Halloween and giant skeletons: How America's towering decorations are escaping the spooky season to steal the spotlight at Christmas, Valentine's Day and other unexpected holidays

The Halloween decorations must be packed up when October comes to an end. But for many Americans living in different neighbourhoods, one huge ornament seems to prove to be difficult to pack up - that is, the big skeleton. The large plastic figures, which can reach up to 12 feet in height, are becoming common ornaments in different parts of the United States. From being used as a Halloween decoration, the trend has taken another form by allowing the owners to dress the skeletons on Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, and other holidays.

The trend has changed an ordinary decoration into an all-year decoration, with some decorating their giant skeleton with a Santa hat, festive lights, hearts for Valentine's Day, or clothes depending on the sports event taking place around.

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It's not difficult to see why the decoration is very popular among people. Apart from being hard to overlook, being easily customised and easy to picture, its size makes it very suitable for use on different social media platforms.

In this way, the popularity of such ornaments proves to be reflective of the changing nature of holiday culture in America.

How the 12-foot skeleton became an American Halloween favourite

The main reason why people have become interested in this decoration is that it is a huge 12-foot skeleton, which is often called Skelly. It was created in 2020, and now it is considered one of the most recognisable seasonal products of the company.

One of the main reasons for its popularity is its size.

A normal skeleton can be located on a porch or a table, but this 12-foot skeleton can take up the whole space of a front yard. The size of its skull, long legs, and height make this decoration look impressive without any additions.

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It became an Internet hit thanks to social media. Photos of various skeletons that were decorating driveways, wearing various costumes or standing near other Halloween decorations have become very popular on the Internet.

This trend was also helped by the skeletal figure's versatility.

Unlike the displays made with a certain horror movie character, a skeletal figure can easily be turned into something else with just some accessories. With just a Santa cap, it looks like someone in a Christmas mood, but with sunglasses and summer clothes, it acquires an entirely new personality.

For those homeowners who love decorating, this would mean that they have a good excuse to continue decorating beyond Halloween.

Not all the giant skeletons seen during the season are the same product; nevertheless, the trend started by Skelly means that the oversized skeleton is now considered a recognisable part of the American Halloween decorating tradition.

Christmas, Valentine's Day and the surprising life of a giant skeleton

For some of the owners, the end of Halloween heralds the start of another decorating process.

In anticipation of Christmas, giant skeletons can be dressed in Santa costumes, Santa hats, scarves, and lights. Some will be placed next to Christmas trees and wrapped up in presents, giving an odd combination of a typically scary decoration combined with festive themes.

Valentine's Day provides another chance.

Heart-shaped glasses, pink accessories and red decorations will make the skeleton a fun decoration. At Easter time, bunny ears, pastel colours, and large baskets are used. There are also skeletons dressed like sports fans, musicians, or pop culture characters.

These variations are not part of any unified campaign. They are personal interpretations of a well-known decoration.

The dimensions of the skeleton itself lend themselves well to being a humorous sight. They allow the use of dramatic poses with the skeleton's limbs, while its large head will always give even a simple costume an exaggerated touch.

Hence, the photo of a giant skeleton in a jolly sweater will capture attention without using a fancy set.

Some owners set up an entire scene with many figures and props, while others only modify the skeleton slightly, making it possible for the decoration itself to stay in one place, with its accessories changing during the season.

This leads to a unique type of seasonal decoration that goes beyond traditional holidays. The decoration that was previously connected solely with Halloween becomes a year-round feature of a house's outdoor decoration.

Why homeowners are keeping their skeletons out all year

The popularity of the giant skeletons is also related to changes in social media and how decorating holidays is perceived.

Previously, impressive displays could be admired mostly by the neighbours and passers-by. Nowadays, with the help of photography and videography, an impressive yard can become available to a wide range of people. Moreover, each new costume becomes a reason to shoot new content, which does not involve the cost of purchasing a new decoration.

A recognisable form of the skeleton is also important. The explanation of the joke is not needed if one sees a 12-foot character decorated for Christmas or Valentine's Day. The uniqueness of the size makes the difference.

There is another reason why large-sized decorations have gained popularity. Large seasonal decorations cost quite a lot, and they take up a lot of space during storage. It is possible to reuse one big decoration in case owners decide not to disassemble their skeletons or use them for various holidays.

However, having the skeleton outdoors does require certain considerations.

Weather conditions might affect plastic parts, lights, and other electrical accessories. Also, wind might be harmful for tall decorations unless they are installed securely.

Thus, owners need to consider the local weather, manufacturer’s recommendations, and even neighbourhood policies before leaving large displays outside.

Nevertheless, for many fans, there is more than just comfort in decorating their houses.

Decorating becomes an opportunity for expressing oneself and creating something special that neighbours can look forward to every year. Such a huge skeleton becomes a local icon with a new costume every year.

This case shows that sometimes a product can take an unexpected turn. Home Depot started selling a huge Halloween decoration, but then people used their own imagination for it.

With Halloween now past and Christmas approaching, along with the new year ahead, many skeletons will be put away in storage. Others will continue to stay in the garden, awaiting their next disguise.

The decision of what to dress up as for Halloween has now been replaced by the more challenging question of what to dress up 12 feet of skeleton as.