Younger Shoppers Favor Non-Traditional Holiday Decor

A Michaels and Morning Consult survey found younger generations are more likely than older ones to prefer alternative holiday decorating styles this year.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Interior Decorating

Gouache-painted editorial illustration of a sage glass ornament beside dried berries and terracotta ornaments in muted earth tones. — A Michaels and Morning Consult survey found 36% of Millennials and 34% of Gen Z prefer non-traditional holiday decor this year, versus 6% of Baby Boomers. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Would you choose non-traditional holiday decor over classic red and green this year?

A survey by Michaels and Morning Consult found that 36% of Millennials and 34% of Gen Z said they preferred non-traditional holiday decor this year. Only 6% of Baby Boomers said they preferred alternative styles this season.

Why it matters

The gap across generations points to shifting tastes in how people decorate for the holidays, which affects what retailers stock and promote. For shoppers across the country, it signals that unconventional looks are gaining ground with younger buyers.

Michaels and Morning Consult surveyed holiday decorating preferences, with 36% of Millennials and 34% of Gen Z favoring non-traditional decor versus 6% of Baby Boomers. The report does not disclose sample size or whether these preferences have yet led to measurable changes in purchasing.

The players

Michaels

Michaels is a major North American arts and crafts retailer that sells home decor and seasonal merchandise.

Morning Consult

Morning Consult is a market intelligence company known for conducting large-scale consumer and public opinion surveys.

Stacey Shively

Stacey Shively serves as chief merchandising officer for Michaels, overseeing product assortment and merchandising strategy.

The details

Michaels and Morning Consult released a report on holiday decor preferences showing a clear generational divide. Four non-traditional styles are trending for 2026: Merry Kitschmas, Bough & Berry, Muted Earth Tones, and Twilight Glamour. Stacey Shively, chief merchandising officer for Michaels, is among those discussing the findings.

• The survey results were released in early November 2026, ahead of the 2026 holiday season.

Trend Context

The Michaels and Morning Consult survey marks a generational split in holiday decorating, with younger buyers far more open to unconventional styles than Baby Boomers. The four 2026 styles named in the report extend that trend into specific aesthetic directions.

Shoppers planning holiday decor purchases can look for the four named 2026 styles when browsing seasonal sections. Younger buyers may find more retail options aligned with muted, unconventional palettes than traditional red and green.

The takeaway

Holiday decorating is no longer one-size-fits-all, and generational taste is a useful guide when planning seasonal displays. Try one unconventional element, such as a muted earth-tone garland, to see how it fits your space.