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Dear Amy,

My neighbor has at least ten inflatable holiday decorations in their yard at any given time, regardless of the season. It is currently mid-March, and they have a massive leprechaun holding a pot of gold, a slightly deflated Cupid and — confusingly — a snowman wearing bunny ears. Last month, they added heart-shaped balloons, which is fine for Valentine’s Day but I know they’ll still be up in September. It’s excessive, tacky, and frankly, I’m tired of looking at it. Can I ask them to tone it down?

– Overwhelmed by Over-the-Top Decor

Dear Overwhelmed,

Absolutely not. In fact, you should lean into the madness. Your neighbor isn’t just decorating — they’re building a holiday legacy. Instead of resisting, start adding your own bizarre, out-of-season inflatables. A giant inflatable Frankenstein? Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day. A New Year’s Baby holding a jack-o’-lantern? Why not?

If they question it, just say you’re inspired by their bold commitment to year-round holiday confusion. With enough effort, you can create a neighborhood so bafflingly festive that even Google Maps will struggle to categorize it.

Or, take things a step further and introduce some competition. Start a rumor that another house in the neighborhood is way more committed to inflatable décor. Mention that someone down the street is already planning a 50-foot animatronic Uncle Sam for July 4th or an entire inflatable nativity scene with real sound effects. If your neighbor is as dedicated as they seem, they’ll either escalate to absurd levels (which at least makes things entertaining) or become discouraged at the thought of being outdone.

Either way, you win.

At the end of the day, their yard is theirs, and they have every right to cover it in inflatable chaos. The real question is whether this is a serious issue or just an aesthetic grievance.

If the decorations aren’t blocking driveways, making noise or violating local rules, you may have to grin and bear it. But before you let frustration get the best of you, ask yourself — have you ever talked to them about it? Maybe they don’t realize how long some of these inflatables have been up. Maybe they’d be open to a conversation. Or maybe they’re deeply dedicated to their craft and you just need a taller hedge. Either way, brace yourself — because the giant inflatable Easter bunny is probably already waiting in the wings.

Best of bad advice,

Amy