Here's my definition of cheer
So here we are, the holiday season. Is your library prepared?
1. Decorations
The first thing you want to start with is the crap on the walls. Not literally, that's Moe the Hobo's thing and he does not work here. I am talking about the fake tree branches, the pictures of jolly old fat men, and little chotchkies spread around the library.
This should be your reference desk.
Once all the stockings are hung and everything is in place, sit back and think about what more could be put around the library. Little dancing Santas are a good touch, especially if they are the kind that come on with noise. Nothing like little red suited spies to show the patrons they are disturbing others, am I right?
2. The Tree
The center piece of all festivities should be second on your list, only if because this gaudy monstrosity from pagan times can illicit random comments from the uneducated about the true meaning of the season.
Yep, this is the reason for the season... or a detraction of the true meaning. Whatever, don't let it dry out.
This joyous symbol of the season can be a center piece to your mastery of the holiday. Adorn with lights, ribbons and various ornaments depicting literary characters, this tree can become a main attraction for most libraries. Or a giant fire hazard in the middle of the city's biggest fire hazard.
Told ya.
3. Carolers
Has anyone in libraries ever worked in a retail center or restaurant during the holidays? If you have, you know one truth in this life: Christmas carols are mind-numbingly, bone-crunchingly, debilitatingly horrid way of torture that drives anyone with half a brain into a mindless drone after the second repeat of the CD. The ONLY ways Christmas carols should be delivered are either in short, one-off playings or by live singers.
Even if it is your local LARPing group...
As the center of the community that has no major department store or mall, the library can be the only place to host a scary man in a red suit who likes children to sit in his lap. Let that sink in for a moment.
Yep. Sinking in...
Images
Liquor pic
Xmas decorations pic
Tree pic
Tree fire pic
Carolers pic
Santa pic