Office Christmas Party Games
At my old office, I always dreaded the annual Christmas party. I guess I
didn’t really dread it, after all it was a 1 hour lunch party that we got paid
to attend, but I knew what it was going to be year after year. It would be a
turkey lunch, followed by cake and cookies and then back to work we would go.
What I always felt like it was missing was some fun and excitement. When I
started my new job and was asked to be on the Christmas party committee (yes, a
committee designed to make a FUN Christmas party), I was excited. My job was
to come up with some office Christmas party games.
This sounds easy, but I found that I needed to take a lot of things into
consideration before choosing games. There was a large age difference in the
office, different religions, different nationalities and different physical
capabilities as well. I needed to find office Christmas party games that
everyone could enjoy. One of the best ideas that I thought of has become a
Christmas party tradition at our office.
Most of us have heard of the “dirty Santa” Christmas game where you bring a
gift, pick a number and get to either open a new gift or steal one when your
name was called. What I found was that we all have such different tastes that
we often ended up with things that we wouldn’t use. So, we put a twist on the
game. We now have to bring a gift that someone had given us in the past. It
can’t be a nice gift. It has to be one of those “why did that person give me
this?” gifts such a green sweatshirt with a doily face Santa on the front or a
hideous flower arrangement. We have had so much fun opening these gifts and
seeing what people have received as “real” gifts in the past.
One of the best things I have done when planning office Christmas party games
is to ask co-workers for suggestions. Because we all come from such diverse
backgrounds, we have been able to incorporate games from co-workers’ countries
of origin. This has helped us to learn about each other’s traditions and have
a fun party at the same time. There are so many unique office Christmas party
games that you can use at your party. Ask co-workers, search the internet, but
most of all remember that the games and the party should be fun and memorable
for all who attend.
Christmas Office Party Game Tip #1
When planning your Christmas Office Party games, make sure to keep in mind the following questions:
* What is your goal in playing games at the party? Icebreaker? Entertainment? Awarding of Prizes?
* What is the personality and age mix of those attending the party?
* What is the 'feel' of the party? Casual? Dressy? The 'atmosphere' desired will dictate the type of games to be played.
* What is the size of the party? Certain games are more successful depending on the number in attendance.
* What is the size and layout of the party location? Some party games work better depending on the venue. |
Christmas Office Party Game Tip #2
Remember to make sure everyone is included in the games and see how the party livens up. |
Christmas Office Party Game Tip #3
Christmas Office Party Games don't have to be complex to be fun, in fact, the simpler the game, the better most guests seem to like them, and the less work they are for you! |
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