Ah, the magic of Christmas! It's a universally cherished joy, but why confine it to home-life? Today, we're diving into top tips and suggestions on how to infuse the spirit of Kris Kringle into your next Christmas work party, inspiring and motivating your team through Christmas Spirit Week. Let's dive right in!
What is Christmas Spirit Week?
Christmas Spirit Week at the office is a company holiday party week designed to infuse the workplace with holiday cheer and camaraderie. During this week-long celebration leading up to Christmas, employees come together to embrace various themed activities and dress codes, transforming the workplace into a merry and vibrant environment.
Each day of Christmas Spirit Week is marked by a different theme, encouraging employees to showcase their creativity and enthusiasm. Themes can range from dressing up in festive attire like ugly sweaters or holiday-themed costumes to participating in fun and lighthearted activities that foster team spirit.
Why you should embrace Christmas Spirit Week
Shaking up the work routine with a festive spirit ends up becoming a strategic move for a workplace upgrade. First and foremost, it's a creativity booster, injecting energy and breaking the monotony. When desks are adorned with holiday cheer, collaboration becomes second nature, fostering a stronger sense of teamwork.
The festive atmosphere also serves as a morale booster, turning deadlines into challenges and shared laughter into the office soundtrack. The Christmas period, especially the lead up to the holiday, can easily be called the Christmas Clock Off.
Many people start to get distracted with thoughts of planning, excitement for a break, but also worry about finances during this time of the year. In fact, Peakon surveyed around 2000 working Brits and found that Approximately 60% of employees report a significant drop in productivity during the week leading up to Christmas. This trend shows that workplace efficiency is likely to start noticeably declining on December 18th.
With this in mind, it becomes your job as a manager to boost those spirits and what better way to do it with a Christmas Spirit Week! Below, we take a look at 26 spirit week ideas that you could implement into your festive week in order to turn everyone’s attention back to the working environment.
26 Christmas Spirit Week ideas
1. Ugly Sweater Day
Kick off the holiday hilarity with Ugly Sweater Day! It's the one day of the year when fashion takes a backseat to festive frivolity. Encourage your colleagues to raid their grandma's closet for the wackiest, most outrageous holiday sweaters. Throw in a contest for the crème de la ugly – complete with a dazzling trophy or, better yet, a quirky holiday-themed prize. Trust us, the sight of Bob from accounting in his bedazzled Rudolph sweater is worth its weight in holiday gold. Ugly Sweater Day: because who needs fashion when you have festive fabulousness?
2. Holiday Hat Day
Get ready to tip your hat to the holidays! Holiday Hat Day is your chance to turn the workplace into a North Pole runway. From Santa hats to elf ears and antler headgear, the crazier, the merrier! Bonus points for creativity – DIY decorations and glitter explosions encouraged. And don't forget the hat parade – because strutting your holiday stuff is a must. Capture the magic with a hat-themed photo booth, and voila! Your office is now officially the coolest winter wonderland. Holiday Hat Day is that Christmas hat-titude we all need!
3. Christmas Movie Day
Lights, camera, Christmas action! Christmas Movie Day is your ticket to turning the office into a festive film set. Encourage your workmates to search deep within for their Grinch or Buddy the Elf. Set up a cozy movie corner with all the holiday classics – hot cocoa and popcorn mandatory, of course. The beauty of this day lies in its blockbuster potential – everyone's a star, and the office becomes a cinematic masterpiece. So grab your tinsel boa and sparkle like the holiday hero you were born to be.
Our Top Movie Picks: Elf, The Grinch, Die Hard (hehe)
4. Festive Pajama Day
Roll out of bed and straight into the holiday spirit with Festive Pajama Day! Can you imagine MMA enthusiast, Jeff, and the whole office squad in Santa-themed onesies, cozy flannels, and elf slippers? It's the day where comfort meets holiday charm, and who wouldn't want to tackle that spreadsheet in their favorite reindeer PJs? Boost morale by letting everyone bring a touch of bedtime bliss to the boardroom. Just make sure that coffee station is well-stocked – you never know who will take the whole Pajama idea a little too literally!
5. Secret Santa
Ah the absolute classic and staple of any office during the festive season; Secret Santa Gift Exchange! Get ready to play holiday detective as colleagues draw names and embark on a mission to deliver small, thoughtful gifts throughout the week. From office gadgets to personalized trinkets, the joy of surprise is the real gift here. Create a festive reveal party where the big reveals are as epic as the presents. Anyone and everyone enjoys receiving a gift from another, allowing the benefits to stream with this activity.
6. Extra Paid Time Off Between Christmas and New Year
Gift your employees the ultimate present – time! Consider offering extra paid time off between Christmas and New Year, allowing your hardworking team an extended break to recharge. It's a gesture that recognizes dedication, boosts morale, and lets everyone step into the new year with refreshed enthusiasm. Whether they choose to spend it with family, indulge in a hobby, or simply relax, the gift of time off is a priceless token of appreciation. Remember; a well-rested team is a happy and productive team.
7. Christmas Trivia
Get your jingle on with the ultimate brain-bender – Christmas Trivia! Transform your coffee breaks into a festive face-off with daily trivia challenges that will put your holiday knowledge to the test. From obscure facts about Santa's reindeer to knowing the exact number of presents in the "12 Days of Christmas," *Cough* it’s 364, *cough* this is the time to show off your Yuletide IQ. Amp up the competition with daily winners and a grand finale for the holiday trivia champion. Brains meet bells, and holiday bragging rights are on the line!
8. Cookie Decorating Contest
Crumbs are the only evidence of this epic holiday battle! It's the Cookie Decorating Contest – where sugar, frosting, and creativity collide in a festive frenzy. Encourage your colleagues to unlock the pastry artist within and create the most jaw-dropping, taste bud-tickling cookies. Judges can include everyone from the boss to the office plant, rating entries on both artistic flair and melt-in-your-mouth deliciousness. Don't forget the coveted golden rolling pin trophy for the ultimate cookie conqueror. This the tastiest team-building activity over the holiday period!
9. Festive Desk Decorating
Deck the desks, it's time for Festive Desk Decorating! Transform your workspace into a holiday haven of tinsel, lights, and seasonal cheer. Encourage colleagues to embrace their inner decorating diva, with prizes for the most festive desk extravaganza. From mini-trees to twinkling lights, the office becomes a winter wonderland of individualized holiday spirit. Bonus points for creativity – think paper snowflakes, DIY ornaments, and maybe even a desk-sized sleigh for that extra dash of whimsy. This is where the cubicles become holiday castles and workstations turn into merry masterpieces!
10. Christmas Carol Karaoke
It’s time for your inner rockstar elf to make a welcomed appearance – it's Christmas Carol Karaoke time! Host a holiday sing-along session where colleagues can belt out their favorite festive tunes. From "Jingle Bell Rock" to "All I Want for Christmas Is You," the office becomes a stage for yuletide vocal prowess. Encourage group performances, duets, and maybe even an impromptu dance-off. Don't forget to crown the office karaoke king or queen with a glittery, tinsel-adorned microphone.
Our Top Christmas Song Picks: You MUST try Shaggy’s Christmas Album this year. This island themed Christmas album is available on Spotify and will give everyone the best smile!
11. Christmas Sock Day
Step into the holiday season one festive foot at a time with Christmas Sock Day! It's the day when everyone's sock game is on point, from candy cane stripes to Santa's little helpers. Encourage a sock swap or even a contest for the most creatively adorned feet. The office turns into a sea of festive footwear, spreading warmth and cheer with every step. Remember, it's not just about the socks; it's about taking a festive leap into the holiday spirit. Tickle your toes with tinsel this year!
12. Wellness Packages
Deck the halls with well-being! Show your commitment to employee wellness during the holiday hustle with Wellness Packages. Provide subscriptions to mindfulness apps, fitness classes, or self-care resources to encourage a healthy work-life balance. It's a meaningful way to express care for your team's mental and physical well-being, especially during the busy holiday season. Not everyone has the best of time over this expensive and busy time of the year and by showing you care, it’ll go a long way <3
13. Grinch Day
Channel your inner Grinch or join the Whoville crew – it's Grinch Day! Whether you're donning the green fur or sporting a Cindy Lou Who hairdo, this work social event turns the office into a holiday theater. Encourage friendly Grinch-inspired pranks and antics to keep everyone on their merry toes. Bonus points for the most convincing Max the dog impersonation. Grinch Day is where even the grouchiest colleague can't resist the pull of holiday cheer. Let the festivities begin, and may your heart (or at least your cubicle) grow three sizes today!
14. Holiday Bingo
Grab your bingo daubers; it's time for a holly, jolly game! Holiday Bingo brings a festive twist to the classic game with Christmas-themed cards and cheery prizes. Create spaces for everything from "Snowflake sighting" to "Ugly sweater sighting." Encourage friendly competition by having daily rounds during breaks or a grand finale with a bingo jackpot.
Our Top Prize Picks: Christmas shopping vouchers, bubbly bottles, christmas candle sets
15. Hot Cocoa Bar
Warm up the office vibes with a Hot Cocoa Bar extravaganza! Transform the breakroom into a cozy haven with a variety of hot cocoa options and an array of delightful toppings. Marshmallows, whipped cream, crushed candy canes – the works! Encourage employees to customize their cocoa creations, promoting a sense of community and warmth. Consider adding seasonal flavors like peppermint or cinnamon for an extra festive touch. Ahhh that sip of holiday happiness.
16. Holiday Pet Parade
Release the festive furballs – it's time for the Holiday Pet Parade! If pets are office-approved, let your furry friends join the holiday fun. The only rule? Every pet must sport a small Christmas item – whether it's reindeer antlers, a Santa hat, or jingle bell collars. Turn the workplace into a menagerie of holiday cheer, complete with a pet parade route and treats for the four-legged participants. It's a paws-itively delightful way to celebrate the season and let pets steal the show.
17. Gingerbread House Contest
Get ready to turn the office into a sweet masterpiece with the Gingerbread House Contest! Encourage teams or individuals to show off their architectural creativity with gumdrops, candy canes, and frosting galore. Set up a dedicated display area for the edible abodes, and let the judging begin! Categories could include "Most Whimsical," "Most Festive," or even "Structural Masterpiece." Sugar and spice make the workplace extra nice with this creative and fun contest.
18. Gift Vouchers or Gift Cards
Give the gift of choice with Gift Vouchers or Cards! Instead of playing guessing games, provide employees with vouchers for popular retailers, letting them pick their perfect holiday treat. Whether it's a cozy sweater, a tech gadget, or a gourmet meal, this gesture ensures everyone gets exactly what they want. It's a versatile and thoughtful way to express appreciation, showing that you value individual preferences.
19. Holiday Raffle
Roll the dice and spin the wheel – it's time for the Holiday Raffle Extravaganza! Collect small treasures, treats, or even quirky office-themed items to create a festive raffle. Give employees the chance to win something special and elevate the excitement by announcing winners throughout the day. It's a fun and inclusive way to spread holiday cheer, and who knows, someone might just score the ultimate stapler upgrade. Make sure that every ticket holds the promise of a small but delightful holiday surprise!
20. Winter Soup Day
Warm up those taste buds because Winter Soup Day is here! Coordinate a lunch time where employees bring their favorite winter soups to share. From hearty stews to creamy chowders, the office becomes a haven of savory goodness. Encourage friendly competition with a "Best Soup" award and let colleagues bond over ladles and ladles of comfort food. It's more than just a meal; it's a steaming bowl of camaraderie. Also, if you have different cultures and nationalities in the office, these soup-offs will enable everyone to connect on a deeper level and soup is at the heart of it all!
21. Christmas Caroling Flash Mob
Cue the jingle bells and prepare for a harmonious invasion – it's the Christmas Caroling Flash Mob! Surprise colleagues with a spontaneous burst of holiday cheer as your team breaks into festive song and dance. Pick a central location, rehearse a few classic carols, and spread joy throughout the office. It's a flash mob that's not just surprising but heartwarming, turning mundane moments into magical memories. Grab those Santa hats, tune those vocal cords, and let the Christmas spirit echo through the halls.
22. Holiday Tech-Free Hour
Press pause on the screens and power down the devices! Dedicate sixty blissful minutes to unplug, unwind, and revel in the festive spirit. Encourage employees to step away from emails and notifications, opting for activities like festive games, cookie decorating, or a quick round of holiday trivia. It's a break from screens as well as an opportunity to reconnect with colleagues, recharge creativity, and encourage a joyful atmosphere. We all need a little reminder that sometimes the best connection is face-to-face, not device-to-device!
23. Festive Desk Chair Covers
Transform those office chairs into festive thrones with Festive Desk Chair Covers! Provide holiday-themed chair covers or let employees unleash their creativity by decorating their own. From tinsel wraps to miniature wreaths, the possibilities are as endless as the holiday spirit. Encourage a friendly competition for the most creatively adorned chair, complete with a festive flair trophy for the winner. The aim here is to turn each desk into a merry masterpiece!
24. Year-End Performance Bonuses
End the year on a high note with a round of applause – and bonuses! Recognize outstanding efforts and exceptional contributions by rewarding employees with year-end performance bonuses. It's more than just extra cash; it's a tangible acknowledgment of hard work and dedication throughout the year. This thoughtful gesture not only motivates the team but also shows that you care through recognition and appreciation. Your aim should be making the holiday season brighter for everyone.
25. Recognize Cultural Diversity
Wrap your holiday celebrations in a tapestry of traditions with recognizing cultural diversity. Emphasize inclusivity by acknowledging and celebrating the diverse holiday traditions within the team. Encourage sharing stories, decorations, or even a potluck featuring different festive cuisines. It's a beautiful way to foster understanding, respect, and a sense of unity, making the workplace a welcoming space for everyone. Remember the inclusivity of Christmas and allow every tradition to add a unique sparkle to the holiday tapestry.
26. Virtual Secret Santa
Deck the digital halls with a Virtual Secret Santa extravaganza! Organize a virtual gift exchange where managers can personally thank each remote team member with thoughtful gifts. Use online platforms to draw names, exchange wish lists, and reveal surprises. It's a creative way to maintain the joy of gift-giving, even in the virtual realm. Encourage a personal touch – handwritten notes, customized gifts, or even a virtual party to share the joy. Virtual Secret Santa transcends physical boundaries and holiday cheer fills every digital pixel!
Bonus tip: Use this time to make sure those retreats are booked for next year!
As winter sets in, it's the perfect time to start planning your upcoming teambuilding retreats. Don't let the opportunity slip away—begin your preparations now! At Surf Office, we understand the importance of a well-organized retreat, and we're here to help you create unforgettable experiences for your team. Remember, it's never too early to plan, and we recommend starting at least 3 months ahead.
What do we offer?
🌍 130+ locations in APAC, Europe and the USA
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🎯 Engaging team-building activities
🍽️ Restaurant reservations
🗺️ Expert retreat planning assistance
🔧 Onsite support, tailored to you
Make your retreat unforgettable and start by contacting Surf Office today!
FAQs
What are good ideas for Spirit Week?
Think fun and creativity! Spice up the office with themes like "Decades Day" for retro vibes, "Superhero Day" for some caped crusader flair, or keep it simple with "Pajama Day" for ultimate comfort. Boost the excitement by organizing related activities or contests, and watch the energy soar.
What activities should employees do for the 12 days of Christmas?
Dive into the holiday spirit with engaging activities. Consider a festive workspace makeover, a daily Secret Santa with themed gifts, or a friendly competition for the best-decorated desk. Spice up lunch breaks with a holiday movie marathon or bond over a potluck featuring everyone's favorite seasonal dishes. It's the perfect recipe for a joyful and collaborative workplace celebration.
How can I make Christmas fun at work?
Transform the office into a winter wonderland! Encourage employees to decorate their spaces with holiday cheer. Host an Ugly Sweater Contest for a good laugh, organize a cookie exchange for sweet treats, or set up a holiday movie corner for quick festive escapes. Add a dash of altruism by organizing a charity drive or volunteering opportunity to spread the joy beyond the office walls.
How do you celebrate Spirit Week at work?
Spirit Week is all about unity and fun! Choose diverse themes for each day, announce them early, and let the creativity flow. Dressing up? Absolutely! Throw in some engaging activities or friendly contests related to the themes. Strengthen bonds with Christmas icebreakers, recognize spirited participation with certificates or prizes, and capture the memorable moments to share and celebrate your unique company culture.
