Organizing the Virtual Office Holiday Party

The pandemic will make this a holiday season unlike any other, but that doesn’t mean a holiday party is out of the question. Now, perhaps more than ever, teams want to feel bonded, express feelings of mutual appreciation, and have some good old-fashioned holiday fun.
 
Here are some suggestions from the Paperless Post blog for a festive Zoom celebration:
 

• Have an ugly sweater contest: This time-old tradition will hold up well in cyberspace. Just throw your tackiest pullover or cardigan over your sweatpants. Prizes can be awarded for Most Original Sweater, Best DIY, and even Best Team Sweater,
• Host a talent show: Everyone’s on screen anyway, so what better venue to show off a hidden bent for singing, storytelling, or stand-up comedy.
• Organize a virtual awards show:  Dunder Mifflin had its iconic Dundees. Imagine what you can come up with to acknowledge each of your team members for their special accomplishments and contributions—be the categories serious or whimsical.
• Have a home scavenger hunt:  Put together a list of items team members can find around their houses, or give one-off prompts like, “Show us the weirdest thing in your refrigerator right now.”
• Play “Holiday tradition, or not”: For a festive twist on Two Truths and a Lie, ask each person to share a quirky family tradition. The other players must guess if the tradition is real or fake.

 
Keep in mind that many party festivities, from charades to impromptu dancing, are easily adaptable to an online format.  Whatever activities you choose, the important thing is to acknowledge one another, particularly during a time that hasn’t been easy on individuals or companies.
 
What are you and your team planning to celebrate the holidays? To join the conversation, click "comments" above.

---