This year, the holiday season looks different in almost every way. At the office, December is typically a cheery month, filled with various festivities. So much of what we love about this time of year is how it brings us all together. In a time where we have to stay apart, there are still ways to celebrate your team and wrap up the year by getting creative with solutions to having a virtual office holiday party.
1. Exchange Gifts
Gift exchanges are a fun, easy, and thoughtful way to bring your team together. Take a traditional Secret Santa exchange and turn it into an event by having everyone open up their gift together and guess who everyone’s “Santa” is. If your group is feeling more competitive, you can do a virtual white elephant. This website enables everyone to participate, open, and steal gifts while following along virtually.
2. Make Virtual a Big Deal
No one wants to spend another hour on a video call making conversation. Even though there will be no catered buffet or fancy location, your holiday office party can still be a big deal! Send out invites and have themed attire- even if it is ugly sweaters. Have a schedule that breaks down the activities. Plan games and have a designated time for everyone to sit back and eat and drink. Get your team in the holiday spirit by providing funds for them to purchase drinks and food to enjoy. Little touches can make a standard video call truly feel like a festive affair.
3. Party in a Box
With scattered teams, it can be hard to re-create the magical atmosphere of a holiday party. But who said you can't bring the party to them? Care packages are exciting to receive, will put a smile on everyone's faces, and have the ability to take your gathering to the next level. For local teams, send over items for building a cheese board, or a cookie decorating kit from a nearby bakery. If your team is more scattered or would prefer an activity, send over mixology kits, game items, or other activities. Include some company swag, like a mug or sweatshirt, wrap it all up in festive packaging, and you will have a box of cheer that is guaranteed to brighten any recipient's day!
4. Switch up Formats
This year, holiday celebrations can be whatever you want them to be. You can ditch stuffy happy hours or fancy venues. Poll your team and create a new tradition that reflects what everyone would enjoy. Maybe a virtual brunch is a way to go, or perhaps everyone feels Zoom fatigue and would like to take a rain check for next year. No matter what your team wants, this is the year to give yourself permission to break away from tradition and celebrate in the most meaningful way for the times that we in.
This holiday season, toast your team by giving them a fantastic virtual celebration. We could all use an excuse to sign off of work an hour early and kick back with coworkers. It has been a challenging year, so do not be afraid to take time to celebrate everyone’s accomplishments. We hope you will get creative with holiday party solutions at the office this year!
