Looking for Christmas party ideas you can do virtually?
Even though a lot of things seem to be happening in the world right now, the year flew by oddly quickly while we’re on lockdown. We’ve been inside our homes for as long as we can remember, taking life one day at a time. The next thing we know, it’s Christmastime.
It’s likely that we’ll still be on quarantine until the end of the year. So, it might be a good idea to look at our virtual options.
Here are some social-distancing-friendly Christmas party ideas you can do with your team.
1. Online Kris Kringle

Take advantage of the fact that we’re now online shopping experts and host a virtual Kris Kringle. Create a live file where the participants can input their wish lists and delivery addresses. There are also free gift exchange generators online, like Draw Names and Secret Santa Organizer, that will help you assign names easily.
Set a date and open the presents while you’re on a video call. You can even have a short program where team members can share what they’re thankful for this season.
2. Virtual scavenger hunt

Come up with a list of random items to include in the hunt. It can be specific like an empty drink bottle, a condiment, or a toy. It can also be something thematic like an item from a memorable trip, a 10-year old keepsake, a quarantine staple, or a childhood favorite.
Sparkspace came up with detailed mechanics for a virtual scavenger hunt which you can use as a guide. If time permits, you can even allow your team members to talk about the items they have.
3. Digital care packages

Opening Christmas presents is one of the most delightful parts of office Christmas parties. And just because we’re physically apart doesn’t mean that the tradition has to stop.
Dropbox offers digital care packages that contain reading lists, recipes, zoom backgrounds, and playlists your employees can enjoy. You can also send digital GCs as a sign of appreciation to your employees for their hard work during this exceptionally challenging time. Sodexo offers digital rewards like Sodexo+ digital GCs and the Mobile Pass, which your recipients can use in over 5000+ merchants nationwide.
Read Related Article: Digital Gifts You Can Send Right Now
4. Holiday edition of Never Have I Ever

Find out who’s nice and naughty with an office-appropriate version of Never Have I Ever. Games like this encourage employees to interact with each other and feel the holiday cheer.
Here are some prompts to help you get started.
- Played a role in Panunuluyan
- Eaten a puto bumbong
- Completed all 9 days of Simbang Gabi
- Gone Christmas caroling
- Forgotten to buy a present
- Taken a photo with a mall Santa
- Pretended to like a gift
- Dressed up like Santa
- Skipped a family reunion
- Hidden from an inaanak
At the end of the game, you can host a virtual awards night and give prizes to your nicest and naughtiest teammates.
Read Related Article: Fun Employee Award Titles For Your Next Recognition Day
5. Holiday happy hour

Working amidst the pandemic is not an easy feat for everybody. By gathering your team on a video call to enjoy a drink together, you give employees a chance to relax even just for a few hours. Make it merrier by choosing a cocktail you’ve all never tried before and try to mix it together during the party.
It’s fun, easy to organize, and most importantly, it helps employees associate work with a supportive team, not just a heavy workload.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to feel the holiday spirit when your office halls are decked with glitters and garlands and you’re sharing a delicious feast with your co-workers. But when we’re in the middle of a pandemic, it can be a little strange to feel festive and merry.
Then again, Christmas is the perfect time to take a break and celebrate what truly matters. Through these online Christmas party ideas, you can show your employees how much you value them and the work they’ve done this year. So go ahead, inspire your staff to keep moving forward, and start planning a virtual Christmas party today.