Christmas is virtually here...

For some, reflecting on the events of this year may bring hope that things can’t get any worse, for others, the threat of the upcoming Christmas party (especially online) may be the final nail in the coffin of 2020.

It may leave you asking yourself “am I doing the right thing by running an online Christmas?”

Now, more than ever, the answer is yes. Yes, yes, and thrice, yes! 2020 has been the year of adaptation, pivots and pirouettes, a time that teams got stronger together despite being even more apart. But how do you get through to those who are tired of the online format and think they have seen it all? How do you keep it fresh, fun and engaging?

Well, gather around the fire, and listen in as we give you ten thoughts on how to approach the idea of an online Christmas party …

1. Virtual studio / hosting space

Hosting from a COVID safe studio space and broadcasting to your team can give extra depth to your party. You can add custom logos/banners and have a professional control each element seamlessly and take away the technical stresses that you just don’t need. It’s your party too, right?

2. Talking points

The Christmas party is ‘always’ about food, drink and entertainment. Now more than ever, the little bits in between will be exposed, so best to have a plan. Friend to The Crane Event, Gerrie Hawes, recently released a video with some amazing talking points to be included in your party planning. From secret santa awards to podcasting, there are some great ideas on how to fill your party with content.

3. Dress code

Will people feel the need to dress up to the nines when they’re sat at home in their spare room with all their junk and washing just out of view? Will a garish Christmas jumper suffice? Think about your guests, and how you want them to feel comfortable in an already uncomfortable situation.

4. A claus(e) for family

Work Christmas parties are normally a time to escape the family but what does that mean when there is no way out? Perhaps rather than trying to escape up the chimney, maybe try bringing someone down it. Kickstart the event with something for everyone by having a virtual santa for a family togetherness vibe. Once santa has left the building (Zoom call), then the party can continue, hopefully sans children.

5. Raise your glass

From simply sending out gift vouchers for local suppliers to full-on immersive imbibed experiences, there is a wide range of options which could be explored to deliver at your party. Some of our favourites are a simple Negroni sent to your door to more elaborate craft beer packages.

6. Mixmaster

Tasting sessions come in a variety of drinks (wine, rum, gin and cocktails) all delivered in different sizes from smaller samplers to larger bottles. Introducing pairings can level up your drinking experience with a mixture of food and drink such as wine and chocolate, gin and tonic selections, and mulled wine-making kits (non-alcoholic choices also available).

7. Food for thought

Whether you want your guests to sit back, relax and open their hearts (and stomachs) to gourmet food ready to go, an afternoon tea option, or a more hands-on approach (did someone say bake-off?) - there are multiple creative ways to get your team fed, stomachs lined and the party started. Caterers are coming up with all kinds of exciting packages from gourmet meals to be reheated, to virtual cookery courses.

8. Merry Quizmas

We’ve already written a blog post on how to use polling software to create a bespoke quiz and this can be easily adapted with a Christmas vibe. Get your team to write around each, hilarity ensues.

9. Team building without the grind

Team building activities may not always be the right fit for a Christmas party but these are times to look at things differently. Online team building can be the perfect opportunity to give everyone a platform to get involved, to be heard, to break away from traditional silos and introduce teams to people further away. Some of our favourites have been drumming workshops, immersive murder mysteries, and building skateboards to be given away to local children's charities. In the new age of virtual, there’s something out there that’s perfect for your team.

10. Blinded by the lights!

Having a virtual DJ or band playing across the streams, while hoping your guests have checked their inhibitions at the door (thanks, alcohol!), no matter how you dress it up, it will be hard to recreate that ‘live’ feeling but little things can make big differences. Consider sending out personal disco lights with your care packages. When the time comes, the house lights go down as the music picks up. Simple, cheap and effective.

These are just some ideas on how to make your 2020 Christmas party virtually unmissable. Oh, want one more cracker of an idea? Perhaps a virtual water cooler to gather around the next day to discuss what Dave in accounts got up to during the Zoom breakout...