“Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling.”
– Edna Ferber
If 2021 has taught us anything, it is how much we value of our relationships and the opportunities to gather with those we are closest with.
Although there are challenges to bringing together a workplace that has been divided by in-house and work-from-home,
infusing holiday spirit and creating shared experiences among employees is so important this season at work.
For employers, taking the time to celebrate your employees and recognize their efforts during the holidays reiterates how important and valued they are by your organization.
Here are some ways to bring holiday cheer to the workplace
both in-house and remotely:
Season’s Greetings
The best and easiest way to spread holiday spirit to those around you, is to wish them happiness. It’s as simple as a greeting.
It is important to respect various faiths, but don’t be afraid to ask about others’ holiday traditions.
You can really make someone smile with a “Merry Christmas!” “Happy Hanukkah!” or a “Merry Yuletide!”
For greetings meant for a wider audience we recommend something neutral like “Happy Holidays!” or “Happy New Year!”
Sending cards, e-greetings or creating holiday graphics for social media, is a great way to spread cheer remotely to employees, clients and customers this season.
Holiday Decorations at the Office – with a personal touch.
This may be the most important part about bringing that magical seasonal feeling into the workplace. It is hard not to be cheerful when you are surrounded by Christmas decorations.
At The Systemcenter office we’ve hung up Garlands, Lights, and Wreaths, and put out Poinsettia plants, Presents and other Christmas decorations to get our employees in the spirit.
Our office Christmas tree includes a fun array of polaroid ornaments of our team which gives it a personal touch.
Another creative idea to make Christmas decorating feel more personal, is to encourage your employees to bring in their own decorations for their work space. You can even create interest by setting up a “Holiday Decor Donation Box” at the office so they can be apart of the decorations to be used in common areas as well.
Baked Goods & Treat Boxes
Everyone loves baked goods. Whether its chowing down on some freshly baked cookies or the quality time spent in the kitchen with loved ones.
In some workplaces, sharing baked goods through potluck or a friendly baking competition are a great ideas. But if you’re looking for a more covid-safe approach, leave the baking to the professionals and bring in cookie boxes, or other treats.
At our office, we hand picked goods and created holiday gift baskets for some of our employees and clients.
Check out these Holiday Baskets we made for our interior designers:
Practicing Safe and Thoughtful Gifting
Okay so maybe white elephant isn’t doable at the office this year- But secret santa is an absolutely doable way for co-workers to have some fun gifting to each other this year.
Staying neutral & practical is the best way to ensure a thoughtful gift amongst employees. And if you’re unable to physically give someone a gift- try sending and E-gift card to those working remotely!
a Holiday Office Party with some digital members
Scheduling a company-wide afternoon off and creating a digital event is a great way to bring everyone together. A physical/digital holiday party gives your employees a mental break from work to enjoy socializing and connect during the holiday season.
“The Christmas spirit is the spirit of giving without a thought of getting.”
– Thomas S. Monson
Holiday Philanthropy
What is more fun than getting gifts? Giving them! Set up a Holiday Drive at the office. This could mean bringing in things from home like blankets, towels, canned foods, and other useful things . Or maybe going out and buying new things like, socks, reading glasses, toys, sanitary products, or something thoughtful. Then the office can donate everything from the drive to a local charity who supports those in need.
Aloha Fridays (Ugly Xmas Sweater edition)
Here in Hawaii there’s a long standing tradition called “Aloha Friday.” Where on the last day of the work week you trade in your usual business attire for a more casual dress Hawaiian shirt.
It became a way of reminding us that the work we do is not only professional, but fun and enjoyable.
Introducing a holiday season version where you wear (ugly) Christmas sweaters every Friday during the month of December is a fun and silly way to celebrate with your co-workers.
… and if anyone’s feeling brave enough- put on the Santa suit 😉
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