Given the past few months, the need for connection is more crucial than ever.
Given the past few months, the need for connection is more crucial than ever. There was a time when it looked like all Christmas and holiday parties would have to be cancelled, but this isn’t necessarily the case anymore. Whilst an ‘in person’ may not be the way forward, that’s not to say you can’t do anything.
Don’t skip the holiday season; hosting a virtual event, will motivate your team and reaffirm a sense of belonging, particularly as everyone has been working so hard this year. Whether that’s in the office, working from home, looking after (and home-schooling) children, it’s been tough. Really tough. We need to re-engage and increase employee motivation, and this is the perfect opportunity.
Forgot to book your virtual Christmas party?
Many are scrambling to create virtual experiences for their parties; escape rooms, murder mystery or virtual entertainment, to name a few. As such, you will notice that many of the companies offering these experiences are saying “Fully booked for December”. But all is not lost! Whilst you may not be able to have a ‘hosted’ event, there are still plenty of opportunities to create a fun, engaging (and free) event online.
Before we share some free options, what is worth considering is what gift you could send to your teams. At many office Christmas parties, you would be able to have a few drinks on the company and this shouldn’t necessarily stop just because of this craziness we’re all living in. It’s worth considering sending out a bottle of bubbly ahead of the event so that you can all raise a toast together during the virtual event. Or there are a huge variety of hampers available to buy that offers something for the whole family. And finally, if you are really falling short of time for delivery, why not opt for an e voucher so people can purchase the tipple of their choice.
OPTIONS FOR HOSTING A FREE VIRTUAL EVENT.
Now to the main ‘event’ we have outlined some fun, creative and most importantly free activities that you can run at your Christmas party….
- Karaoke – now, this may be one to bring out when the drinks are in full swing. There are lots of ‘virtual karaoke spaces’ available for free where rooms can be created and people can sing their hearts out. The neighbours may not thank you though
- What’s Christmas without games? There are various ‘Pictionary’ style games online to showcase your creative flair
- Whilst part of me is reluctant to put ‘quiz’ on this list (given the year we’ve had), it is a solid option – encourage each member of your team to create a round – the more unique, the better!
- Get back to your child roots and host an online Connect4 tournament
- Christmas scavenger hunt…and if you’re feeling REALLY creative (and have some spare time) write some riddles as clues for the hunt
- Find the best Bingo caller in the company but ‘mix up’ the game – common phrases from 2020, TikTok dance moves/songs – you get the gist. Extra points for phrases such as ‘You are on mute’ or ‘Can you see my screen?’
- Whilst not ‘free’, you could still host a Secret Santa (provided everyone is happy for their addresses to be safely shared). Match everyone up, decide on a spend limit, and get everyone to open on camera
- Get into the holiday spirit and either go mad on the dress up front or hold a costume competition
- Name that tune – enough said. Just make sure everyone’s on mute at the time…
Whilst all these suggestions are free (or of little cost) if you do have a healthy budget, one thing you could do ‘safely’ is to host a drive-in Christmas movie night. Hire an outdoor space, get some headsets in, a large screen and let the Christmas movies play! Dependent on the size of your company, this could be an opportunity for employees to invite their families along too.
Whatever you decide to do, Lemon Lane can provide advice and support with the event. Stay tuned as soon we will be offering advice on hosting an incredible summer party. Let your teams know so they have something to look forward to.
As we all adjust to the new restrictions in place, make it an event they won’t forget.
And roll-on 2021. I don’t know about you, but we can’t live in a world where mistakes can’t happen under the mistletoe……
FORGOT TO BOOK YOUR VIRTUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY?
Many are scrambling to create virtual experiences for their parties; escape rooms, murder mystery or virtual entertainment, to name a few. As such, you will notice that many of the companies offering these experiences are saying “Fully booked for December”. But all is not lost! Whilst you may not be able to have a ‘hosted’ event, there are still plenty of opportunities to create a fun, engaging (and free) event online.
Before we share some free options, what is worth considering is what gift you could send to your teams. At many office Christmas parties, you would be able to have a few drinks on the company and this shouldn’t necessarily stop just because of this craziness we’re all living in. It’s worth considering sending out a bottle of bubbly ahead of the event so that you can all raise a toast together during the virtual event. Or there are a huge variety of hampers available to buy that offers something for the whole family. And finally, if you are really falling short of time for delivery, why not opt for an e voucher so people can purchase the tipple of their choice.
