Are you a holiday junkie who can’t get enough of that seasonal cheer? How about spreading some of it around this year to your colleagues with four simple acts of kindness and holiday fun.
1. Give holiday cards to your officemates.
The fun of a holiday card is that its message is the same in every religion and culture: You are wishing the recipient good cheer and an abundance of festive fun. There are plenty of generic cards out there (I know, I have found them) or even blank cards in which you can write a short note to coworkers expressing seasonal good tidings. In the past, I have found some beautiful cards, appropriate for all holidays, from UNICEF. There is nothing like a handwritten note to put a smile on someone’s face.
2. Orchestrate a white elephant party in your office.
During the holidays, you might find that money is tight and time is even scarcer, so make sure that holiday events do not cause more stress than cheer. Sure the white elephant party might sound like a cheesy concept, but there must be something to it if it remains a time-honored tradition. For those of you who are not familiar with how white elephants work:
- Find something you already own and are willing to give up
- Wrap it as you would any other present and bring it to work for the party
- Place all the gifts on a table and draw numbers to see who will choose a present first
- Once a person chooses a present, they have the chance to trade presents with another person
The fun of a white elephant party is it costs nothing and your office can choose to spin the game however you want. Some choose to use the opportunity to re-gift horrid presents they received or find freebies around the office that can be recycled. For a hilarious twist on the traditional office party, check out this article from the Huffington Post.
3. Bake something delicious to share.
Another term I use loosely is “bake.” If you are like me, baking could go from one extreme (homemade candy) to the other (King Sooper’s donuts). Wherever the sweet treats come from they are sure to please if you leave them in the office break room with a nice note.
4. Help plan the holiday party.
If your colleagues are up to having a more elaborate party, volunteer to help out. The more the merrier when it comes to preparing party food, favors and decorations. The simple act of taking time to plan a party is enough to put you and hopefully everyone else in the holiday spirit.
Whether your gestures are big or small this holiday season, let them be fun and may they bring you and yours plenty of good cheer.
This is great, Amber. Another holiday activity Wendy and I have discussed here at JVA is taking a lunch break to make paper snowflakes…It might sound silly, but it’s a good way to reconnect with co-workers (and your childhood!), eat lunch away from your desk, use recycled paper and participate in some art therapy! It can be challenging to take the time to slow down this time of year, but it’s important! What do others do to connect with co-workers and take a breath this time of year?!
Next week Friday 12:00 to 12:30 in the incubator…Theodore Steinway will be the snowflake making instructor, please put it on your calendars.