Ian Harding, best known for his roles in Pretty Little Liars and his latest holiday projects, Holidazed on Hallmark+ and Netflix’s Our Little Secret, has a unique approach to Christmas decorating. While many start their festive preparations early, Harding waits until December 23. His reasons are practical, humorous, and quite relatable.

The Anti-Lights Stance

Ian Harding, 38, confessed to Us Weekly that he’s not a fan of outdoor Christmas lights. His primary concern? The potential for electrical fires. “I’m not big on lights outside,” Harding revealed. The possibility of an “electrical fire problem” keeps him from adorning his home with the dazzling displays seen in many neighborhoods during the holiday season. “At least that’s the paranoid part of me,” Harding said with a laugh.

Indoor Festivities

While outdoor lights are a no-go, Harding embraces indoor decorations, particularly wreaths and bells. “But [I’m] big on indoor wreaths and bells. I like that,” he shared, although he noted that it “drives our dogs nuts.” Harding and his wife, Sophie Hart, have two dogs, Mochi and Bailey, and a son born in 2022. This focus on indoor decorations allows the family to enjoy the festive spirit without the added stress of outdoor installations.

Last-Minute Decorating

Despite his love for indoor decorations, Harding admits that his holiday décor doesn’t make an appearance until December 23. The reason? A busy schedule. “We just have so much going on that we’re like, ‘Oh my God! Christmas is next week. Oh, OK,'” he teased. The last-minute scramble to decorate adds a sense of urgency and excitement to their holiday preparations.

Holiday Traditions and Family Fun

Harding’s holiday traditions extend beyond decorations. He reminisced about the unconventional Christmas movies he watched as a child. “I don’t know what this says about our family. We liked a good rich drama on Christmas Eve,” he laughed, referencing his family’s tradition of watching George C. Scott’s version of A Christmas Carol. While the film had its enriching moments, Harding recalls some scenes being quite terrifying. “There were parts of it [that were],” he noted. These intense scenes, especially the one with the two malnourished children, haunted him. “I was not sleeping that night,” Harding confessed.

New Traditions with His Family

Now, as a father, Harding is considering lighter holiday movies. He’s leaning towards The Muppets Christmas Carol, a family-friendly alternative to the heavy English period drama. “Now that I have a child, let’s do the Muppets as opposed to heavy English period drama,” he told Us Weekly.

Full Circle with Hallmark Movies

Interestingly, Harding’s professional life has also come full circle with holiday movies. He stars as Josh Hill in Hallmark+’s Holidazed, a series set in a cul-de-sac featuring interlocking stories of different families dealing with the highs and lows of the Christmas season. “My character, I’ve come back to see my family. It was supposed to be sort of a quick trip, and I have, not an ulterior motive, but there’s more than one reason that I’m coming back,” he teased. The series, which debuted on November 14, releases new episodes every Thursday.

A Dual Holiday Treat

In addition to Holidazed, Harding stars in Netflix’s Our Little Secret alongside Lindsay Lohan. The film, which premiered on November 27, features Harding as Logan, a character who pretends not to know Lohan’s Avery despite their past relationship. Forced to spend Christmas together while dating siblings, they rekindle old feelings.

A Refreshing Take on Romance

“I think they just get each other. Even years later, like, small little details that are in the scripts, [show that connection],” Harding said of their character dynamic. Their familiarity, such as Logan remembering Avery’s love for a specific type of coffee or bringing a jacket because she’s always cold, underscores their deep connection. “I think he just knows her and maybe she doesn’t wanna admit this, but she knows him,” Harding teased, suggesting that fans will have to “tune in” to see if they rekindle their romance.

Balancing Humor and Romance

Harding’s characters in both Holidazed and Our Little Secret navigate the complexities of holiday family dynamics and romantic entanglements, providing viewers with a blend of humor, drama, and heartwarming moments. His portrayal brings a refreshing authenticity to the often predictable holiday genre.

Conclusion

Ian Harding’s unique take on Christmas, from his anti-lights stance to his last-minute decorating spree, adds a relatable and humorous twist to holiday traditions. His performances in Holidazed and Our Little Secret showcase his versatility as an actor and his ability to bring charm and depth to holiday-themed projects. As viewers tune in to his latest works, they’ll find a mix of humor, romance, and the magic of the holiday season, all wrapped up with Harding’s signature style.