ACROSS THE STREET, on my neighbor’s front door, a faded Christmas wreath hangs. Needles dried and dropping. Decorative ribbon faded. In my own side yard, our dried Christmas tree, once buried under snow, lies atop a flowerbed.
Christmas greetings on an outbuilding on a farm site just west of Mankato along U.S. Highway 14 photographed on Saturday.
It’s not uncommon here in Minnesota to see outdoor Christmas decorations up well into spring. Whatever the reason. I suppose the cold and snow hinder removal, especially this winter.
In a New Ulm yard, a sign on a tire swing says, “Santa stop here.” Christmas lights also wrap an entry column on the left. Photographed on Saturday, March 23.
Or, after awhile, we simply don’t notice whatever we pass by on a daily basis. That explains, for example, why cardboard covers a section of wall in my dining room. We removed a brick chimney about 10 years ago with plans to add a mini pantry. Such is the stuff of plans detoured by finances. Now I don’t think about that plan much anymore, unless a first-time visitor stops by and I find myself explaining why we have a cardboard wall. But I digress.
At the site of Farm Fest and the Gilfillan Estate, the Redwood County Historical Society wishes motorists a Happy New Year.
Back to that holiday décor. I photographed several examples of Christmas greetings still in place while traveling back to my native southwestern Minnesota this past Saturday. Hopefully soon spring and/or Easter themed décor replaces signs of Christmas.
At least one New Ulm business, A to Zinnias Florals & Gifts, recognizes the seasonal change to spring by offering 25 percent off on all bunnies. That would be home decorating bunnies. Not real.
Rudolph in a farmyard along Brown County Road 29 west of New Ulm about half way to Morgan.
TELL ME: Is it common in your area for seasonal Christmas decorations to stay up too long? Or what defines “too long?”
© Copyright 2019 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
This year was a rough, snowy, cold and nasty winter. So everyone gets a pass, but let’s not make it a practice. Okay?
I second your comment, Greg. All in favor say, “I.” Passed.
Too funny Almost Iowa! The second picture shows a quilt sign on the end of the building. My Mother-In-Law had one on her house. Not sure of the significance of those signs but they are nice.
Gunny, those quilt signs have become a popular form of rural art in Minnesota. In the Caledonia area, there’s a quilt barn tour.
There’s a reason that I don’t hang outdoor Christmas decorations. Knowing that what I’m putting up will have to be taken down and packed away in a few short weeks takes nearly all of the joy out of it for me. When you add in the typical weather conditions of December and January, plus all the other busyness of that season, it’s a no-brainer; it simply isn’t going to happen at our house.
Furthermore, outdoor decorations are definitely NOT worth a potential trip to the emergency room. I’ve seen it happen to friends and acquaintances more than once, even in good weather.
I’m more than happy to observe the work of others when it comes to Christmas decorations. Given the fact that many people and businesses put up both indoor and outdoor Christmas decorations right after Halloween (and oftentimes, before), I never fail to see more than enough to fill me with Christmas cheer.
Thanks for appreciating the efforts of those who do decorate for Christmas.
I think Rudolph could easily be converted to an Easter bunny simply by swapping out the nose!
I thought the same, based on those ears.
A certain area in Rochester tends to leave outside lights lit into March. Personally I love it, it’s cheery and pretty! We usually unplug our lights on January 1st. Rick and I just took our lights off the bushes on Sunday. We typically can get it done earlier but this year we would of had to wade through some pretty deep snow.
I, too, like holiday lights left shining throughout the winter. But I don’t like holiday lights left on homes year-round.
I can see Christmas lights on a neighbors trees from where I’m sitting.
Well, then, Merry Christmas!