Make the holiday office party less awkward
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Make the office holiday party feel like a…party.
BoomPop Team · 12/02/2025Proof that a good time can happen anywhere.
We’ve all been to that office holiday party. Limp garlands that look like they gave up mid-hallway. Room temp grocery-store cider. A Secret Santa exchange that somehow gets personal. And that one person who brings a guitar like we asked.
But here’s the truth: a great holiday party doesn’t need a rooftop, a string quartet, or a budget that requires CFO therapy. It needs intention. It needs a vibe. It needs a few small choices that make people feel like they’re at a party—not just in the office after 5pm with more snacks.
So yes, you’re in your office. Everyone knows it. Let’s embrace that and make it weirdly wonderful.
Ok sure, this was staged, BUT you could make cute moments like this happen organically, too.
Embrace the office (stop pretending it’s not there)
You don’t need to transform the office into Narnia. You just need to rearrange the energy.
Zone the space like a party, not a workplace.
Drinks + snacks in one area. Cozy seating or standing tables in another. A quiet corner for anyone who needs a social breather.Add glow.
String lights. Battery candles. Anything twinkly and safe. If it looks like you might accidentally summon a demon, dial it back one notch.Give the snacks a glow-up.
Elevate platters on stacked books, boxes, or trays draped with festive cloth. Suddenly your hummus feels like it’s at a wedding. Optics matter.Make the playlist personal.
Have everyone add one song to a shared holiday playlist. It’s participatory, slightly chaotic, and guarantees at least one surprise banger. Bonus points if you do a “no repeats” rule. Or ban All I Want for Christmas Is You.
If your team has secret vocal talent…weaponize it.
Holiday karaoke is a risk. It’s also a reward. Proceed accordingly.
Good (warm) lighting is so crucial.
Small touches that make it feel like a real party
Think of these as holiday “Choose Your Own Adventure” stations. Instead of one long party where people hover awkwardly, set up little micro-moments (don’t forget a quiet cozy zone.) People wander. Energy flows. No one feels trapped.
1. The gift-wrapping speakeasy
Ask people to bring a few gifts from home. Then set up a wrapping station—or hire someone to wrap professionally during the party.
It’s generous, practical, and quietly genius. Nothing says “we care” like giving people time back right before the holidays.
2. Hot chocolate bar, but grown
Hot chocolate bar = automatic serotonin.
Do it with marshmallows, peppermint sticks, whipped cream, cinnamon, and spiked options (Baileys, whiskey, whatever makes December bearable).
Add take-away cups so people can refill on the way out like it’s a cozy gas station of joy.
3. Cookie decorating chaos
Put out plain cookies, frosting, sprinkles, edible glitter, and boxes to take home.
This is not about artistry. It’s about unleashing adult chaos in a safe, sugary container.
4. One signature cocktail. Beer and wine.
Keep it simple. Do one signature cocktail or mocktail and make it look like a moment.
Add a garnish. A custom name. A dramatic pour. And always have simple alternatives like beer and wine. Feeling extra? Champagne tower.
5. Ugly sweater, but with rewards
If you’ve got a swag budget, gift a branded ugly sweater.
If you don’t? Ask people to wear their own and vote on categories like:
Most festive
Most unhinged
Most likely to be banned in three states
Own the ugly sweater. Embrace the cheesiness of the season.
6. Photo corner: commit or keep it simple.
This is not the place for lukewarm—be understated or go full send. Regardless, you want lighting. You want a backdrop that doesn’t scream “we tried for 7 minutes.” And yes, there is always someone in the office who wants to go full creative director on this. Let them cook.
One absurdly over-decorated tree
A lantern + faux snow forest moment
Giant inflatables for peak camp
“Holiday album cover” setup (people pose like they’re dropping a mixtape.)
7. The “office superlatives” toast
Print funny superlatives and let people pick them at random. Keep it light, keep it kind, keep it moving.
Best Slack reaction game
Most likely to survive the apocalypse
The spreadsheet whisperer
CEO of vibes
9. The 10-Minute talent show
Everyone has 10 minutes to sign up for something dumb and delightful. Short enough to stay fun. Long enough to be iconic.
holiday haikus
dramatic readings
standup
interpretive dance (if you dare)
10. One tiny surprise
Just something small and unexpected that makes people go, “wait…that was kinda awesome.”
A surprise dessert delivery.
5 sec. confetti drop.
A magician who only does one trick.
Careful with flammable stuff and sparks.
Last thing: remember to breathe and enjoy yourself.
You’re not throwing a holiday party to win an awards show. You’re doing it so people can unwind, connect, and feel appreciated—especially after a year of doing a lot.
So keep it simple if that’s what fits. Spice it up if your team’s game. Either way, if people leave feeling lighter, more connected, and slightly more human than they came in?
You nailed it.
And if you can avoid ruthless “white elephant gone wrong” gift violence or a cringey “team chant” moment? Honestly, that’s just good leadership.
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