations.


1. String Fairy Lights

Hanging Fairy Lights
Hanging Fairy Lights | Photo by Kevin Fitzgerald

Fairy lights are especially popular with families because they’re safe for kids, easy to set up, and bring a cozy vibe to both holidays.

Fairy lights are a simple way to add magic to any room. Drape them along the tree, around windows, or over the mantel for a warm Christmas glow. When New Year’s rolls around, repurpose them as party decor by hanging them in doorways or using them as a photo backdrop in the living room.


2. Evergreen Wreaths

Holiday Festive Wreath
Holiday Festive Wreath | Photo by Ilyuza Mingazova

This is a low-maintenance, long-lasting decor option that families love for its natural beauty and simplicity.

A classic evergreen wreath on your front door welcomes guests with a festive touch. Add small ornaments or a plaid ribbon for Christmas, then swap or remove those accents for a more neutral winter look. Simple eucalyptus or pine wreaths can work throughout winter, offering a fresh, natural look that isn’t limited to Christmas.


3. LED Candles

Reusable and safe, LED candles are an ideal choice for households with pets and children, keeping the ambiance warm and worry-free.

LED candles are a safer alternative to traditional candles, especially in homes with young children. Place them on mantels, side tables, or dining tables for a soft, warm glow that works for both Christmas and New Year’s. Pair them with metallic accents or confetti for a festive New Year’s vibe.


4. Cozy Throw Blankets

Stacked Throw Blankets
Stacked Throw Blankets | Photo by Jordan Bigelow

For families, throws are a practical way to add seasonal decor that everyone can actually use.

A cozy throw in deep red, green, or navy instantly makes your home feel festive and inviting. Perfect for Christmas, these blankets can stay out for New Year’s, making movie nights and family snuggles even better. Plus, they’re functional beyond the holidays!


5. Silver and Gold Ornaments

Holiday Silver Ornaments Decor
Holiday Silver Ornaments Decor | Photo by Toni Cuenca

Repurposing ornaments is a budget-friendly way to keep the sparkle going after the tree comes down, adding a touch of elegance to your home.

Metallic ornaments bring festive shine to both holidays. Use them on the tree for Christmas, then place them in bowls, vases, or trays for elegant New Year’s decor.


6. Festive Pillows

Colorful Stacked Throw Pillows
Colorful Stacked Throw Pillows | Photo by Awesome Sauce Creative

Festive pillows are perfect for families—they add comfort, style, and a bit of seasonal cheer without taking up extra space.

Switching up your pillows for the holidays doesn’t require much effort or storage space. Choose pillows with simple patterns or metallic accents, which work for both Christmas and New Year’s. Neutral or metallic designs keep things chic beyond Christmas.


7. Twinkle Lights for Backdrops

Window Decor with Twinkle Lights
Window Decor with Twinkle Lights | Photo by Alisa Anton

Affordable and easy to hang, twinkle lights are a versatile choice for families who want festive decor that’s easy to transition.

Twinkle lights are a hit with both kids and adults, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Use them around door frames, mantels, or as a backdrop behind the Christmas tree. For New Year’s, they’re great for photo backdrops or adding sparkle to a game night setup.


8. Battery-Operated Lanterns

Safe and low-maintenance, these lanterns are ideal for families with young children and busy schedules.

Battery-operated lanterns bring ambient lighting without the need for outlets or cables. Place them on entryway tables, along pathways, or in your living room for a rustic touch. They’re great for both Christmas and New Year’s, offering a warm glow that enhances the holiday spirit.


9. Decorative Trays

Trays are a versatile, family-friendly way to style holiday decor. They keep everything contained and make it easier to switch themes between holidays.

A decorative tray keeps your holiday accents organized in one place. Use it to display ornaments, candles, or greenery for Christmas. For New Year’s, swap in metallic confetti, champagne flutes, and noisemakers to create a quick party vibe.


10. Metallic Confetti

Colorful Confetti Spread Over The Floor
Colorful Confetti Spread Over The Floor | Photo by Chris Barbalis

Easy to clean up and budget-friendly, metallic confetti is a family favorite for adding a burst of celebration without a lot of fuss.

A sprinkle of metallic confetti adds a touch of sparkle to any decor. Use it on tables, mix it into centerpieces, or scatter it in clear vases for Christmas. For New Year’s, add it to balloons or sprinkle it around for extra festivity.


Conclusion

By choosing decor that works for both Christmas and New Year’s, you can keep your home festive without extra effort. These 10 family-friendly items bring warmth and cheer to both holidays, making your space feel ready for gatherings. From cozy throw blankets to shimmering fairy lights, each piece adds a touch of magic that lasts all season.


FAQs

1. How do I keep decor family-friendly for both holidays?
Choose safe, versatile items like LED candles, cozy throws, and twinkle lights that can be used for both Christmas and New Year’s. Avoid overly themed pieces to keep everything suitable for each holiday.

2. Can I use the same ornaments for both holidays?
Absolutely! Silver and gold ornaments are perfect for both. After Christmas, place them in bowls or vases as New Year’s centerpieces.

3. What colors work best for family-friendly decor?
Neutral tones, metallics, and deep greens or reds are festive but not overly Christmas-specific, so they’ll look great through New Year’s as well.

4. Are twinkle lights safe for children?
Yes, twinkle lights are safe Christmas décor for kids, as long as you use battery-operated or low-heat LED twinkle lights—which are safe to touch. This allows kids to decorate and enjoy the lights safely.

5. How do I avoid a cluttered look?
Use decorative trays to keep smaller items organized, and stick to versatile decor pieces. Keeping throws and pillows in similar colors for simple and uncluttered feel.

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