An HR’s guide to an amazing Christmas party
Organizing a Christmas party is a great way to maintain high morale before the holidays and thank employees for their efforts. Learn what to keep in mind when planning your corporate Christmas party and what mistakes to avoid to make sure the celebration goes smoothly.
The holiday season is the time to bring joy and festivities to the office. Running the annual Christmas party brings the team together, letting everyone unwind and celebrate in a friendly environment. Keep reading to find out how to plan an unforgettable creative party, show appreciation to your employees, and avoid last-minute hassle.
Tips to plan a company Christmas party
Consider the budget
Before planning the party, find out how much money the company can allocate to the holiday festivities. If the company can afford to spend a generous amount on an extravagant party, turn to Christmas corporate party planners. There are plenty of services that will take care of everything, from choosing a venue and party style to catering and entertainment.
If you choose not to order professional services, you will need to plan the party in detail so that there is plenty of money for everything.
How to budget for an office Christmas party?
Here are the items to consider when planning your Christmas party budget:
- Venue rental
- Invitations
- Food or snacks
- Alcoholic drinks and beverages
- Office decorations
- Gifts for employees
- Games/team building activities
- Entertainment (photo booth, DJ, arts session, comedian, etc.)
- Transportation after the party
Include everyone
Christmas is the perfect time to bring everyone together, and promoting inclusivity will help everyone feel included and appreciated. Ask the team members to take a short survey to find out their dietary requirements, whether they consume alcohol, and their party preferences. For example, if you mostly have young employees who enjoy being active, hiring a bowling alley could be a better idea than booking a table at the restaurant. Don’t forget to invite individuals on maternity leave to join the festivities!
Example of questionnaire before the corporate Christmas party:
- Would you prefer a traditional Christmas theme or something more creative?
- What party location would you enjoy (restaurant, office, or else)?
- Do you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies?
- What Christmas party theme would you prefer?
- Is there any specific cuisine you’d like to be present?
- Would you prefer a weekend or weekday celebration?
- Will you need transportation after the party?
Choose the location and timing
As you know the budget for festivities and the preferences of staff, it’s time to decide on the location. Choose the venue for your Christmas party early, as the best options are booked months in advance. Depending on the number of guests, you can book a cozy restaurant or a large ballroom for festivities.
There is also an option to organize your party at the office and spend more money on entertainment or a delicious Christmas dinner. Decorate the space together to create a festive mood and think about the creative theme.
Pick the party theme
Choosing a unique theme helps turn an ordinary Christmas party into an event that people will anticipate. You can suggest one of the traditional Christmas options (such as the ugly sweater contest, or dressing like Santas and elves) or use a creative theme. Here are some amazing Christmas party themes to consider:
- Las Vegas or casino Christmas party
- Country Christmas party theme
- Harry Potter-themed party
- The Roaring 20s Christmas party
- Winter Wonderland
- The Chocolate Factory party.
Plan the team-building activities
Team building games and activities keep the party going, moreover, they strengthen the bonds between individuals and foster teamwork. Pick Christmas-themed activities and contests so your team can share joy and create lasting memories. Here are some popular activities for a Christmas party at the office:
- Gingerbread decorating contest – all individuals are divided into teams to create the most beautiful and unique gingerbread house.
- Office decorating contest – each department decorates a small area of the office, and the space becomes beautiful in no time.
- Merry murder mystery – pick a Christmas-themed murder mystery, print out materials you need, and encourage your coworkers to dress up. Turn your office into a crime investigation scene.
- Ice skating – book the rink and glide across the ice together.
Exchange Christmas gifts
Gift exchange games have become a popular tradition in many offices. They add an element of surprise and anticipation and let everyone share the joy of gift-giving. Plus, it is a great way to save on gifts, as each person buys a present for one coworker.
As an HR manager, you can easily organize the Secret Santa game using our MySanta service. The number of participants is not limited, and you can invite everyone to join in a few clicks. The MySanta app is convenient for corporate gift exchanges, and here’s why:
- Set exceptions – if some coworkers don’t get along well, they will not give presents to each other.
- Create wishlists – each player can add their desired gifts and make it easier for their Secret Santa to choose a present.
- Communicate – there are anonymous chats, and each Secret Santa can talk to their giftee.
- Track the progress – see who has bought a present and who needs a kind reminder.
Things to remember for a corporate Christmas party
Communicate your expectations
Before the event, remind the employees of the code of conduct in relation to social gatherings. Communicate that the Christmas party is the extension of the workplace, and any inappropriate behavior (such as inappropriate language, sexual harassment, or fighting) may lead to disciplinary action.
Limit alcohol consumption
Excessive alcohol consumption may lead to gross misconduct and poor decision-making. To make sure the party goes as planned and everybody has a great time, it’s crucial to avoid alcohol over-consumption. Set drink limits, offer plenty of non-alcoholic options, and consider not offering a free bar to avoid potential problems.
Share social media guidelines
Inappropriate photos and social media posts from the Christmas party can hurt the reputation of your employees and business in general. Set clear guidelines for sharing photos and videos from the party, and emphasize respect for colleagues. This will help prevent embarrassing content from appearing online and protect the company’s reputation.
How to outline social media guidelines?
In addition to basic code of conduct prohibiting harassment, hate speech, racism, and violence, you can establish guidelines related to social events. Example: you can prohibit the employees to post photos of coworkers without their permission; reveal any personal information, and publish any details intended to embarrass employees.
Offer safe transportation options
If the party ends late in the evening, offer safe transportation options to your employees. Depending on the number of employees, you may book a taxi in advance or opt for a charter bus rental to avoid drunk driving and help everyone return home safely.
Follow up
After the party, return to employees with a brief survey to collect their feedback. Ask what they loved most about the gathering and what could be improved, and use this information to enhance future events. Send a thank-you note to all attendees to solidify a positive experience and foster a sense of community in your team.
