FAQ’s: Should I Decorate my Airbnb for the Holidays?

My favorite Holiday is around the corner… only 88 days until Christmas! Christmas is by far my favorite season and there is no way I’d spend it away from my family and my Island, Puerto Rico. The food, the decorations, the family gatherings, the season drinks, the Christmas tree, the gifts, the joy… you may sense it by now. I truly enjoy the holidays, and if you didn’t know, PR has the longest Christmas celebration in the world... or so we claim.

A very Christmasy living room (Photo: Lowes)

However, the season is not so Holy for everyone, as it may bring sad memories, and even with all the joy that the season represents, it is a season of depression for many. Also, not everyone celebrates Christmas due to different religious beliefs.

One of the most frequently asked questions in the Airbnb community during this period is if hosts should decorate their rental for the holidays. There are shared opinions about this. Do not be discouraged, though. It is your place, and you should be able to share the joy if you love it. Nevertheless, there are a few recommendations for hosts when it comes to updating your rental with seasonal decor:

• Keep the decorations simple. Adding just a few seasonal touches can make your rental feel warm and cozy.

• If you are going for the Christmas tree, make it a small one, that does not take too much of the common space and make the place feel cluttered.

• Many hosts choose non-denominational decorations to ensure that their place is inclusive to all guests. #belonganywhere Ultimately, it is up to you how you choose to represent and share the seasons with your guests.

• Share the latest decorations on your Airbnb and/or social media so that guests are aware of what they’ll encounter. Add it to your description and update the pictures to display your seasonal decor.

Spread the joy of one of the happiest seasons of the year, but also be sensitive to those who don’t feel as excited to celebrate it. The most important takeaway is to always be honest and communicative about what guests can expect when arriving at your place.

Happy hosting!