The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and appreciation. During these unique times, celebrating with your school staff may look different than in previous years. However, there are still numerous virtual ways to enhance bonding and celebrate the holidays together. Here are eight creative ideas for virtual celebrations that the school staff will remember for years to come.
1. Host a Virtual Party
Organize a virtual party using video conferencing platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. Encourage staff members to decorate their respective spaces festively and dress up in holiday attire. Include fun games, icebreakers, and share holiday stories or favorite moments from the past year.
2. Secret Santa Gift Exchange
Use an online tool like Elfster to facilitate a virtual Secret Santa gift exchange amongst school staff. Assign participants a secret colleague for whom they will purchase or create a thoughtful gift. Then, set up a video call where everyone can open their presents and express gratitude.
3. Holiday Movie Night
Select a holiday movie and utilize streaming platforms such as Netflix Party or Amazon Prime Watch Party to host a remote, synchronized movie night for your staff. Enhance the experience by encouraging participants to bring their own snacks and beverages to enjoy during the film.
4. Online Cooking Class
Arrange an online cooking class led by a professional chef or an enthusiastic colleague adept at cooking. This live session can include creating holiday-themed dishes or sharing traditional recipes from various cultures represented within the school staff.
5. Virtual Talent Show
Organize an online talent show where team members can showcase their unique skills or interests, such as singing, dancing, magic tricks, or even artistic abilities. This event allows everyone to enjoy different talents while fostering camaraderie among colleagues.
6. Team Trivia Night
Host a virtual trivia night featuring holiday-themed questions or categories related to your school community and its history. Divide your staff into teams and have them compete in an entertaining evening of brainstorming, collaboration, and laughter.
7. Create a Gratitude Wall
Set up a virtual gratitude wall using online platforms like Padlet, where staff can express their appreciation for their colleagues. Encourage everyone to write notes of gratitude and acknowledge the positive contributions of co-workers over the year.
8. Send eCards
Whether designing your own or utilizing existing templates, send out personalized digital holiday cards to school staff to spread cheer and good wishes during this time. Electronic greetings add a special touch while saving the environment by reducing paper waste.
In conclusion, the holiday season offers an ideal opportunity to foster positive relationships among staff members. Although in-person events may be limited, these eight virtual ways make it possible to celebrate joy together as a united school community.
