I love to plan a party, whether it is for Christmas, New Years or simply to
celebrate the spring. This has always been something I have done since High
School with friends. When I started at my job 10 years ago, I discovered that
office parties were pretty boring and predictable. When a cake was needed, it
was always ordered from the same bakery, when decorations were needed, they
were always purchased from the same place and we always knew who was going to
provide entertainment and the Christmas office parties.
So, being the planner, I couldn’t stand another boring office party and I
offered to take care of the Thanksgiving and Christmas office parties for one
year. That was 8 years ago and I am now the go to person for office parties.
The biggest rule of thumb when planning office parties is to know that there
are no rules. You don’t have to do things a certain way, follow a certain
protocol, use a certain theme or play certain games. Some of the best office
parties I have planned have been far from the traditional.
For instance, our holiday office parties from Christmas to Easter to the 4th of
July, don’t necessarily follow the traditional theme for that particular
holiday. Last year our Easter celebration was a luau to celebrate spring.
Last Christmas we danced to Caribbean Christmas music and ate Caribbean
cuisine. We even decided to have a Chinese New Year celebration and invited
families who have adopted internationally from China through one of our
programs to help with the celebration.
I also try to make activities at the office parties be unique and exciting.
For Christmas we bring gifts for “baby Jesus” and donate them to a local
shelter for Moms and babies. Blankets, diapers, baby clothes and formula are
always needed and, rather then buy gifts for each other when we already have
what we need, we gave to those who needed it more. We once did a Christmas in
July office party and went caroling to a local assisted living home. It was
greatly received by those at the home and we had a great time celebrating
together. Office parties don’t have to be boring and predictable. Take some
time to look on the internet for unique ideas for office parties or just come
up with your own traditions and ways to celebrate.
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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