Creative decorating ideas for holidays and other celebrations

The holidays are a time for rejoicing, but - unfortunately - it's not always that simple.

Friends and loved ones often can't be there for the celebration. Some families have loved ones in the military, or who are away for other reasons that can't be avoided. Other families are feeling the loss of family members or friends who have passed away since the previous Christmas.

Whatever the reason, they may be gone, but that doesn't mean they have to be forgotten. Make it a project to keep their memory alive at Christmas.

In the weeks before the holidays, survey your collection of photos, and ask your friends or family to do the same. As an example, a loved one who is serving in the military can be remembered by their military photo, a photo from their station, or even just a humorous candid photo. Loved ones who have passed away can be remembered through images of Christmases past, or from special photos that everyone has come to love over the years, such as wedding or anniversary photos. Those images can be turned into holiday signs and posters of all shapes and sizes that can be placed throughout the house at Christmas.

It may not alleviate the sadness, and it will never take the place of them actually being present at the holidays. But hopefully it will help to bring their spirit to your holiday celebration.

There's no argument that employees are the most valuable asset of virtually any business, but it's not always easy to demonstrate it. Workplace celebrations during the holidays are a perfect opportunity for businesses to send the right message to employees.


It can start before they even walk through the door. For example,
holiday banners displayed above employee entrances, or above the entry to the employee parking garage, bring the message home with style. A holiday banner is also a good way to let employees know about upcoming events, such as a company party or New Year's celebration.

Here are some things to keep in mind when you consider a banner for your workplace:

• It's not the kind of thing you have to buy off the shelf. Make sure you control the message with customized wording, whether it's "Happy Holidays!" or "Thanks for being such great employees!"



• Use customized imagery that also conveys the right image and message for your company. A holiday banner can include something as simple as a clip art Christmas tree, or as sophisticated as a photo submitted as the winning entry in an employee contest. Any banner should be produced in high-resolution detail and vivid color.



• Time is always a factor, but maybe not as much as you think. Online digital print shops can usually offer turnaround of 1 to 3 days for most banners.



• Consider choosing a durable, quality material such as canvas or heavy-duty vinyl for the material. Quality printing on durable material produces a holiday banner that can be used each year.



• There's no reason that holiday banners should have to stay outside. When you're setting up a workplace Christmas party, bring them inside to add a colorful touch to the decor.



• As always, be sensitive to employee diversity when choosing both the wording and the imagery for banners or any other holiday signs. It's important to make everyone feel included, and not offended.

As anyone who has ever been put in charge of the office Christmas party can attest, it's tough to stage an event that a) everyone wants to go to, and b) doesn't suck. Here are some quick-hit ideas for making your workplace Christmas party a success:

1. Pick a theme, any theme. Pique everyone's interest by building your party around a theme. For example, add an international flair, and set the tone with holiday signs of flags from different countries. Place them around the workplace in the days leading up to the party, and then bring them together on the big day.


2. Go traditional, with a twist. If you want to stick with a more mainstream theme, keep the Christmas tree and Christmas lights, but create holiday signs with iconic images of Christmas - Santa Claus, Christmas ornaments, reindeer, and so on - to create a festive atmosphere for the party.


3. Get everyone involved. Getting ideas from fellow employees is a great way to get buy-in from employees, and also to build word-of-mouth "advertising" for the event. Stage a decorating contest for cubicles, using paper, lights and ribbons; or for offices, for the most attractively wrapped doors. Prizes can be as simple as movie passes or gift certificates.


4. A contest is always a winner. Ask employees to submit their favorite holiday or winter photos. Turn the winning entries into holiday signs or posters that can serve as decorations for the party, and also as mementos after the party is over.