Decorating for Holidays

[Angela3878]

With the holidays coming up, do you decorate your host home for Thanksgiving or Christmas? I would like to put up a tree and a little decor but I do not want to offend different religious or ethnic groups. Your thoughts? 

[Ivan1711]

Hi Angela,

Good day, and thank you for contacting me. I will be more than happy to help and assist or share some tips. To be honest, since our place is in the Philippines, we don't celebrate Thanksgiving that much, unlike Christmas, where celebrations start as early as September, commonly known here as "ber months.".

Since we offer sustainable and minimalist stays, we used natural and recyclable decorations like outdoor solar Christmas lights. We also use our arucaria tree as a Christmas tree, and we also add ponsentia plants in the entrance. Very minimal decorations, since we would like to accommodate other guests with different religions. I also shared with my guests suggestions on where to go if they are looking for a Christmas vibe, like the nearest night markets, fireworks display, simbang gabi schedule, and a whole lot more. 

Thank you, and I hope this helps you and enjoy being part of the AirBnB family!

[Paula]

Hello @Angela3878, I hope all is well, and thank you so much for bringing this wonderful topic to our community! Many hosts have shared their thoughts, offering various perspectives. Have you had a chance to read through them? Have you decided how you’ll decorate your space? 🎄😍

Also, here’s a quick tip for replying to other hosts: simply tap "@" and select the host’s username from the dropdown menu 😊 This way, they’ll receive a notification about your message!

I hope this helps.

[Gina2534]

Hi Angela! This is my first year co hosting but I am thinking our cottages are only 322 square feet so if we do it may be on the door or dish towels etc, small stuff.

[Hans916]

Hi,

We will not decorate for holidays like that.  We are in a Buddhist country and we are in a market that receives guests from all religions.

First of all impossible to decorate for all holidays (too many and too much work) and also we don't want to offend one religion with the decorations for another religion.

[Emma3494]

Hi Angela,

Yes, I usually include a 'touch of Christmas' like a table sized decorated Xmas tree as well as hanging a Christmas reef on the door. I'm aware that most of my bookings are usually planning family festivities at the cottage. This year, I plan to include Christmas crackers for those staying on the day - which is a bit of fun with jokes and hats : ). These items can easily be removed & stored if guests find them distasteful. 

This is the only decorations I use for any event. Plus, we don't celebrate Thanksgiving in NZ.  

[Daniel2683]

Yes, we decorate all our cabins for christmas! It does take some time but the guest really like it.

[Johanne540]

Je pense que c’est une excellente idée de décorer. Ça met l’ambiance joyeuse et originale. Pour ma part j’ai des amis de différentes religions et je les invite à Noël. Ils aiment bien et ceux qui ont des enfants le font aussi. Je rappelle que le sapin n’est pas lié à une pratique religieuse mais une tradition de différentes communautés.

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I think it's a great idea to decorate. It creates a joyful and original atmosphere. For my part, I have friends of different religions and I invite them to Christmas. They like it and those who have children do it too. I remind you that the tree is not linked to a religious practice but a tradition of different communities.

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[Elena4390]

Hi Angela,

Happy holidays ahead to you and everyone here !! being in the Middle-east for a while and starting to host here  recently, where such holidays as Thanksgiving and Christmas eve should be out of place, culture and religion; I am telling you confidently people here,  decorate and catch the vibes not less that anywhere else in the world 😃 So, I am going to decorate maybe not excessively or for stirring any extra income, but to add a little welcoming gesture for our guests, and to keep the vibes of the holidays present !!

Cheers,

Elena

[Fiona256]

There is no cause for celebration this Christmas. Instead we should have flags at half mast for the next four years. What have you all done? How could you?  Despair and trepidation in the rest of the world.

[Frances3408]

@Angela3878. Hi Angela. As Christmas here is nearly at the beginning of long Summer school holidays I tend to keep any decorations to a minimum. Maybe a Christmas wreath on the flyscreen door and a small tree in the lounge if guests are actually staying during those days. I already have solar party lights strung around outdoor areas. I will buy festive paper cups, serviettes and plates although this is not very environmentally friendly, they do get used for all the picnics and take aways by the beach. I dont worry about offending anyone but I do mention it upfront and ask if any special requests, just in case.

[Eli31231]

Hi!

I totally get your thoughts on decorating for the holidays—it can be a bit of a balance, but it’s so nice to add a touch of warmth for guests. **

If you do want to add seasonal decor, maybe go for a tree with simple, neutral ornaments or a cozy winter theme that everyone can enjoy. That way, it’s festive without being specific to any one tradition.

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[D-15]

HI Angela!

I have a small tree for decoration at Christmas, but I always ask if it would be ok before the guests arrive.  I too, do not want to offend anyone regarding beliefs/religion ect. 

Regarding other holidays, I ususally leave treats that coincide.  Candy ghost, pumpkin cookies, valentine hearts ect.....

Hope this helps!

Dawn