Last Minute Tips: How Leaders Can Elevate Holiday Celebrations During This Tense Year

Summary: The holiday season usually brings joy, togetherness, and celebration. As a leader, creating a positive atmosphere at work boosts morale and strengthens team bonds. Let’s explore ways leaders can help their staff celebrate the holidays at work, fostering a positive and inclusive environment.

Dear Dr. Sylvia,

The holiday season has been a challenge this year.

I know this is a late call for help.

Here is the dilemma.

At our company, everyone is working hard to be ” politically correct” and not let their specific views of the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine get in the way of celebrating with co-workers.

Several have said they would rather stay “vanilla” and not do anything to show caring during this holiday season.

They are afraid that someone will be offended, and thus, it is better to stay silent rather than acknowledge various perspectives. They say, “Let’s’ get through till next year without difficulties or disputes.

Therefore, we have no plans for the next several weeks to do anything to keep our company culture in a positive light.

And yet, most of us grew up remembering “Tis the season to be jolly” and want to have fun and celebrate the holidays now and the end of a long, complex work year together.

I believe a company’s culture means facing what is front and center.

Many of us believe we should do something to celebrate rather than ignore this time to be festive and inclusive, even if it may mean some will disagree.

Your book on diversity, “UNIQUE: How Story Sparks Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement,” tackles collaboration for better work relationships, higher productivity, and fiscal success.

Please offer some ideas for celebrating in a world that has chosen sides for and against rather than one of inclusion.

Signed,

Culture Lover

We Do Best When We Can Celebrate Together

Dear Culture Lover,

This year does seem to be different than many in the past.

However, the need to connect and celebrate is deep in the human psyche.

I have compiled a list of ways you can do this at your workplace, even at the last minute.

Organize a Holiday Food Break

Food has a magical way of bringing people together. This is so basic to our nature, from ancient times till today, it is a positive way of sharing nourishingly.

You can go for a significant meal and arrange a holiday potluck where employees can showcase their culinary skills by bringing in dishes to share.

Here, you can encourage a diverse menu that reflects the various cultural backgrounds within the team.

Too hefty to tackle a whole meal? Then, have time with some coffee, tea, soda, and some baked goods for a short afternoon break.

Even if only an hour out of the day, everyone will benefit from the time to “break bread” (cookies or cake) and just be together.

Host Team-Building Activities

Plan team-building activities with a festive twist. Whether it’s a holiday-themed escape room, a Secret Santa gift exchange, or a winter scavenger hunt, these activities promote collaboration, communication, and a sense of shared accomplishment.

The Secret Santa seems the easiest to fill the space for most organizations. Just make sure there is a financial cap on the gifts.

The most fun ways are putting the gifts into a bin and everyone picking them up with their eyes closed. This has been more successful than choosing a name before buying something for a specific person.

In any case, it’s easy and can be done along with some snacks. Easy and fun.

Make Sure There Are Flexible Schedules

Of course, leaders recognize that the holiday season often involves personal commitments.

In business, the company culture considers offering flexible schedules or remote work options to accommodate employees’ needs, allowing them to balance work and holiday festivities more seamlessly.

This will show up with employee loyalty moving into the new year when you need all hands on deck. This is expressed with no complaints when overtime is required to complete a project.

Acknowledge Cultural Diversity

Acknowledge and celebrate the diversity within your team by recognizing various cultural holidays and traditions. Create an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued, regardless of background.

This can be done through music and art.

Music that is fun and uplifting is the best choice. Also, consider hanging some posters that show—multicultural connectedness.

Ask people to suggest some songs and have them in the background when you are together.

One video I suggest is “The Magic of Love ” with Lionel Richie and Luciano Pavarotti. This song is from a series of videos, “Pavarotti and Friends for War Child.” They are all excellent.

Here are the beginning lyrics, as vital today as they were when the video from the War Child Series was introduced:

When the world is filled with thunder

And the winds are storming above

Deep within the night, we wonder

If we’ve lost the magic of love

But there’s something inside us

That looks to the sun

We dream that this light will guide us

With love for everyone.

Express Gratitude

Take the opportunity to express gratitude for your team’s hard work and dedication throughout the year. A heartfelt note, a small gift, or a personalized thank-you can go a long way in making employees feel appreciated and valued.

Encourage Time Off

While some may embrace the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, others may prefer a quieter time with loved ones. Encourage employees to take time off and recharge, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance.

Consider Charitable Initiatives

Give back to the community by organizing charitable initiatives or volunteer opportunities. Whether it’s a food drive, a toy collection, or participating in local charity events, these activities instill a sense of purpose and goodwill.

For example, we have done the “Build and Give” afternoon with many companies.

This is more involved, for teams to join to build tricycles for the little ones.

The teams would pick a motto and different colors to decorate the bikes (they are NOT hard to put together), and then the magic would happen.

The magic? When a group of youngsters from local charity organizations would come to get their brand-new, brightly decorated holiday presents.

I would watch as even the most cynical individual would turn away to wipe a tear or two, watching the tikes shyly pick a bike and then, in delight, start to put their peddle to the medal.

Reflect and Plan for the Future

Take some time to reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and discuss goals and aspirations for the coming year. This can be done through a team meeting, a holiday-themed presentation, or a casual gathering where everyone shares their thoughts and ideas.

In conclusion, by fostering a festive atmosphere in the workplace, leaders can contribute to a positive and supportive organizational culture. Celebrating the holidays together strengthens team bonds, boosts morale, and creates lasting memories. Remember, the little things make a big difference, and leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for a joyful and inclusive workplace during the holiday season.

To your success,

Sylvia Lafair

PS We at Creative Energy Options want to wish all holiday time to be filled with joy, fun, and caring.