In Portsmouth, Hampshire, residents reportedly received letters from the local authority, warning them that Christmas wreaths and other seasonal ornaments placed on their front doors could result in fines.
According to those who received the notices, hundreds of letters were sent out, instructing people to remove any decorations attached to the exterior of their homes. The council warned that failure to comply could lead to enforcement action and potential charges for non-compliance.
For many locals, the decision feels like an unnecessary and heavy-handed move, especially during a season traditionally associated with celebration, community and warmth. What has long been seen as a harmless expression of holiday spirit is now being treated as a regulatory issue, leaving residents frustrated and questioning why festive wreaths have suddenly become a problem.
The situation has sparked debate about the priorities of local authorities and whether such strict measures against Christmas decorations truly serve the community—or simply undermine it.
Decorations under fire in the UK are part of a growing anti-Christmas trend in Europe, which includes threats from Islamists and terrorists. In Germany, for instance, Christmas markets are turning into “fallout shelters” as security measures are becoming more and more intrusive. Berlin even promises to ‘decolonise Christmas,’ whatever that means.
