Celebrate the holiday season at work with festive catering, cozy décor, and meaningful activities! Treat your team to seasonal meals like turkey dinners or holiday brunches, or support local favorites with unique catering options. Transform the office with simple holiday touches and host activities like Secret Santa or team trivia for added fun. Show appreciation with personalized cards, small gifts, or a New Year “Thank You” lunch. With thoughtful details, you can create an atmosphere that brings warmth, gratitude, and festive cheer to the workplace.
As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time for businesses to bring joy to the workplace with events that encourage camaraderie, boost morale, and celebrate the hard work of the year. Here’s a guide to making this season memorable with catering ideas, decorating tips, and thoughtful ways to celebrate with your team.
1. Festive Catering Ideas to Wow Your Team
Whether you’re planning an office lunch, a holiday party, or weekly treats to build anticipation, catering is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Here are some festive catering ideas to keep your team excited and energized:
Holiday-Themed Menus: Offer seasonal classics that embrace the flavors of the holidays. Consider options like roasted turkey or chicken, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and warm vegetable sides. Finish with holiday desserts like pumpkin pie, gingerbread cookies, or pecan pie bars.
Festive Brunch Spread: For a morning celebration, a holiday-themed brunch spread can add a little magic to the day. Think of cozy favorites like pancakes with seasonal fruit compotes, smoked salmon platters, mini quiches, and fresh pastries.
Local Flavors Spotlight: Many teams love to sample local favorites. Partner with a catering service (like OnCater!) that brings the best of your city’s restaurants to your office. From local BBQ to Mediterranean spreads, offering a mix of options can accommodate diverse tastes while supporting nearby eateries.
Healthy Holiday Treats: For a more health-conscious approach, serve seasonal salads with ingredients like roasted squash, cranberries, and nuts, or a charcuterie-style board with fresh fruit, artisanal cheeses, and nuts.
2. Create a Cozy, Festive Atmosphere
Decorating your office for the holidays doesn’t need to be elaborate. Simple touches can create a festive atmosphere that makes the space feel warm and inviting:
Seasonal Decor Elements: Add small decorative elements like string lights, evergreen wreaths, or ornaments. Centerpieces with pinecones, candles, or miniature pumpkins can be easy and affordable touches for shared spaces.
Team Tree Decorating: Consider setting up a small office tree for your team to decorate. Invite each team member to bring a small ornament that represents them or something meaningful from the year. This adds a personal touch and creates a conversation starter.
Create a ‘Gratitude Wall’ or Board: Encourage employees to leave anonymous notes of gratitude on a shared board or wall. Not only does it bring positive vibes, but it also celebrates what makes the workplace special.
3. Fun Holiday Activities for the Workplace
Holiday activities can help employees bond, relax, and celebrate together. Here are a few ideas that can work well with any office size:
Secret Santa or White Elephant: A classic office tradition, these gift exchanges add an element of surprise and fun. Set a spending limit and guidelines for appropriate gifts to make sure everyone feels comfortable.
Holiday Themed Team Trivia: Host a fun trivia event with questions about holiday traditions, music, or general trivia. Add prizes for the winning teams, like gift cards or a catered team lunch.
Seasonal Team-Building Activities: Simple activities like cookie decorating, making holiday cards, or ornament crafting can bring out creativity and spark conversations. These hands-on events let your team unwind and showcase their creative sides.
4. Thoughtful Ways to Show Appreciation
Showing gratitude for employees’ hard work over the year goes a long way in making everyone feel valued:
Personalized Holiday Cards: Consider writing a short, personal note for each team member, highlighting their unique contributions. Even small gestures of appreciation can make employees feel acknowledged and valued.
End-of-Year Gift or Bonus: A small holiday gift, even something like a branded mug, cozy blanket, or gift card to a popular local spot, can add an extra touch of appreciation.
Holiday Care Packages: If some employees are remote, consider sending holiday care packages with treats and small gifts. These can include items like snacks, coffee or tea, candles, and holiday treats.
5. Plan a Post-Holiday “Thank You” Lunch
To kick off the New Year with fresh energy, plan a “Thank You” lunch or breakfast after the holidays. Cater in a delicious meal that recharges everyone, paired with a brief recap of the company’s goals and achievements. It’s a great way to express gratitude for everyone’s hard work and to start the New Year on a positive note.
This holiday season, focus on thoughtful touches, food that brings comfort, and activities that allow your team to unwind and connect. With the right blend of catering, décor, and meaningful activities, you can create a celebration that fills the office with holiday spirit and appreciation!
