Lasers rock, traditions prevail for this year's holiday shopping season

Although your East County neighborhood might have entered the world of Christmas laser lights — a new trend where residents can make their home sparkle without even getting on a ladder — you won't feel out-of-date going with the tried-and-true decorations.

Samantha Beaton, an employee of Trimmers Holiday Decor in Sarasota, said staying traditional remains popular. Trimmers Holiday Decor decorates communities such as Del Webb, Mallory Park and Lakewood National.

“Wreaths, garlands, lights — stuff like that is what people tend to want around here,” Beaton said of the East County area.

However, while traditional holiday decor is "in," she admits those laser light decorations have gained a lot of popularity, especially with the reduction in energy costs LED lighting can bring.

She did note that snowball tubes, which she said "look like dripping icicles," are very popular.

According to Rachelle Doolittle, the customer service manager at Walmart on Ranch Lake Boulevard, non-traditional blow-up figures remain popular in East County.

“The inflatables go really fast because people can afford them around here," Doolittle said. "We have some inflatables that are over $100.”

She also said there has been a run on metal snowmen for the lawn.

Inside, Doolittle said she also sees a trend.

“Customers are buying mostly anything with glitter on it,” Doolittle said. “The glittery Christmas tree ornaments are popular.”

The holiday decorating season also is expanding. While it's just Thanksgiving, the lights are blinking in front yards.

Walmart begins putting out Christmas decorations before Halloween and continually expands what is offered as December approaches. While many people are buying up the decorations before Thanksgiving, she said many others make a run on Black Friday, or on the following weekend.

GreyHawk Landing's Nick Patell said he waits until after Thanksgiving to put out the outdoor decorations, but he already has his tree set up inside.

Patell also agrees with the statement that traditional decorations are still en vogue.

“We use the same decorations every year,” Patell said. “We have our fake tree, and lights that we put on the outside. But we do wait until after Thanksgiving because the kids are off school and we make it a family thing.”

He admits, however, those easy-to-install laser lights are becoming more attractive to him.

Lisa Barnes, the assistant sales manager at Home Depot on State Road 64 in Bradenton, said all kinds of Christmas decoration LED lights have grown in popularity. 

“We have seen a lot of it going out,” said Barnes, who said people don't seem to mind the cost.

In keeping with the traditional theme, Home Depot is selling real Christmas trees. Barnes said the trees were put out two weeks ago but only a handful had been sold at this point.

“I prefer the real trees,” Barnes said. “They are more fun and they smell good.”

Whether traditional or not, those in the business say the planning of decorations, whether by professionals or homeowners, has become a long process.

“We connect with communities back in February, everything is finalized by September and we start on Oct. 1 putting holiday decor up,” Beaton said of Trimmers Holiday Decor. "It brings attention to the community.

"There is only so much time, then the next thing you know, Christmas is here.”