Embracing the Queer Magic: Unveiling the Christmas Tradition of Gay Merman Ornaments
Celebrate the LGBTQ community with December Diamonds' cult Christmas classic ornaments These whimsical mermen designs, created for and by the community, bring a kitschy coastal style to your holiday decor for 20 years
Amazon's "recommended" algorithm is a powerful and enigmatic force. One moment, it may suggest Korean face moisturizers and affordable home office decor, and the next, it might surprise you with a handsome gay merman Christmas tree ornament featuring a "Black Lives Matter" sign, forever changing your life.
A single socially conscious merman is a delightful anomaly. But when the singles become many - a package delivery merman, a firefighter merman, a trick-or-treating merman, and one specifically honoring LGBTQ-friendly Rehoboth Beach in Delaware - you start to suspect a thriving gay merman subculture lurking beneath the surface.
Correct.
For two decades, December Diamonds, a home decor company, has been creating and manufacturing ornaments that celebrate the LGBTQ community in a quirky coastal fashion. This includes mermen, mermaids, a collection of rugged, hairy men known as "Poke the Bear," and a whimsical line of male fairies.
Collectors around the world hold a special place in their hearts for these ornaments, with thousands of social media fans eagerly anticipating new releases and offering their own suggestions for fresh designs. These niche Christmas decorations have a unique charm that appeals to collectors, but there is also an element of mystery. It's impossible to look at a whimsical, unique ornament without questioning the creative choices behind its design. Who is responsible for these unconventional symbols of LGBTQ+ pride, and why do they exist? Not that we're complaining, of course.
For the community, by the community
December Diamonds was established in 1999, initially offering standard coastal-themed Christmas decorations. However, in 2003, the company made waves by introducing its first merman figurine, featuring a muscular, blonde and shirtless character named Nemo.
Greg Jones, President of December Diamonds, explained to CNN that the initial designs were basic and crass, but evolved to become more personality-driven, which resonated with the gay community. Since acquiring December Diamonds in 2015, Jones has utilized his expertise in marketing and product design to revamp the company. He personally designs all of the ornaments, creating masterpieces like "Mr. Beach Balls," a merman in a vintage bathing costume, and "Big N Tasty," a gentleman with a farmers market theme.
Jones remarked, "You won't see these ornaments on a straight man's Christmas tree."
Constantly brainstorming new ornament ideas, he draws inspiration from his own experiences and fan suggestions.
"We constantly receive emails and Facebook posts from customers with suggestions, and the occupation-themed ones are particularly popular. People often say, 'We need a flight attendant' or 'we need this type of hairdresser,'" he explained. "I believe the biggest draw is that, no matter who you are, you'll find an ornament that resonates with you."
Over the years, Jones and his team have made a conscious effort to enhance the diversity of their offerings, including more body types, ages, and races. Their collection of over 300 ornaments, which includes retired or limited edition pieces (with about 100 currently in production), represents a variety of cultures, featuring hairy men, individuals with beer bellies, silver foxes, trans mermen and maids, and more.
Courtesy December Diamonds
Jones particularly loves the 20-year-anniversary edition of Nemo, the original merman ornament. "This year, I revisited that and created a commemorative piece. It's the same character in the same pose, just 20 years older. Now he has gray hair and is a bit thicker. This design was for all the customers who have been collecting and purchasing these ornaments for years."
Jones is inspired by real life, including the people he meets and the jokes shared with friends. For example, "Dr. Hipster," a character he created, is based on a real-life hip replacement surgeon. Additionally, the Rehoboth Beach ornament pays homage to the beach where Jones used to vacation. He often finds inspiration for his ornaments while socializing with friends, observing people around him, and sparking ideas for new creations.
As a company that supports and appeals to gay communities, it goes beyond creating whimsical ornaments with names like "Daddy Duckie" or "Flaming Bottom."
"I try to avoid getting involved in politics whenever possible," Jones stated. "But ultimately, it's my company. If I can't create the products I believe in and support the people I want to support, then what's the purpose?"
Courtesy December Diamonds
December Diamonds sometimes donates the profits from specific ornaments to LGBTQ causes. Ornaments such as the Black Lives Matter merman and those featuring a "Resist" hat show support for social justice causes that are important to the intersectional LGBTQ community.
Just a few months after Jones acquired the company in 2015, the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando left the nation in mourning.
"I felt an urge to take action, to raise funds, to make a statement. But I never wanted to exploit the situation," he explained.
After sharing the idea of creating an ornament with his friends and colleagues, the feedback was incredibly positive. When the ornament, featuring a Latino merman holding a rainbow heart, was unveiled, Jones shared that it brought tears to the eyes of a customer. A portion of the proceeds from the sales went to a charity based in Orlando, and that's when Jones knew he was on the right path.
"Since then, I have been dedicated to being a positive voice for the community without any selfish motivations. Advocacy is crucial in this work, as is creating fun and charming ornaments representing a variety of individuals, including postal workers, surgeons, food enthusiasts, Fire Island regulars, bar patrons, happily married couples, political activists, and carefree individuals. Every identity is worthy of celebration and a special place on the Christmas tree."
