’Twas the day before Christmas and all through Carbon County government’s halls, employees were bustling to bring cheer on their doors and walls. Stockings were hung and reindeer climbed ladders. The Grinch smiled his grinchiest at Ron Sheehan’s Christmas dollars.

It was a sight to behold and it brought a smile to all who participated in this year’s door decorating contest, organized by Register of Wills Jean Papay and her office staff.

On Thursday, Papay announced the winners, citing that 32 of the 42 county offices participated and came up with some creative designs, from making a working snow globe and post office to printing the treasurer’s face on fake money to create a Christmas tree.

“I think we needed to do something like this to get back into the spirit,” she said, adding that it brought so many employees together and was a good team building exercise.

She said the idea came about through one of her staff, Barb, who said that at one time the county used to decorate the office doors at Christmas. Papay brought the idea up to President Judge Roger Nanovic and then Commissioners’ Chairman Wayne Nothstein. It took off from there.

“The response was exceptional,” Papay said. “I could not believe how it took off and how many offices got involved. All four buildings in Jim Thorpe participated. … We even had offices on the outskirts who participated - Mauch Chunk Lake, Archives, District Magistrate Schrantz Office.”

The winners, who were selected by employees voting for their favorites, were the sheriff’s office, who did a Grinch Whoville Prison, complete with the staff pictures as the Whos; the Register of Wills/Clerk of Orphans’ Court, who did a Nativity scene; Carbon County Administration, who created Santa’s post office; and Judge Steven R. Serfass’ office, who created a snowman scene.

Papay thanked everyone involved, as well as the IT department, who put all the photos up on the county website; as well as area photographer Lynn Shupp who donated her talents to taking all the photos of the doors.

“It was nice seeing the offices enjoying working together to design and decorate their doors,” Papay said. “It was such a positive vibe throughout the county.”

Winners will now receive a lunch courtesy of the elected officials.