[Avodah] Succah Decorations That Were Made For Non Jewish Holidays

[Prof. Levine]

 From http://revach.net/article.php?id=1089

If a decoration was manufactured specifically for a Non Jewish 
Holiday may one use it to decorate their Succah?  The Chassam Sofer 
(OC 42) says it is permissible since we hold that it is Hazmana 
B'Alma, merely preparation to use for the non Jewish purpose. Hazmona 
even for avodah zara does not make the item forbidden.  Additionally 
the sale of the item is considered a bitul or nullification of the 
intent of avodah zara.  Lastly it was not intended to be avodah zara 
or to serve the avodah zara, it is only decorative.

The Shevet Halevi (2:10) says that even if it is written on the box 
that it is made for the Non Jewish Holiday it is 
permissible.  Moreover he adds that since it was made by a machine 
and not a person, a machine cannot have intentions for avodah 
zara.  (Moadim L'Simcha)

While most poskim do not have any objections, the Halichos V'Hanhagos 
says that Rav Elyashiv holds it is a "Davar Michuar", it is ugly to 
bring these decorations into the Succah, although it does not say 
that he assurs.

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