Early on in the pandemic, you may remember the Room Rater on Twitter. It was an account that “rated” the Zoom backgrounds of thought leaders and SMEs who were showing on TV. The account continues, of course, but I thought it would be fun to give this a local and holiday flavor.

So, let’s take a look at some of the more creative local festive Zoom backgrounds I could uncover among friends and colleagues this holiday season–starting with mine!

Arik Hanson, ACH Communications

Holiday Room Rater score: 7 of 10

Comment: Love the holiday lights, but what’s with the lighting? Way too dark!

Josh Carter, director of digital, Tunheim

Room Rater Score: 8 of 10

Comment: One of my favorite produced backgrounds I saw this holiday season. Josh’s reaction, of course, is spot on.

Natalie Bushaw, Life Time

Room Rater Score: 9 of 10

Comment: Traditional holiday fare!

Alexis Walsko, Lola Red PR

Room Rater Score: 7 of 10

Comment: Not overly festive, but big points for fun!

Kevin Watterson, Uber

Room Rater Score: 8 of 10

Comment: Love the stuffed animals!

Brian Bellmont, president, Bellmont PR

Room Rater Score: 7 of 10

Comment: I said festive not horrifying! 🙂

Michelle Maxwell, social media manager, Optum

Room Rater Score: 9 or 10

Comment: Huge points for creativity and festive appeal!

Maggie Lamaack, Fast Horse

Room Rater Score: 7 out of 10

Comment: Serenity…

Cece Porter, Fast Horse

Room Rater Score: 9 of 10

Comment: Well framed. Points for the pink Christmas tree. Also, the Santa hat.

Adam Wahlbert, Fast Horse

Room Rater Score: 8 of 10

Comment: You had me at “Elf.”

Laura Kaslow, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota

Room Rater Score: 8 of 10

Comment: Very festive holiday attire!