Every 365 days/year we know that we are going to celebrate Christmas with our
family and friends. For some of us, the planning for this celebration starts
months in advance and for others the planning starts the week before Christmas
with frantic holiday shopping. Each year, along with all the other
celebrations, comes the office Christmas party. Whether you are in charge of
planning your party year after year or you were nominated to be in charge this
year, the time has come to add some pizzazz to your office Christmas party.
When I first started my job 11 years ago, I endured 3 years of the same
activities at the office Christmas party before I stepped up to the plate to
suggest trying something new. What I found was, my co-workers loved the change
and the party is something they look forward to each year rather than seeing it
as an obligation that has to occur.
Each year, I pick a different place for us to have our office Christmas party.
We have small office, so I try to find a restaurant where we can eat, relax and
do our annual Dirty Santa Christmas gift exchange. We have tried different
foods, gone to new restaurants and had some great experiences including the
“make your own” pancake restaurant we went to this year. Last year we adopted
a family through a local non-profit group and invited them to our party.
Instead of just being about us, we brought the spirit of giving to our party,
which we loved.
There are other ways to add some pizzazz to your party. Try going with a theme
such as snowflakes, love (red and green hearts), peace (doves) or whatever else
makes you think of Christmas. Even a more formal office Christmas party can
add some pizzazz by using non-traditional Christmas music such as a Mariachi
band or a swing band that plays Christmas music to take some of the
“stuffiness” out of the party. Keep in mind when planning your office
Christmas party that you don’t have to play by any particular rules. Being
unique can make it more memorable and keep your co-workers looking forward to
future office Christmas parties.
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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