It’s that time of year. Some say the most wonderful time. When it comes to holiday decorating, most limit their creativity to their homes. Some, however, want symbols of the holiday at work and home. A bit of holiday cheer surrounding the desk, water cooler, or cubicle might help get through a trying day. These days, hauling decorations to “work” may take all of … 10 minutes. If you’ve always worked from home or for those teleworking, your workspace is closer than ever (perhaps, too close).

If you’re interested in decorating your workspace, there are several different (affordable) ways to go about it.

Be Mindful

For a workspace located outside your home and in an office setting, before going crazy with the holiday decorating, keep in mind that not everyone celebrates Christmas. Some opt not to celebrate Christmas for the sake of it, but others don’t celebrate it for religious reasons. To keep everything festive and in the spirit of the season (goodwill toward men and all), consult with supervisors and/or fellow staff before the tinsel is hung—even if only decorating your personal workspace.

As long as company policy allows holiday decorating, even if someone in your workplace doesn’t celebrate Christmas, reflecting a Christmas theme remains doable. Your approach, however, might need tweaking, where you’re less Jingle Bells in Your Face! and more considerate of your coworker(s). Instead of decorating using decorations solely symbolizing Christmas (e.g. Christmas trees, Santa Claus, reindeer, etc.), consider a simpler approach. A red and green tablecloth for your desk, poinsettias, and simple wreaths still bring the holiday spirit into your workplace without offending coworkers. If Hanukkah or Kwanzaa is your focus, decorating using the colors and symbolic candles would work well—just don’t light them.

Fancy Ain’t Cheap

Whether or not you’re shopping for decorations on a budget, the best-decorated workspaces warrant beautiful, elegant, or trendy decorations. For that extra-special touch, think specialty holiday shops, either local or online. Decorations from specialty shops tend to be pricier, but depending on your goal, may be worth it. Some specialty suggestions: you can decorateporcelain or ceramic figurines, tabletop fiber optic decorations, or small pine/fir trees.

Considering these ideas, decorating your workspace for the holidays should be fun and not a hassle. The holiday season is all about sharing, giving, and spreading holiday joy. A  richly or even subtly decorated workspace with that message in mind is a great start.

For more on holiday decorating, check out my newsletter, Tranquill at Twilight …

Yes, that spelling’s on purpose.

Until next time, stay serif, be safe, and have fun decorating.