Holiday Cheer at Work: Fun, Inclusive & HR-Approved Ways to Celebrate This Season

The holiday season is here, cue the peppermint drinks, festive playlists, and end-of-year energy. At AlphaDog HR, we know this time of year is a chance to boost culture, connection, and fun… all while keeping things professional and inclusive. 

Here’s how to make holiday magic happen at your workplace with laughter and compliance.

1. Make Everyone Feel the Warm & Fuzzies (Inclusively!) 

Not everyone celebrates the same holidays, so keep vibes wintery, cozy, and inclusive. 

Fun & Inclusive Ideas: 

• “Winter Cheer” or "Holiday Party" celebration instead of "Christmas Party"

• Cookie-decorating (yes, gluten-free counts!) 

• Cozy hot cocoa or tea station 

• Decorations = twinkle lights and snowflakes, not one specific holiday 

Inclusivity is the real holiday spirit. 

2. Give the Gift Everyone Loves: FLEXIBILITY 

The end of the year? Busy. Your team will love flexibility more than any Secret Santa gift. 

Ideas that employees appreciate: 

• Shorter workdays leading into holidays 

• Remote days during busy travel weeks 

• Flexible start/end times 

• Encourage PTO planning early 

Zero cost. Maximum morale boost. 

3. Throw a Celebration People Actually Want to Attend 

Office parties don’t have to be awkward! Focus on connection, comfort, and real fun. 

Ideas that never miss: 

• Catered lunch 

• Cozy hot chocolate bar 

• Trivia or karaoke 

• Optional Secret Santa or “$10 Cozy Item Exchange” 

• Company volunteer day 

Reminder: Keep alcohol optional, activities inclusive, and participation totally voluntary. 

4. Remember: Not Everyone Loves the Holidays 

Be mindful. For some employees, this time of year is emotionally heavy. Your compassion matters. 

Ways to support your team: 

• Promote wellbeing resources 

• Lighten workloads when possible 

• Encourage boundaries (“No, you don’t need to attend 87 holiday Zooms”) 

• Train managers to check in, not check up 

You’re building culture, not just compliance. 

5. Year-End HR Must-Do’s (Still Important!) 

Before you sign off for the year, make sure the essentials are handled. 

HR Checklist: 

• Year-end payroll + bonuses 

• Publish next year’s holiday schedule 

• Update employee handbook 

• Review exempt vs. non-exempt rules 

• Prep for January onboarding & performance cycles 

• Refresh and Audit PTO accruals

A smooth start to the new year = everyone wins. 

A Festive Final Word from AlphaDog HR 

Holiday spirit in the workplace doesn’t require huge budgets, just thoughtfulness, fun ideas, and the right HR foundation. 

If you want help with year-end HR, holiday policies, or planning employee events, AlphaDog HR is here with the expertise (and cheer!) you need. 

Cheers to a joyful, inclusive, and HR-approved holiday season!