Holiday decorations have a way of holding memories. Even the smallest ornament or a simple string of lights can remind us of people we love, moments we shared, or seasons that felt especially bright. When those pieces are passed on, they don’t lose their meaning. They’re ready to bring their warmth into someone else’s home. At Big Reuse, we see that every day. Decorations arrive with their own quiet stories, and it feels special to imagine the new memories they’ll help create. When you walk through our store, you’ll find pieces that are ready for a second life, waiting for someone who will see their charm and give them a place to shine again.
A single ornament, a tiny ceramic figure, or a string of lights can hold years of tradition. These items come to Big Reuse with their own history, and it is beautiful to imagine how they will become part of someone else’s home. We see everything from vintage glass ornaments and angel toppers to wreath bases that inspire new creative visions. Some pieces feel nostalgic, others feel timeless, and together they show how meaningful reuse can be during the holidays.
Customers often tell us how surprised they are by the variety in our store. One person may find a classic winter village house that reminds them of childhood, while someone else falls in love with a decorated tin or candle holder that feels perfect for their holiday table. These small discoveries remind us that celebrations do not need to rely on new purchases. Sometimes the most heartfelt decorations are the ones that come with a past. Reused holiday décor also encourages creativity. A plain wreath can become a stunning centerpiece. A vintage basket can be repurposed as a gift bundle. Even simple items like ribbons, trays, or garlands can inspire a whole new look. When people choose reused decorations, they are not just saving items from being thrown away, they are giving themselves a chance to create something personal and unique.
At Big Reuse, keeping these decorations in circulation is part of our mission. Every item from our Reuse Center (thrift store) that finds a new home reduces waste and brings joy to another family. It shows that the holidays can be both festive and sustainable, full of beauty without adding to the landfill. When you take home a reused decoration, you are helping extend its story while supporting programs that care for New York City’s environment.
As you get ready for the holiday season, we hope you will stop by Big Reuse to explore what treasures are waiting. You might find something small, something vintage, or something thrifted that reminds you of home. Whatever it is, it will be part of a story that continues with you.
And after your holiday celebrations, if there are holiday decorations you no longer need, please come by and donate them instead of throwing them away!
Written by NYSERDA Fellow Tatiana Guerra