Christmas Decorations

[Kitty]

I spent 130 bucks (laundry money of course) on a tree, ornaments, lights, garland and some lighted wall decorations. Oh yes, and of course the snow paint for the windows.

This is my eighth Christmas season in laundry land and I have never decorated the store. Must be the yuletide feeling? I always thought that decorating was useless as everything would be stolen. But, the 10 wooden stools we purchased last spring are still in the store, all accounted for. So, I thought, maybe the clientelle would be happy to see the christmas decorations and keep them in tact. We'll see?

The Christmas tree came out pretty good. Spent 17 bucks on a fake one, BD claimed I purchased the "Charlie Brown" tree, but it will fit the purpose very nicely. 6 foot, 43" girth so it fits in the mat. The tree topper is a strategically positioned recycled woolite bottle. Several of the decorations on the tree are coin-op vend soaps and bag boxes. Tis the season to be jolly! (not sure why as I spent 550 bucks yesterday on ps2, game boys and stupid video games my kids want) :)

Anyone else decorate?

[Howard]

I have our windows painted each year for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Xmas, and July 4th. Nowadays, I sometimes do other holidays, depending upon ideas submitted. It is watercolor paint and cheap (about $20 a window). It comes off easily (about $5 a window).

The high school kids usually solicit me to allow them to paint and earn the money. Originally, I put a sign up at one of the local high schools (bulletin board). It has become a "tradition" and is often mentioned in the newspaper (always mentioned in the high school papers) and customers compare previous windows to present windows.

The level of creativity is improving yearly and it has become a fun activity for everyone involved.

However, there are no loose decorations anywhere (like garlands or trees). I don't think they would stay put for more then a day or two (unattended mats).

[Kitty]

Thats a great idea for the artists in your area to be able to display there talents. That is very cool.

For the loose decorations in the main store, we'll see how long they last.

[srhaz]

The x-mas decoration thing scares me.
My wife is a teacher, who last year, put a few xmas things in her classroom - and oh boy - a few parents came down on her and so did the school administration. It offends many people.

Yes this is unfortunate, Christmas is a beutiful time - but it is a business decision for me not to put any up.

My house however is decked out big time

Merry Christmas TO ALL

[Coinwash]

What my people did in the past was to put ribbons and bows on all the machines to make them look like presents. If someone has a problem with that to bad.

This is a happy occasion for all.:p

[Gary C]

I don't care who it offends! Ever other religon can do their thing why not the people who celibrate xmas. I am not religous but we celibrate anyway. My wife does decorate the l'mat she says I don't do a good job. I have to admit she does much better than me. I have no idea what we spend on it.

Gary

[pete f]

Just today I saw someone left a nice small poinsetta plant in my mat #3. I really wonder if it will be there tomorrow. I plan to string a few lights if I get time. I think I have some x-mas decorations type stuff still up inside from last year!

[Howard]

Since there is no one to complain to in my unattended mats, I don't get any complaints.
Besides, it is difficult to tell a :eek: :eek: :eek: not to decorate for Christmas. That is even more "offensive".

[Howard]

Just saw the three smiley faces in my last post.

Apparently, there is a program in this format that forbids the use of certain words. I don't think that a person of the Jewish faith and culture heritage should be an offensive word, but I suppose this action is to prevent hate posts.

[SudsMan]

We are unattended until 5 PM and then are atteneded until closing. We put up generic "Season" things, like snowmen, Santas, bells, string of white lights across the top of our windows. Never have lost anything. We get good remarks about how nice things look.

I too am concerned about offending folks. However, this year I'm going for the gold and putting up a small Christmas tree on top of my wascos. For some reason I feel very patriotic and Christen this year. If other religions don't like my decorations... to H E double hocky sticks with them! I think it's about time we, the majority, stand up for who we are.

Sorry 'bout the soapbox stuff....

Howard, I love your idea of painting the windows. How did you first start that tradition. Did you contact the school principal?

[SudsMan]

HEY YA'LL, I JUST REALIZED I'M A SILVER!!! Wow, I didn't think I'd ever make it... :-) Just kidding.

[Howard]

I saw another business that had its windows painted. I asked them who did it. They said, "A high school kid", but couldn't remember her name. I posted a handwritten notice at the local high school, on the bulletin board. I did not ask for permission.
I got two or three responses and it started from there.

The art study kids at other schools knew about it before I decided to do the other mats as well.

[anonymous]

Kitty --

I used to put up wreaths on all the bulkhead posts, and garlands draped in the windows, but never had any comments good or bad about it.

Last year I put only one huge wreath in the window behind the counter (my main gal made it -- she used to work for Michael's) and got raves. Go figure.

I always wanted to put Santa & reindeer on the roof, but I just don't think it would be practical. However, it would be a real eye-catcher!!!!!!