Every December, I look forward to seeing neighbourhoods light up with twinkling lights, cheerful wreaths, and homemade yard displays. There’s something special about outdoor Christmas decorations; they bring warmth to chilly evenings and make every house feel more festive. But if you’ve ever tried making your own, you’ve probably wondered not just how to make outdoor Christmas decorations, but also how to store outdoor Christmas decorations, how to weatherproof outdoor Christmas decorations, and even if outdoor Christmas decorations get wet.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these questions so you can create décor that not only looks magical but also lasts year after year.
How to Make Outdoor Christmas Decorations Without Breaking the Bank
The beauty of outdoor décor is that you don’t need to spend a fortune. Many of the best displays are simple, creative, and homemade. Here are a few ideas:
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Wooden cutouts: Grab plywood, sketch holiday shapes like reindeer, snowmen, or candy canes, and paint them with weather-resistant outdoor paint. Seal the wood with clear varnish to keep it from rotting.
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DIY wreaths: Collect evergreen branches, pinecones, and ribbons. Wrap them around a wire frame or even a sturdy coat hanger bent into a circle.
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Jar lanterns: Old mason jars can be turned into glowing lanterns by filling them with battery-powered fairy lights. Place them along pathways for a soft, welcoming glow.
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PVC pipe candy canes: Cut PVC pipes, paint them red and white, and curve the tops with a heat gun to create oversized candy canes for your lawn.
When you’re figuring out how to make outdoor Christmas decorations, start small and add new pieces each year. That way, you’ll build up a collection without overwhelming yourself.
How to Store Outdoor Christmas Decorations Safely
Once the holidays are over, storage becomes just as important as setup. If you don’t pack items properly, you’ll end up with broken lights, tangled cords, and decorations that look tired before their time.
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Use plastic bins, not cardboard: Cardboard absorbs moisture, which can ruin fabric, paper, and lights. Plastic bins with tight lids are better at keeping everything dry.
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Wrap lights neatly: Use pieces of cardboard to wrap string lights around. This stops tangling and makes next year’s decorating so much easier.
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Label containers: Write what’s inside each bin, “porch lights,” “yard figures,” “wreaths”,so you don’t spend hours digging.
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Keep fragile items padded: Bubble wrap or even old towels work well for protecting ornaments, lanterns, or anything made of glass.
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Store in a dry spot: Garages, attics, or basements are fine as long as they don’t get damp. Moisture is the enemy of stored décor.
Knowing how to store outdoor Christmas decorations properly is the key to keeping them looking fresh for many seasons.
How to Weatherproof Outdoor Christmas Decorations
This is the step that many people skip, but it makes a huge difference. Weatherproofing ensures your creations can handle wind, rain, snow, and even unexpected warm spells.
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Seal wooden pieces: Use outdoor wood sealant or polyurethane. This keeps rain from soaking in and causing cracks.
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Protect fabrics: Spray cloth ribbons, bows, or banners with a waterproofing spray (the kind used on outdoor cushions).
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Anchor lightweight items: Inflatable figures or plastic yard signs can blow away in strong winds. Use stakes or sandbags to hold them in place.
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Use weather-rated extension cords: Standard cords may crack or short-circuit in wet conditions. Always check for an “outdoor use” label.
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Elevate fragile items: If you’re using jar lanterns or decorative figures, raise them slightly off the ground to avoid water pooling at the base.
When you’re learning how to weatherproof outdoor Christmas decorations, think of it like prepping for a storm,assume the worst weather will come, and your décor will still stand strong.
Can Outdoor Christmas Decorations Get Wet?
The short answer: it depends.
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Plastic ornaments and inflatables: These usually handle rain and snow just fine. Just make sure inflatables are staked securely.
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Lights and extension cords: Only use lights rated for outdoor use. Indoor lights may work for a while, but they can short out when wet, which is unsafe.
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Wooden decorations: Untreated wood absorbs water and will rot. Sealed and painted wood is much more resistant.
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Fabrics: Plain fabric bows or garlands won’t last long if left in the rain. Treated or synthetic fabrics hold up better.
So, can outdoor Christmas decorations get wet? Yes, some can, but only if they’re designed or treated for it. Always check the packaging or add your own waterproofing.
Extra Tips for Long-Lasting Outdoor Christmas Décor
Beyond the basics, here are a few tricks I’ve picked up over the years:
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Choose LED lights. They’re brighter, last longer, and use less energy than traditional bulbs.
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Keep inflatables away from sharp edges. A single nail or rock can ruin them.
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Avoid metal parts near salted roads. Salt speeds up rust, so keep metal décor away from places where snowploughs spray.
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Rotate decorations each year. This not only refreshes your look but also reduces wear and tear on specific items.
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Test everything before putting it away. Replace bulbs and batteries now so you’re ready next season.
Why DIY Outdoor Decorations Are Worth It
Store-bought decorations are easy, but there’s something satisfying about making your own. You get to be creative, save money, and create pieces that reflect your family’s style. Plus, every time neighbours walk by and compliment your handmade wreath or glowing jars, you’ll feel that extra bit of holiday pride.
Learning how to make outdoor Christmas decorations also means you can control quality, use stronger anchors, better waterproofing, and designs that actually last more than one season.
Final Thoughts
Outdoor décor has a way of transforming not just your home but your whole neighbourhood. But before you rush into it, keep these lessons in mind:
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How to make outdoor Christmas decorations: Start with simple DIY projects like wooden cutouts, wreaths, or jar lanterns.
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How to store outdoor Christmas decorations: Pack them carefully in bins, label everything, and keep them dry.
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How to weatherproof outdoor Christmas decorations: Seal wood, protect fabrics, and always use outdoor-rated lights and cords.
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Can outdoor Christmas decorations get wet? Some can, if they’re designed for it or properly treated, but always double-check.
By thinking ahead, both in how you build and how you store,you’ll have a set of decorations that bring joy not just this year but for many more to come.
So grab some supplies, get creative, and don’t be afraid to try something new. Christmas is about light, joy, and tradition, and your outdoor display can be part of that magic.
