With Christmas just around the corner, what better way to get into the seasonal spirit than by laughing at some epic Christmas design fails? It's amazing how much Christmas decor looks suspiciously phallic - which begs the question, who's creating and buying this stuff? And are Christmas merchandisers pulling our legs a little? Either way, we're thankful for these hysterical design fails, as they're sure to bring a smile to even the moodiest of faces. Read on for some of the absolute most hilarious ones!
Think Twice Before Using “Let It Snow” Wrapping Paper
We predict that many of our readers will try and copy this one just to get a laugh out of their favorite aunt who never cracks a smile - not even at Christmas time. It’s somewhat of an achievement to get the wording on this actually quite an attractive wrapping paper placed exactly right. Whoever had the inspiration to do this certainly gets to wear the family Christmas sweater all day long!
We’re sitting here eating our holiday ham while scratching our heads and baubles and wondering what’s actually packaged inside this beautifully inspired gift-wrapped present.
Why Do These Street Lights Look Like Underwear?
There are too many potential punch lines to mention here. So, we’ll leave that to our audience to get their teeth into! But, seriously? These glittering Christmas fairy lights in this unidentified town are definitely not Superman’s underpants, right? We have to send our commendations for the audacity of these sparkly lights, though. What are the chances of someone in the town council thinking this one up on purpose for a bit of a laugh?
Alternatively, perhaps the town’s trying to drum up some visitors while giving its residents something to laugh about each time they hit Main Street on a Saturday night? We wonder.
Stating the Obvious
Here’s a photo of holiday decorations straight from the school of the glaringly obvious. Yes, these are red and gold bell-shaped bells with pretty little bows crafted from a gold ribbon. There are two red glittery bells and two gold glittery bells, and they’re attached to a piece of cardboard, which we think is blue. The bell-shaped bells cost just $5 and are helpfully described on the packaging as Bell Shaped Bells.
Ho, ho, ho! See what we did there? But, seriously, these little numbers might help bring a little festive cheer to Christmas. How about adding them to Grandma’s Christmas table?
Who Approved This?
This beauty is so entirely wrong on so many levels. It's the kind of Christmas decor that makes your skin crawl! But perhaps we can leave any indignation and cringing at the door and just laugh at how creepy this 'Santa stop' sign is. We’re trying to imagine who thought this sign was even remotely a good idea?! Maybe someone who hasn’t laughed in, like, a really, really long time?
The alternative explanation is that it was designed by an innocent altruist full of festive goodwill and cheer, right? After all, the snowman's got a nice sprig of holly in his top hat and a festive color palette has been used - so kudos for that!
Why Do These Bears Look Like They’re Staring Into My Soul?
Where to start with this one? Our thoughts run in many different directions here. If only they weren’t all facing in the same direction... If only their eyes didn’t look like they were staring at death or something even scarier in the face… If only they didn’t look like they were about to start walking slowly towards us because they’re hungry...not only that, but if you look closely, you can also see one more creepy detail.
Lots of little creepy staring bears can also be found in the background on those two giant Christmas trees. We guess you could just have a little fun and try to have a bear stare off?
Santa Don't Jump
Yes, we get that Christmas is meant to be a time of joy, jingle bells, and jubilation, but who only knows which Christmas joker thought this was funny? Maybe they ran out of other places to hang this seemingly innocuous decoration celebrating Christmas and Santa all at once. Whatever the intention, it’s likely this Christmas decoration has fallen flat on its face without even trying too hard.
That aside, although the sentiment may well be lovely, everything else about it is just wrong, wrong, wrong. We hope this didn't give anyone the wrong idea!
What You See Is Exactly What You Get
At first, we were scratching our heads a little with this one, but after a short pause, we totally got it! At first, you think you’re looking at what the buyer expected to receive. I.e., a black mug that’s supposed to change color so you can see a sweet Christmas scene. Elves pulling Santa on his sleigh, carrying tons of presents to drop in people’s chimneys the night before Christmas.
Instead, what the buyer actually got was a mug with the ad printed on it! Maybe it was the mug designer’s day off? Less Christmas Yule and more April Fool.
The Christmas Dec That Got Axed Because of Its Inadvertent Perversion
While we’re hoping this was a perfectly innocent mistake made by a company that’s all warm and fuzzy about Christmas, we’re also starting to wonder if there isn’t a giant warehouse somewhere full of these creations, just ready to be released to an unsuspecting public. Yes, Santa is cute; look, he’s even smiling! But, it’s just everything else that’s so, so wrong here. It’s no wonder this decoration was pulled from the stores.
We're currently taking bets on whether this epic Christmas design fail comes from the same school of thought as the creepy and inappropriate decoration in the previous pictures. What do you think?
It Looks Great, but What Actually Is It?
In case, like us, you were wondering what this actually is, here are a few clues. It’s green, tall, and supposed to represent things growing in forests. No? Still, confused (we know we were!)? OK, we'll help you out. This masterpiece was erected in Paris in October 2014, and it's a creation that represents something in nature. Still no? OK: It’s an inflatable sculpture called TREE by artist Paul McCarthy.
That said, observers pointed out its resemblance to something else entirely that we’ll leave to your fertile imaginations. The sad part is the artist was attacked, and the sculpture was vandalized. Some people just don’t have a sense of humor.
They Say Things Look Different at Night
Oh boy, oh boy. Here’s an absolute Christmas classic that’s got us rolling around on the floor laughing. If anyone is wondering, here we have some not-so-well-thought-out Christmas lights pictured as they looked during the day. Santa no.1 is popping some presents down for some sweet little innocent kid. So far, so good. While Santa no.2 appears to be… no, we just can’t bring ourselves to say it. Which is OK because we know that you will!
We’re sure that once these illuminations switch on after sundown, they probably added some much-loved sparkle to anyone passing by. As long as there were no accidents. That’s all we’re saying.
Read It Again!
Suppose there was going to be one lesson or piece of helpful advice we’d give the designers of this particular fairy light packaging. In that case, it’d be this: Check the font before you go to print! Maybe they did and just thought: “why not? We’ll generate a few laughs in the store with our customers and maybe make a few more sales from anyone with a sense of humor; let’s just go for it.”
It's safe to say customers got more than they bargained for with these $10 fairy lights. Not only do they add some much-needed festive sparkle, but they also provide a few laughs to boot - win-win!
There’s a Reason These Were Mittens
Here’s a cheeky image of a McDonalds Christmas coffee cup that went viral a few years back. What started out as an innocent enough cup featuring a pair of winter mittens soon became an internet sensation. Why? Someone with a sense of fun and a black marker drew a finger and thumb on the mittens, uploaded it, and hey presto - now, you’re looking at something that looks entirely different!
It was so convincing that many people were fooled into thinking this was the actual McDonalds Christmas cup! Twitter and Reddit went crazy and the rest, as they say, is history.
No Thanks Santa, I’ll Pass On the Syrup
This beautiful, edible stack of pancakes held together by a skewer and drizzled with golden runny maple syrup look pretty inviting to us. The trouble is with what else is advertising a December event in San Jose, California. It's the proximity to which Santa's carrying a sack of gifts above the pancakes that’s got us all confused. We're not quite sure why someone would use their clip art and design skills to superimpose Santa in this way!
If there's one thing to take away from this, it's that it's worth double-checking your menus before sending them to print. Poor old Santa, this hilarious image doesn’t really help his credibility issues, which are at best somewhat sketchy!
An Interesting Take On the Classic Christmas Tree
Oh no, another festive shopping Mall disaster photo. This time it looks like a disgruntled team member with a grudge was given the task of arranging the festive lights, and this extraordinary creation is the result. Maybe it’s just someone’s passive-aggressive way of telling their employers what they really think of their job?
We’re trying to imagine a little chorus of festive shoppers standing around this design-fail singing Christmas carols. Still, something’s telling us it’s more likely they’ll be laughing rather than singing in the aisles.
Severed Toe or Xmas Tree Decoration?
Yes, this is a standard image of a Christmas dec hanging on a traditional tree. However, it isn't so much baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger, surrounded by cute farmyard animals; rather, it looks more like a partially severed finger or toe. The little splashes of deep red or purple aren’t helping. The trouble with images like this one is that you just can’t un-remember them, can you?
This is why we recommend not going too far off with Christmas decorations - unless you want to end up on reddit. However, if you're looking to hang body parts on your tree for a fun Halloween/Xmas hybrid- way to go!
Why Was This Jumper in the Kids Section?!
Maybe this boy’s mom was having a busy day when she encouraged her son to wear this epic Christmas jumper. Understandably, whatever Santa is up to around the midsection of this sweater wasn’t spotted until an eagle-eyed teacher drew the mom’s attention to it. A lot is going on, there's a house and snowflakes, and that’s before we get to Santa, who looks like he couldn’t quite make it to the bathroom in time.
If there’s a lesson to be taken from this almost adorable festive scene, it’s this: carefully look at the scenes depicted on Christmas jumpers before buying them! Who knows, maybe they were distracted by one of the naughty decorations featured here?
This Tree Takes Exotic to a Whole New Level
Someone’s front lawn is surely drawing a few laughs from passers-by when these lights go on at night. Maybe it’s just the result of one of those friendly and unspoken neighborhood-style competitions. You know the ones. Every street in the Western World has at least one or two people who go all out with the lights at Christmas time. Although we may not admit it, we love the silent competitiveness that goes into who has the most eye-catching decorations.
Maybe these guys really didn’t set out to make their palm tree look this way? Let’s be thankful those palm leaves aren’t yellow, or they’d be really in trouble with their neighbors!
We're Lost for Words
The person who took this picture said: 'My mom saw nothing weird about this Christmas decoration. I beg to differ.' Now, we don’t want to get into the middle of a family dispute about this. Still, we’re making an exception here and say we’re siding with the sender of this particular snowman scene rather than their mother. Yes, the snowmen are gorgeously soft, fluffy, they’re smiling too, and they’re all dressed up and super cute. But, despite that, this Christmas decoration is sure to turn a few heads.
We’re embracing the spirit of Christmas here and giving mom the benefit of the doubt. Clearly, she doesn’t have the same filthy sense of humor as we do; that’s all we’re saying.
Why? Just Why?
OK, so this just has to be related to the staring bears at the mall. There’s no doubt in our minds that this bear, complete with red and gold festive ribbon, is from the same school of design. Only this time, it looks like what’s supposed to be a cute and perky tail is, in fact, a small Christmas tree that the bear accidentally swallowed up and has now digested.
It's safe to say there will be traumatized and confused Christmas shoppers wandering around the mall where this epic Christmas design fail is standing, hoping against hope that it was all just a terrible dream.
Yikes
Oh boy, another singing angel candle holder and table decoration. But, this time she's wearing a garland on her head, complete with four candles. On paper, this is a decoration that could actually work. But no. Sadly, as the white candles melted, the face of this poor candle holder has been dribbled all over...and it doesn’t look good. Not at all. Not only is this going to be a nightmare to clean, but it's also just darn creepy.
Also, why is it that all of the Christmas decorations with people singing in them have weird-shaped mouths? This seems to be a running theme!
That’s Why His Beard Is So Long: Its Full of the Souls of Children
Whoever thought of this epic Christmas design fail must have a really, really dark mind. This image is the stuff of creepy movies that no one should watch before bedtime, not even at Christmas. Why anyone would have kids growing out of Santa’s beard is beyond us. And don’t even ask us about those crazy eyebrows! In fact, they’re not really eyebrows; rather, they’re face rugs or hairy slugs. That move.
But, if you squint your eyes, Santa does have a twinkle in his eyes, and those glasses make him look kinda harmless, and his face is sort of kind-looking, right?
A Winter Wardrobe Blip
Fashion and community brand Lularoe has really surpassed itself with these seasonal leggings. Of course, you’ve got to have some real confidence to wear these bad boys. The red and white stripes alone are pretty eye-catching. Still, it’s the interesting and creative placement of the Santas that’s really got us wondering. Quite why you would want a Santa on each butt cheek is beyond us, as-is why he also pops up on each knee and upside down?
However, the pièce de résistance is the tiny Santa hand strategically placed on this wearer’s crotch. It really took us by surprise. Is that a festive high five he’s giving?
A Creative Take On the Traditional Christmas Hat
We were kind of lost for words when we first saw this little beauty. This Santa-themed Christmas tree decoration is in a league of its own. We’re not entirely sure what it’s supposed to be, is it supposed to be Santa’s head hanging on the end of an icicle? Or is that a piece of ceramic rope? But, seriously, since when did it become a thing to design sperm and/or frogspawn-inspired Christmas tree decorations?
Whatever it’s meant to be, we think this particular Christmas tree decoration probably belongs in the trash. Either that or right at the back of the tree where no one can see it.
Note to Self: Palm Trees and Fairy Lights Don’t MIX
And yes, it’s time for some more inspired palm tree fairy light extravaganzas. One thing's first certain, these bad boys are certainly hard to ignore. So, once again, we’re left wondering if the person or persons who thought these light decorations were OK is a disgruntled city employee or just someone with a great sense of humor.
Anyone walking along this glittering promenade must be wondering if these decorations are really a good way to spend their taxes. However, times are hard, and we all need a good reason to laugh, right?
We Thought It Was Rudolph's Nose That Was Supposed To Be Red?
Here’s an epic Christmas design fail that brings a new meaning to that oldie but goodie festive tune. It’s almost tempting to burst into song right here and now when looking at these inflatable reindeer. Still, we don’t think a round of “Rudolph the red-balled reindeer” will go down too well with some of the more sensitive members of the family. As such, we'll leave this here for us all to have a laugh at.
We think that poor old Rudolph looks pretty confused sitting there in his red and white striped scarf waiting for Santa to arrive and rescue him from the humiliation that's befallen him.
Charming Christmas Mug or a Road Traffic Accident?
There’s no accounting for other people’s taste, is there? This ceramic mug looks like the kind of joke present that belongs on someone’s desk who works in a forensics lab or the CSI team. There’s something about drinking our morning cup of coffee in a mug that looks like it’s been splattered with someone’s blood that just makes us think we’ll stick to a glass of water from the cooler instead.
Not only that but “believe”...in what? Believe that it’s OK to design a mug that looks blood-splattered? Believe that this design is a great idea and would make a great gift? We wonder.
What Would Santa Look Like if He Was a Character From Greek Mythology? - Oh.
Clearly, the designer of this particular creation is a fan of Greek mythology and the story of the mountain-dwelling Centaur. However, maybe they just forgot that using a part-horse, part-man-man as inspiration for a Christmas-themed decoration isn’t necessarily a good idea. So here we have a half-horse, half-Santa ornament that’s sure to seriously scare all but the most emotionally robust family members. Needless to say, this is the kind of Secret Santa gift you give to the person you like least in the office.
We’re especially disturbed because Santa appears to be naked apart from his jolly red hat and mittens trimmed with white fur, and we're trying to imagine where someone might even display this ornament.
Four Christmas Ornaments - Wait, What?!
While the manufacturers of the red and gold bells featured earlier wanted to make sure that whoever bought their product was absolutely certain of what they were buying, the makers of these three decorations weren’t so bothered. Especially if their Christmas packaging design fail is anything to go by. Aside from their weird-shaped singing mouths (again!), these colorful baubles aren’t so terrible nor even borderline offensive. It's just the packaging that's amusing.
That said, maybe decoration number 4 is somewhere else in the box? We’re willing to give the manufacturers the benefit of the doubt and hope that anyone buying these actually got what it says on the box!
Who Gave These Christmas Lights the Okay?
Time for a drumroll, please...here’s yet another contender in the most phallic-shaped Christmas fairy light competition. Either that or could this be some poor attempt at mimicking a space launch rocket or water fountain? Whoever thought of this light display clearly wasn’t necessarily thinking of the poor apartment residents who would have to see these every day after a long day at work. That said, however, there are a few consolations.
If you live here and have to call a cab or are inviting someone over for the first time, these lights are the perfect landmark to give people directions to your apartment block.
Don’t These Reindeer Look Suspiciously Like Rabbits?
We love lots of chocolate, and especially at Christmas time. However, this offering from Lindt is stretching our imaginations somewhat by asking us to seriously suspend our disbelief. What’s supposed to be Santa in his sleigh being pulled by four gold reindeer looks suspiciously like four Easter bunnies pulling Santa instead. Maybe the famous chocolatiers thought no one would notice their attempt to get rid of old stock in their rush to get all Christmas treats in?
At least we can rely upon the chocolate tasting good once you’ve stopped singing “Rudolph the Rednosed Rabbit” and unwrapped the red and gold foil and bitten into the bunny rabbit ears.
This Hysterical/Creepy Children’s Christmas Seek and Find Book
Seek and find books are great fun for kids and a wonderfully creative way of spending time with your children while they find hidden objects in beautifully colorful illustrations. But here’s an unusual and borderline creepy example of a Christmas seek and find book. It appears to be asking kids to find the peeping Tom lying on top of the Fitting Room wardrobe, as people below try on different outfits!
There is really no escaping the disturbing guy checking out the ladies, including the one who’s mid-way through a fitting room disaster while trying on a traditional Christmas red dress!
Because Plumbing Disasters Don’t Take a Break for Christmas
Is this some home improvement center’s desperate attempt to offer consumers something festive yet super practical while cashing in on a few more seasonal sales? Maybe it’s their idea of presenting Christmas shoppers with a fun bathroom accessory that’s ideal for the festive season. But, of course, you could leave it out as a not-so-subtle message aimed at members of the family who regularly block your bathroom after too much Turkey, stuffing, and Christmas cake.
We think you just have to take the plunge and invest in one of these beauties. You could even decorate it with some cute baubles, tinsel, or the Santa sperm/frogspawn featured earlier.
Bangkok’s Interesting Take On Christmas Décor
Does anyone know where in Bangkok these festive attractions are? Of course, we know there are tons of beautiful Christmas lights and decorations to admire in Bangkok, especially inside and outside the malls and major landmarks. However, the owners of this Thai capital building clearly went all out to do something a bit different here with these three snowmen sculptures. Upon first inspection, all we could say is: 'what on earth is going on, here?'
Has anyone else wondered what those orange things are? We think they’re supposed to represent carrots. We’re also wondering if anyone has any ideas about what they’re looking upwards at?
A Christmas Candle Gone Terribly Wrong
Someone’s mom was full of goodwill, cheer, and festive optimism when she put this Christmas candle out for the family to enjoy. There’s plenty to take in here, one of Santa’s elves is all decked out in traditional red, and a pretty looking Christmas tree placed upon a small patch of snow. It’s only when you look up that you can see a well-dressed snowman and a snowflake-shaped Noel sign.
The thing is, the end result makes the snowman look like he’s recently learned how to do pole dancing and has rather, unfortunately, caused himself a rather bloody injury, right?