An office Christmas party is a fantastic chance to get acquainted with staff colleagues of other departments as well as regular co-workers. A Christmas office party is also a time to let go of tensions and enjoy the festive season with colleagues at the workplace. Make it memorable with a party theme, games, favors and food.
Choosing an Office Party Theme
The right theme can make for a fun party but a poorly thought out theme can ruin the party atmosphere. Look carefully at the company profile and type of staff before selecting an appropriate theme. Young staff will enjoy music, dancing and general merriment. Older staff will prefer a more mature celebration such as a fine meal in a restaurant. If staff have children and plan to bring them along then family-friendly games and activities must be selected.
An easy way to select a winning theme is to let your staff choose their own party - perhaps from a selection of options to vote on in a survey. Here are some ideas that could be put forward:
- Santa Claus Office Party - Hire a Santa to greet guests and maybe stand with a secret list of "naughty boys and girls." Make everyone wear Santa hats and invite people to decorate their hats. Make it into a competition by awarding prizes for the most funny or beautiful hats.
- Magic Holiday Office Party - Staff will be delighted with a surprise magic Christmas show. Hire a magician and get everyone involved in the tricks. Party favors can carry on the theme with chocolate wands, balloons and playing cards.
- Christmas Around the World – Get inspiration from different cultures and do an international potluck. Look into cultural Christmas crafts, customs and games for a unique party.
- Victorian Christmas – If a traditional Christmas dinner is not possible then an afternoon tea would work really well. Use fine china and English style table linen, guests can even come dressed in Victorian fancy dress.
Putting the effort in to organize a fun event for staff shows that they are valued as both people and employees.
Office Christmas Party Games
A photographer can capture the funny moments of the party that can then be put on the office notice board. Activities, games and competitions make for a fun party so ensure there is something for the staff to do during the party. Here are some ideas for games:
- Jingle Bells Antlers game - Divide everyone into pairs or threes. Give each group a pair of pantyhose and six balloons. Time a two minute race where everyone blows up the balloons and stuffs them into the pantyhose. Once the balloons are stuffed inside the pantyhose someone has to wear the “reindeer antlers” and sing “Jingle Bells”. The first team to finish wins.
- Pin the Red Nose on Rudolph - Print out a large picture of Rudolph and attach to a wall. Create red noses from card and adhesive tape on one side. Everyone should write their name on the red nose so you can determine whose is closest to Rudolph's real nose at the end of the game. All should attempt to put the nose on the picture wearing a blindfold and the closest to Rudolph's nose on the poster wins.
- Christmas Trivia Game - WorldofChristmas.net explains how to create an Employee Trivia Game that should entertain guests for hours. It is a fun and competitive game that builds up team spirit and enables staff to know one another better.
Ideas for Corporate Party Favors
Personalized novelty gifts make for excellent office party favors - try pens, glassware, key tags or diaries with the company logo. Edible favors such as candy, chocolate and baked goods are also a good option and guests can take home with them after the office party. More festive themed favors include party hats, Christmas ornaments and crackers.
Use the above festive party ideas to throw a memorable office Christmas party to let staff relax before the holiday. Use games and party favors to have fun and get into the festive mood at a corporate holiday party. Read Office Christmas Party Games for more information on games.
Priya Chauhan - A designer, topic editor and feature writer (for Hinduism) and all round experimenter of healthy living; Priya enjoys being creative, and ...
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