It’s great time of the year because you are allowed to have magical moments during the holiday season. Sometimes, it’s when people get together, enjoy the celebration, and experience memories that last a lifetime. Not to forget the workplace though! After all, we probably spend more time with our team members than with our family; therefore, why not make the holidays exciting and special for your team? For managers trying to pump up morale, or simply anyone looking to add some cheer to the workplace, having meaningful traditions there can help turn things around and create deeper, lasting bonds.
Why Holiday Traditions Matter in the Workplace
Building Team Spirit
This ability to bring people together is one of the uncanny things about tradition on a holiday. Beyond deadlines and spreadsheets, they remind us we’re all human. A quick laugh while sharing a picture of your ugly sweater contest or last year’s holiday potluck creates a whole new level of camaraderie to carry you into the new year.
Boosting Morale and Productivity
With looming deadlines and high workloads you can also find yourself stressed around the end of the year. Infusing the workplace with some holiday cheer will hopefully get everyone in a brighter mood, contribute to job happiness, and possibly improve productivity. A motivated team is a happy team!
Showing Appreciation
Let’s face it: Why don’t we let everyone know they are appreciated? Celebrating with your colleagues lets them know that they are appreciated. A small gesture goes a long way.
How to Create Holiday Traditions That Resonate
Involve the Team in Planning
Inclusivity is the key to establishing traditions that will be remembered by our kids. Assume nothing – ask what people like! Ask a few people who might have ideas to send out a quick survey or hold a casual brainstorming session. Maybe you celebrate with a Secret Santa exchange or cookie baking contest or simple holiday lunch, but be sure to give everyone a voice.
Keep It Voluntary
That’s not to say that not everyone celebrates the holidays the same way — or at all, and that’s also okay. Mandatory participation in holiday events should never happen. We don’t want to have that pressure, we want to be that warm and welcoming environment.
Ideas for Fun and Inclusive Holiday Traditions
🎄 Decorate the Workspace Together
Involve the team to spruce up the office. Dig out some garlands and fairy lights, or even a tree, if you can fit it. You might even make it into a friendly competition, with prizes for best decorated desk, or department.
🍪 Host a Holiday Potluck
There’s nothing that brings people together the same way food does. Ask everyone to bring a dish that’s meaningful to them, only bonus points if it’s related to their cultural or family traditions. It can be a great way for you to learn about one another and a more personal thing to share.
🎁 Secret Santa (With a Twist)
A classic for a reason! Instead of a routine anonymous gift exchange, toss in a twist. Maybe there needs to be a $5 limit on each gift, so they will need to think of how to make it creative and fun. Or, you can do a “white elephant” swap, if you want something a little playful and filled with laughter.
🧦 Ugly Sweater Day
If it’s not wearable knitwear, what is? On a day, wear your craziest sweaters you have for the holiday season. Add to the fun by offering a prize for the tackiest design.
🕯️ Celebrate Diverse Traditions
Christmas makes up part of the holiday season, but is not the only part. This time of year Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali, and other celebrations occur. Encourage people to share the special traditions they have, and you create a richer, more inclusive environment.
Keeping the Spirit Alive Virtually
With the increasing work from home culture today, it does seem difficult to maintain holiday traditions but it isn’t impossible.
🎥 Host Virtual Gatherings
Make plans for a video call for holiday trivia game, a virtual cookie cookie decorating get together or even just a nice sit and chit chat over hot cocoa. They can be just as meaningful as those in person events.
📦 Send Care Packages
Treat your remote team to a little box of treats, a sweet handwritten note, or if you’re crafty, a DIY holiday craft kit. It’s a great way to spread the cheer across the distances.
🖼️ Digital Decorations Contest
Ask your team to decorate their home office or throw together a holiday Zoom background. Vote on the most creative setups, and share photos.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Respect Boundaries
There is nothing bad with holiday cheer, but sympathize with people’s need for personal distance. Not everyone wants really loud celebrations or things that feel too intrusive.
Keep It Budget-Friendly
Best traditions don’t have to be the most expensive. Instead focus on creativity and thoughtfulness, not expensive gestures.
Don’t Overdo It
And the holidays are no time to be stressing out. Don’t over overload your team with too many events or doing a ton of activities. Better still, a calendar that is completely packed will leave a lesser impact than investing your energy in a few well thought out traditions.
Making It Last: Tis the Season…On the Legacy of Workplace Holiday Traditions
The reason holiday traditions are beautiful are because they are long lasting. An idea that a simple as this can develop into something your team eagerly awaits each year. These traditions can eventually become something you love at your workplace and help in creating a culture and sense of belonging.
A Final Thought
Throwing a party or giving out gifts isn’t the only way to create holiday traditions at work. It’s about people — how you’re reminding your team that their time, their ideas, and their effort matter to your business beyond their role as an employee. With this holiday season in full swing, you can always opt to spread some joy. Who knows? You might begin something that people remember for years.
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