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Christmas Office Party Ideas, Themes, Games and Activities.
It is that time of year again, annual holiday parties are around the corner. We are all starved for some festive spirit as the year ends. If you are a host, you probably want to keep it interesting and upbeat. To help you in your event planning journey for the year end festivities, we have compiled a list of our favorite event ideas, themes and activities. These are just some ways to ensure that your guests do not watch the clock or find themselves bored and ready to go home. After all the aim is to entertain, spread some holiday cheer and build some team spirit in the process, whether it is for family, friends or colleagues.
The following games, themes, activities and ideas can be minimised, supersized and are basically perfect for every type of event and venue:
- Small office Christmas parties
- Corporate Christmas parties
- Friend and family Christmas gatherings
- Client appreciation events
Games
Children are not the only ones that love games, adults love them too! Incorporate on of these top Christmas games for some extra entertainment and fun.
Holiday Bingo
Simply Head on over to Google and search Free Christmas Bingo printable. This is an easy, cost-effective game to play during your party.
Tree Decorating Competition
What better way to encourage teamwork and togetherness, than with a good tree decorating session?
How it works?
- You will need Mini Christmas trees and assorted decorations
- Split your guests into teams
- Give them 15 minutes to decorate their tree
- Each team explain their design
- Creativity wins the prize!
Gingerbread House Build-off
Find a local baker to supply you with some gingerbread kits that include frosting and fun candies for decorating.
Allocate a time limit, work in teams or as individuals (see how many gingerbread kits your budget allows), snap plenty of pics and declare a winner with the most skill in gingerbread house building.
Never ho-ho-have I ever
If you are not familiar with the traditional game of “never have I ever” it is an icebreaker game that has players fess up to past deeds. Never ho-ho-have I Ever is the Christmas version of that game.
The game starts with players holding up ten fingers, or “reindeer antlers.” Participants take turns making statements that start with “neer have I ever…” Player who are guilt of commiting the act must lower one finger. The game continues until only one player remains, or , if playing with a larger group, after a certain number of rounds.
Prompt ideas, Never have I ever…
- Regifted a present
- Ruined a Christmas surprise ecuase I snooped
- Kissed someone under mistletoe
- Broken up with someone on Christmas day
- Been to the hospital on Christmas
- Accidentally drank alcoholic punch
- Enjoyed fruit cake
- Dressed up like an elf
- Forgotten to buy somebody a gift
- Watched ‘home alone’ on Christmas eve
- Threatended my children tha Santa was not coming
This or That
An effective, get to know each other game. In this game the participants choose between two related, typically opposite options. They can move to one side of the room or communicate the choice.
Some holiday This or That prompts:
- Store bought presents or homemade gifts
- Gingerbread or sugar cookies
- Snoop for presents or wait to be surprised
- Open presents the night before Christmas or Christmas morning
- Christmas tree up in November or December
- Travel or stay home for the holidays
- Christmas shopping done months in advance or day before shopping
Themes
Christmas Around the World
With inclusivity in mind, this theme highlights ways different cultures celebrate the holiday.Research celebrations in different nations. Gather appropriate foods and drinks, decorations, entertainment and music ( eg. Christmas carols in different languages)
Not Quite new Years
Instead of a Christmas party, you can have a New Years themed bash for your office party. It is a more inclusive option and is also a way to end the current year and start a new one.
Champagne, noisemakers, resolutions and maybe even a faux countdown.
Christmas carnival
If you are big on Christmas parties and want to include the entire family, your colleagues coworkers and everybody you know, this is for you.
Think Christmas Themed Game booths, jumping castles, tractor rides, petting zoos, Christmas village out of plywood, photo-booths, Christmas outfits and resounding festive music.
Merry Movie night
A party that is low-key, but social and not high pressure. Everybody loves a good Christmas movie and popcorn!
Set up a projector in a marquee tent with some comfortable seating and snacks, party sorted. This idea is especially great when including the kiddies
Movie suggestions:
- Home alone
- Klaus
- Jingle Jangle
- The Grinch Who Stole Christmas
- Christmas in Connecticut
Activities and ideas
Take your event to the next level with these activities:
* Holiday Miracles
Because Christmas is all about giving.
Hold a silent auction with proceeds that go to worthy community organization Or hold a toy and clothing drive amongst your guests. This could even be a volunteering event for half a day at a local old age home, animal welfare centre or homeless shelter.
* White elephant exchange
Ditch the secret Santa swaps. White elephant exchange are fun and participants also have the option of stealing gifts from other players.
* Holiday photo-booth
* Card Crafting
Set up a card crafting station. This adds a handson element and guest get to take home a souvenir to send to family or friends.
* Gourmet Hot Cocoa bar
* Candy Bar/Cookie Bar
Why go through all the effort? Going above and beyond at your event will show your employees, friends or family that they are loved and appreciated. What more could we ask for, then knowing we have brought cheer into another persons life.
From our Rams Hiring family to yours, we hope to have inspired you in creating a warm, loving, fun atmosphere at your next event.
For all your event equipment hire including marquee tents, gazebos, chairs, tables, jumping castles and more, contact Rams Hiring Solutions. Situated in East London, South Africa always waiting and ready to deliver.
Lance Street, Baysville, East London (by appointment)
083 457 6043
How to host a safe gathering during the pandemic.
The coronavirus pandemic has greatly impacted our ability to safely gather with others. Our inherent human need, however, is to have community and interact. Many people have been forced to cancel important gatherings and events such as weddings, parties, ceremonies, and traditional family get-togethers. Alas, there might be a way to compromise and still safely host your gathering within guidelines and protocols. Being informed, when making decisions about planning or attending an event, is your greatest power in this season.
Please note that in the Covid19 context, there is no ‘zero risks’ gathering. We should rather take precautions to protect ourselves and others from getting infected.
Regardless of the size of your gathering, the virus can spread, especially in poorly ventilated settings. As a starting point, we would suggest planning a gathering outdoors ensuring lots of ventilation. Marquee tents and gazebos are great ways to host your guest outdoors.
Covid19 Preventative measures during gatherings:
- Keep at least 1 meter distance from one another
- Make mask wearing compulsory
- Avoid crowded or badly ventilated settings
- Have a little speech where you include the proper way to sneeze and cough
- Make sure alcohol-based sanitizer is easily available at entrances and exits
- Ensure a sufficient supply of soap/handwash in your bathrooms, as well as tissues and paddle step bins with lids.
- Keep your gathering as small as possible
- Limit the timeline of your event
- Encourage verbal greetings, rather than physical touch.
The past year and a half have been tough on us South Africans because we are notoriously social creatures. This too shall pass, but for now, let us keep each other safe and explore new ways in which we can engage with one another.