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With Christmas round the corner and the holiday spirit seeping into everyone, it’s the perfect time to organize an office party that celebrates the year gone by. An office party is an important event for employers to show their appreciation to their staff and encourage bonding between colleagues in a more relaxed setting.

Offices are known to have ups and downs, pay hikes and salary cuts, back-stabbers and buck-passers, but Christmas is always a great leveler. It’s the perfect time to put all grievances aside and have some good ol’ fashioned festive fun!

But is it really fun for the person planning the party? If you’ve been saddled with the responsibility of organizing a Christmas shindig for your colleagues, you’ll soon wonder if you’ve bitten off more than you can chew.

Since it’s so much more than just putting up a tree and organizing some food and music, you could be a little democratic and ask for ideas and opinions. But coming to a consensus will be next to impossible! Your best option would be to do the research and just go with your gut. There are a lot of interesting and affordable Christmas party venues in Sydney … just make sure your party has all the right ingredients to make it a success!

So, what does it take to avoid being booed and pull off a great Christmas party that will be talked about in the coming year? It ain’t no rocket science, that’s for sure; but you’ll still find yourself fretting over the details like it’s a ‘do or die event’ that requires all your attention!

 

#1 The Holly Jolly Venue

First things first, If you’re in Sydney, there’s no venue that could top Sydney Harbour! So why not suggest a Christmas Party Cruise on Sydney Harbour!

There are numerous party cruises to choose from, but ideally you should go for one that offers an all-inclusive package. Depending on your budget and the number of people attending, you could choose to either charter a cruise or just a private deck.

Other and equally as nice venue ideas include a restaurant or private function room, or for a more relaxed setting, organise to meet your colleagues at a bar for celebratory Christmas drinks.

#2 The Christmas Feast

Your menu & beverage list can be easily tailored to meet your budget constraints especially if you will be attending a catered event. But if you’re rocking Christmas party is at a restaurant or bar, you won’t need to worry about the nibbles!

 

#3 Carols & Sing-a-long

Most venues will give you the option to hire entertainment, however if you can’t afford a musician or DJ, or your venue doesn’t require one, take this opportunity to create a playlist of your own! Post some fliers around the office or send out an email asking for song recommendations and voila! You’re ultimate Christmas party playlist will be ready!

#4 Santas Little Games

What’s an office party without Secret Santa?

The run up to the Secret Santa revelation can begin weeks in advance when everyone’s picked a co-worker’s name out of a hat. With hints, clues and secret notes being passed, the whole office will be looking forward to that party day when all will be revealed. But, make sure there’s a spending limit as people can go overboard with their gifts!

You can shake things up a little with a game called ‘White Elephant’. It’s similar to ‘Secret Santa’ as everyone in the office is given a spending limit and asked to buy a gift and wrap it up. But then instead of handing the present to your assigned receiver, all gifts are to be placed under a Christmas tree, while everyone picks a number out of a hat, and starting from one, in ascending order, people can choose a gift from under the tree and unwrap it.

But here’s the twist… If someone doesn’t want to unwrap one or if they don’t like what they’ve unwrapped, they can steal a gift from someone else. But, each gift can be stolen only three times before it is frozen with the person holding it. This is one game that can really churn out a lot of laughs and fun!

 

#5 Costumes & Themes

The costume is the best part of any Christmas party, so if you’re work Christmas party requires a costume don’t be shy!

Reindeers, Santas Elves and Candy Canes are an easy costume choice but if you’re party is at a formal venue, make your outfit a little more festive by adding some red details! Now’s a perfect time to wear those red heels you’ve been keeping at the back of your closet!

If you’re Christmas Party is themed (e.g. ‘Awkward Christmas’ or ‘Ugly Christmas Sweaters’) use this opportunity to come make your colleagues laugh with a unique organised group costume or home made novelty sweater!

 

Remember, Christmas is a time to relax and celebrate the year gone by with all of it’s highs & lows, so grab your Santa hats ladies & gents because it’s time to rock around the Christmas tree!

Let us know if you’ll be attending this years work Christmas party in the comments below! And don’t forget to tell us what you’re dressing up as!

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  • We made “presents” to sit under a Christmas Tree at work one year. We had “hand” operated staplers. We saved the empty boxes and wrapped them in off cuts of Christmas and other coloured paper. It caused a few laughs just as they were meant to.

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  • i think low key bbq’s where people can just talk, are great. Great rid of the commercialism and take time to reconnect. that is my hack, keep it simple and stress free and just enjoy the time of year

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  • I join in all the parties and dress in festive colours with Chrissie earrings/necklace/hat etc. Secret Santa has sort of fizzled out a bit a work, with very uninspiring gifts being given in the past. This year, we are going to liven it up a little by playing The Grinch Gift Exchange Game instead!


    • Thought and fun has to go into Secret Santa for it to work well and be fun for everyone. :)

    Reply

  • I attend all parties and dress in festive colours and wear festive accessories – a lot of fun! :)

    Reply

  • Some good suggestions, thanks.

    Reply

  • I don’t work but my husband has a Secret Santa at work next week. And my daughter too, at school, with her friends.

    Reply

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