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What Are the Best Tips for Creating a Christmas Cubicle?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

Some offices allow employees to get into the Christmas spirit during the holidays, and decorating an office cubicle is one place to start. One of the most popular methods of creating a Christmas cubicle is placing a small tree on the desk, and hanging either traditional decorations or assorted office supplies on it. Wrapping sparkling lights, garland or holiday wrapping paper around the cubicle, desk or computer is another method of showing off Christmas decorations. Setting out a dish of candy on the desk is likely to attract coworkers to the Christmas cubicle, as are holiday-themed photos.

Few cubicles are large enough to fit a full-sized Christmas tree, but they are usually just right for miniature versions. Employees interested in creating a Christmas cubicle are encouraged to choose a tree that is small enough to fit on the desk but just large enough to peek over the walls of the cubicle so passers-by can see it. A small artificial tree is often considered a good investment, because it can last several years, but it tends to lack the smell of a real tree, so employees are advised to weigh the pros and cons of each type before buying. Once the tree is selected, employees can add typical Christmas decorations to it or allow it to blend in with the environment by hanging office supplies on it. Examples of creative office Christmas decorations to hang on a tree include a small stapler, pens and sticky notes.

Christmas lights can be a fun way to decorate a cubicle.
Christmas lights can be a fun way to decorate a cubicle.

It is quite common to see office cubicles wrapped in either colored or white lights for the holidays, but there are other options, too. For instance, garland made of shiny tinsel or fake pine boughs can be wrapped around the walls of the cubicle, as well as around the chair, computer and desk. Some employees opt to put wrapping paper around their cubicle walls or the sides of their computer, allowing them to choose from several patterns, colors and textures for their Christmas decorations. No matter what items are draped around the Christmas cubicle, employees should be sure they do not obstruct the ability to work in or enter and exit the area.

Workers may find cubicle offer very little space for personal decorations.
Workers may find cubicle offer very little space for personal decorations.

Some decorating methods are likely to attract co-workers to the Christmas cubicle, ensuring the employee's efforts are not wasted. For example, setting out a dish of candy can increase the number of people who stop by the desk throughout the work day. In addition, placing holiday-themed photos around the office should catch the attention of others, especially if the pictures include co-workers. Photos from the previous year's Christmas party may be appreciated by co-workers, as long as they are appropriate for the office. In a similar vein, people should be aware of their setting and strive to keep all of their decorations both tasteful and appropriate for the office.

Discussion Comments

pastanaga

@indigomoth - People can go a little bit crazy with their Christmas cubicle ideas. I've seen pictures of people who have completely transformed their cubicle into a grotto or a gingerbread house, or strung it up with lights.

I like the sentiment, but I can't help thinking it must be quite uncomfortable to work in a crowded area like that.

I guess if the person decorated their own cubicle they must know their own tolerance. But I think I would hang up a wreath and call it a day unless I was pulling a prank on someone else.

If it was for a prank I would try to get really creative, but I'd have to know they were going to appreciate the effort!

indigomoth

@bythewell - It depends on the office. I've worked in places where we've had a full size, real Christmas tree and no one complained. But then we also had Christmas cubicle decorating competitions there so maybe it's not a typical example.

People can be really creative when they are given a chance. I particularly like it when people use office supplies to decorate in such a way that the supplies can be recycled after New Year. Like making streamers out of paperclips.

That way you don't have to worry about storing or throwing out a whole bunch of paper and plastic every year.

bythewell

I'd be careful about getting a real pine tree for Christmas as it's likely someone in the office will end up complaining about it. No matter how nice you find the smell, it will bother someone and there might even be people who are allergic to it.

If it's a small office and you can get permission from everyone before you start decorating cubicles I would go for it, but otherwise I'd stick with an artificial tree.

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    • Christmas lights can be a fun way to decorate a cubicle.
      By: Artistic Endeavor
      Christmas lights can be a fun way to decorate a cubicle.
    • Workers may find cubicle offer very little space for personal decorations.
      By: 06photo
      Workers may find cubicle offer very little space for personal decorations.
    • Some companies have ironclad rules about what can and cannot be done when decorating a cubicle.
      By: Monkey Business
      Some companies have ironclad rules about what can and cannot be done when decorating a cubicle.
    • An employee might decorate their cubicle with crafts made by their children.
      By: Gennadiy Poznyakov
      An employee might decorate their cubicle with crafts made by their children.
    • A fiber-optic Christmas tree may be displayed in a Christmas cubicle.
      A fiber-optic Christmas tree may be displayed in a Christmas cubicle.
    • A Christmas cubicle may feature a Christmas tree with a tree skirt.
      By: eurobanks
      A Christmas cubicle may feature a Christmas tree with a tree skirt.
    • Christmas ornaments may be featured in a Christmas cubicle.
      By: Kathy Burns-Millyard
      Christmas ornaments may be featured in a Christmas cubicle.