Christmas decorations in the form of Taylor Swift, a mini air fryer and even ‘evil’ carrots might sound weird – but they’re more rooted in tradition than you think

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In signs that Christmas is throwing out the rulebook, red and gold baubles are on the decline. In their place? Picante cocktails, full English breakfasts, clamshells and even anatomical human hearts. Welcome to the era of the anti-trad bauble.

John Lewis, normally a leader of tradition, is selling everything from balloon dogs to sprinkle cakes and miniature dart boards. Sales of pickles and croissant decorations are up 12% week on week. At M&S, bestsellers include a teeny packet of Percy Pigs, a yoga mat and a silver suitcase. This year, the online homeware site Rockett St George has even added a pink glittery air fryer to its bauble roster, well and truly mirroring the times. Other highlights: a gold cowboy boot and a cheese dome featuring slabs of melting camembert and brie. A spokesperson describes them as “the antidote to bland”.