Dealing with the decorations and events for Holidays.

            Did you know that there are ten major holidays that most churches celebrate in one way or another? It is important to know and understand what the holiday is and how to decorate for it. Decorations and holiday events are very important to churches for three reasons. They keep the spirits up, they give people a reason to celebrate, and they can be used as a teaching method to inform people about the holiday’s true meaning. I will explain in short paragraphs what four of the holidays are and how to deal with them.

            The first big one of the year is Valentine’s Day. It is a day of love and being with that special someone. In churches it’s a great time to talk about how God and Jesus love each and every one of us. It’s not that important to decorate but things you can do is get pink plates, napkins, and other dinnerware. Also other things you can do are table toppers and some banners can also bring out the love mood. Avoid anything sexualized at all cost because that stuff does not need to be in a church.

            The next one is a combination of Easter, Passover, Palm Sunday, and Good Friday. These holidays celebrate Jesus’s death and resurrection. To most churches this is the most important holiday of the year. To decorate for this holiday use flowers (especially Easter lilies), crosses, and bright colors usually bright yellows, cream whites, baby blues, and light purples. Put this stuff everywhere but do not go overboard or it will look tacky. Avoid heavy use of chickens, eggs, and bunnys; while cute in a pinch that is not what the holiday is about.

            Mother’s day and Father’s day, while not usually combined are about the same thing; honoring your parents. For mother’s day, use the same things for Easter except replace crosses and cute animals with baby bottles, more flowers, and cakes. For Father’s day, use darker somber colors with fishing, hunting, golf, tools and other manly things. Things to avoid for these holidays are things for children and mixing up the decorations.

            The final one is Christmas. The birth of Christ is the main theme. Use standard Christmas things, (ex. Trees, garland, lights, and snowflakes) blues, whites, gold, purples, and manger scenes. Santa Claus is ok but make sure it is about baby Jesus.  Avoid things like Xmas and secular decorations like television themed ornaments and candy. (Do you think Jesus would really like family guy and south park themed things inside the church?) It’s the Christmas season so go all out.

            Holidays are important to the young and old alike there is nothing like it for a church member to walk in feeling festive. So decorate, its important.