Holiday Engagement Ideas for Employees: Boost Morale This December

It's that magical time of the year again - December! Twinkling lights, warm cocoa, and the sound of Mariah Carey on repeat (we know you're humming it already). While everyone's busy dreaming of gingerbread cookies and mince pies and double-checking their Santa wish lists, workplaces can also get caught up in the end-of-year rush.

But, December isn't just for last-minute deadlines and holiday shopping. It also presents the golden opportunity to sprinkle some joy into your workplace! Engaging your employees during the holiday season isn't just about decking the halls; it's about creating moments that make your team feel valued, connected, and excited for what's to come.

That is why we have brought you the best employee engagement ideas for December. Think festive team-building activities, holiday wellness challenges, and even a good ol' cookie decorating contest. Whether your employees are in the office, remote, or somewhere in between, this is your chance to transform December into a month they'll remember with a smile.

Ready to sleigh the season? Let's dive into some creative and festive end-of-year holiday engagement ideas for your employees!

Why Holiday Engagement Matters

The holiday season can be a rollercoaster - equally cheerful and chaotic. Between juggling year-end projects and holiday shopping, it's no surprise that your employees might feel a little frazzled.

Studies show that 32% of employees struggle with Balancing holiday events and work obligations.

But that's precisely why holiday engagement matters so much. Think of it as the secret ingredient that turns workplace stress into workplace joy. By keeping employees engaged during December, you're not just boosting morale; you're creating a culture where people feel connected and appreciated during one of the busiest times of the year.

Here's why we think Holiday Engagement is important -

• A little holiday magic can go a long way in helping your team unwind and combat burnout. Whether it's a festive activity or just some well-deserved recognition, these small efforts can help employees recharge.
• Distractions are everywhere this time of year. (Yes, we see you sneaking a peek at those Black Friday deals.) That is why you must organize engaging activities to keep your team motivated and present.
• A positive workplace culture doesn't just happen; it's built. By embracing the spirit of the holiday season, you're showing your employees that you care about their well-being beyond just deadlines and deliverables.

So, whether it's sharing a laugh or acknowledging their hard work with heartfelt thanks, a little engagement can turn a stressful December into a month of camaraderie and connection.

So, you have got the gist of its importance but are not sure how to proceed? There is nothing to worry about. We are going to discuss the best holiday engagement ideas for December. Let's have a look.

December Employee Engagement Ideas

December is a month that's practically begging for creative, memorable employee engagement activities. It's the season of joy, warmth, and a pinch of holiday mischief.So why not channel that vibe into your workplace?

Here are some December-specific ideas to keep your team smiling and engaged all month long.

1. Holiday-Themed Team-Building Activities

Get your team together for some festive fun! Think gingerbread house competitions, holiday karaoke, or even a snowflake-making contest. You don't need to bring actual snow; it'll just make your workplace dirty. Instead, use paper and scissors to cut snowflakes. These activities break the monotony and encourage collaboration in a cheerful way.

Here's a quick tutorial on how to make paper snowflakes:

2. Festive Company Traditions

If your workplace doesn't have holiday traditions, now's the time to start! It could be as simple as decorating lights on a holiday tree together, wearing holiday sweaters on Fridays, or organizing a holiday card exchange. Traditions create a sense of belonging that employees will look forward to every year.

3. December-Specific Activities

The holiday season is all about unique moments, so why not go big? Host a hot chocolate bar one afternoon, plan a "Guess the Holiday Song" challenge, or hold a raffle where everyone gets a festive prize. These small touches make the workplace feel like a part of the holiday magic.

Since we learned what can be planned for December, now let's get into specific events. Let's find out what we can do for Christmas.

Christmas Employee Engagement Ideas

Christmas is the crown jewel of December, and it's the perfect time to sprinkle a little holiday cheer into your workplace.

From timeless traditions to creative new twists,
These engagement ideas will bring the season's magic.

1. Secret Santa Gift Exchange

Who doesn't love a good surprise? Secret Santa is a classic for a reason. It's fun, interactive, and builds camaraderie.

2. Christmas Party or Team Celebration

Whether it's an in-office gathering or a virtual celebration, a holiday party is a must. Include activities like -

• Decorating a mini tree,
• Swapping holiday recipes, or
• Sharing personal traditions.

For virtual teams, spice it up with holiday-themed games like Christmas Pictionary or a festive dress code.

3. Christmas Cookie Decorating Contest

Christmas is the perfect time to channel those inner bakers! A cookie decorating contest brings out the creativity in everyone.

Provide kits with cookies, icing, and toppings (or reimburse remote employees for supplies).

Offer fun prizes for categories like "Most Creative," "Best Holiday Spirit," or "Most Likely to Be Eaten Immediately."

Fun Holiday Employee Engagement Ideas

The holidays are all about laughter and connection, so why not double down on the fun? These lighthearted, fun engagement ideas will get your team laughing, bonding, and feeling all the festive vibes.

1. Holiday-Themed Scavenger Hunt

Turn your workplace into a holiday wonderland with a scavenger hunt! Hide small holiday items like candy canes, ornaments, or mini gifts around the office and give employees a checklist to find them.

Sweeten the deal with prizes like gift cards or holiday goodies!

2. Holiday Movie Marathon

Nothing says "holiday spirit" like cozying up with a classic film. Host an in-office viewing with popcorn and hot cocoa, or set up a virtual watch party where everyone can stream a movie together.

Let the team vote on the lineup of movies. For example, Home Alone, Elf, Love Actually, or How the Grinch Stole Christmas are some excellent options to select from. Or you can get help from this IMDb Christmas Movie Marathon List.

3. Volunteer Together

Spread some holiday goodwill by giving back to the community as a team. You can do this by organizing a toy drive for kids, adopting a family in need, or spending a day volunteering at a local shelter.

These activities align with the spirit of giving and create a shared sense of purpose. They ensure your team ends the year on a high note, building connections and spreading cheer.

Engaging Employees During the Holiday Week

Since we are talking about holiday engagement ideas, let us also plan engaging ideas for the holiday week.

The holiday week is the home stretch, filled with excitement, distractions, and countdowns to long-awaited celebrations. It's also the perfect time to keep energy levels high with simple, festive activities that bring everyone together.

Holiday Week Activities to Keep the Energy Up

Consider creating a week of celebration that consists of various activities for each day. Turn each day of the holiday week into a mini-celebration!

• Organize "Themed Days." For example, you can host "Ugly Sweater Monday," "Festive Hat Tuesday," or "Holiday Pajama Friday."
• A daily trivia question about holiday traditions or a mini wellness challenge (e.g., "Walk 5,000 steps while humming your favorite carol").
• Organize a "Desk Décor Contest." For in-office teams, let employees deck out their desks with holiday flair. Remote workers can join by decorating their virtual backgrounds!

Employee Recognition

The holiday week is the perfect time to show gratitude. Recognizing your employees during this period will take the holiday celebration up a notch.

To make recognition more fun, you can recognize them with "Holiday-Themed Awards." For example, you can recognize employees with fun titles like "Elf of the Year" or "Best Gingerbread Architect."

Share heartfelt personalized thank-you notes or shout-outs during a team meeting. It's a simple gesture that leaves a lasting impact.

Interactive Challenges

Inject a little competition to keep things lively. Conduct some interactive challenges among your employees to keep the engagement high.

• Organize a "Holiday Bingo" event. You can create cards with activities like "drank eggnog," "sang a carol," or "wore a holiday sweater" and see who gets Bingo first.
• Host a holiday trivia contest with questions about seasonal traditions, movies, or songs.

End-of-Year Employee Engagement Ideas

As the year winds down, it's the perfect time to reflect, celebrate, and gear up for what's next. End-of-year activities go beyond the holidays. They are about honoring accomplishments and building excitement for the year ahead.

Reflect on Current Year Achievements

• Take a moment to celebrate how far your team has come.

• Host a retrospective meeting to highlight milestones, both big and small.

• Create a "Year in Review" video or presentation showcasing team achievements, funny moments, and behind-the-scenes photos.

• Celebrate personal wins, too. Did someone run a marathon or adopt a puppy? Share it!

Setting Goals for the Next Year

• Encourage employees to set lighthearted personal and professional goals. Examples: "Drink less coffee" or "Ace that new project."

• Organize a vision board activity where team members can visualize their goals and dreams.

• For leaders, share an inspiring message about what's to come and how the team will achieve it together.

Closing the Year on a High Note

• Finish strong with a heartfelt message of gratitude.

• Send a personalized email or video from leadership thanking employees for their hard work.

• Host a casual team gathering, whether in person or virtual, to toast the year's success.

Virtual Holiday Employee Engagement Ideas

If your team is spread out across different locations or working remotely, don't worry; you can still spread the holiday cheer and keep everyone engaged! These virtual ideas are designed to make your remote employees feel just as connected and festive as those in the office.

1. Virtual Secret Santa and Online Gift Exchanges

Who says Secret Santa is just for the office? Bring the magic to your virtual team with an online gift exchange.

Use digital tools like Elfster or DrawNames to organize the exchange. These platforms make it easy to set budgets, assign Secret Santas, and even suggest gift ideas.

To make it even more fun, add a theme (e.g., "homemade gifts" or "gifts under $10") or make it a charity-based exchange where gifts are donations to a cause.

2. Online Holiday Parties

Just because your team is remote doesn't mean they can't join in on the holiday party fun! Host a virtual holiday party with a cozy vibe. For example, you can organize - virtual happy hours, games, and holiday karaoke.

Additionally, you can play games like Christmas Pictionary or Holiday Bingo via Zoom or Slack.

You could even set up a virtual holiday photo booth where everyone can upload their funniest holiday selfies!

Recommended Resource: Best Virtual Employee Engagement Ideas

Employee Engagement Ideas for the Holidays That Promote Wellness

December holidays can be both joyful and stressful. While you're planning festive fun, don't forget to prioritize your employees' well-being. These wellness-oriented employee engagement ideas for December can help employees take care of their mental, physical, and emotional health during the busy season.

1. Holiday Fitness Challenges

"Stay fit while spreading cheer!" This should be your mantra while navigating the holiday employee engagement activities. Encourage your employees to stay active through a fun, festive fitness challenge.

• Conduct a Step Challenge for your employees. Set a goal for steps per day and track progress on a leaderboard. Extra points for employees who wear Santa hats while walking!

• Organize a virtual run (you can name it something fun like "Jingle Bell Run") or a holiday-themed race where employees can participate from anywhere. You could even tie it to a good cause by raising money for charity!

• Offer virtual yoga sessions focusing on stress relief and relaxation, perfect for those dealing with end-of-year burnout.

2. Wellness Webinars and Workshops

• Host a session of Stress Management Workshops on handling holiday stress, staying productive without burnout, and maintaining work-life balance.

• Offer webinars on managing mental health during the holidays, including tips for creating a healthy work routine while enjoying the festivities.

• Share simple, nutritious holiday recipes for employees to try, focusing on immune-boosting ingredients to stay healthy through the season.

Encouraging wellness during the holidays shows that you care about your employees' holistic well-being and not just their work output. These activities will keep them feeling energized and ready to tackle the new year!

In The End

The holidays are the perfect time to infuse some fun, recognition, and connection into your workplace. By engaging employees in meaningful and festive activities, you create an environment where morale is high, team bonds are stronger, and everyone feels valued.

Whether it's through a Secret Santa exchange, a virtual holiday party, or a wellness challenge to keep spirits up, the key is to keep the energy festive and inclusive. The goal is to celebrate the season, reflect on the year's achievements, and get excited for the future together.

HR professionals and team leaders, it's time to bring these holiday engagement ideas to life and end the year on a high note. Happy holidays, and here's to an even brighter and more engaging year ahead!

This article is written by Nilotpal M Saharia, a Senior Content Marketing Specialist and R&R Evangelist at Vantage Circle. With a Master's in Business Administration and over seven years of experience, he has developed expertise in diverse fields, including marketing, content creation, entrepreneurship, and human resources.

In addition to being a regular contributor at Vantage Circle, Nilotpal's work has also been featured on Select Software Reviews.

For any related queries, contact editor@vantagecircle.com