Itâs never been more important to celebrate our accomplishments after what weâve endured this year, but of course, we are faced with the unsettling challenges of how to celebrate the holidays while keeping our school community safe. While nothing can entirely replace an in-person experience, these virtual school staff holiday party ideas give everyone the chance to bond and have a little fun.
1. Create a âparty in a boxâ
Buy premade boxes of snacks, mugs, and candles, or make up your own! Some fun ideas include hot chocolate packs and peppermint sticks, small bottles of peppermint schnapps, holiday cookies, and funny socks. Depending on how far away your staff lives, you could either drop them off at their houses or mail them. Then, log on to a video chat call and start your party while everyone drinks from their new mugs and eats snacks!Â
Learn more: Caroo
2. Check out a beer and cheese tour
City Brew Tours has a Beer and Cheese Pairing Experience. Itâs a live virtual guided beer tour that explores how to pair beer and cheese. Before the event, give your staff a grocery store or local beer and cheese shop gift card and a list of what to get.
Learn more: Virtual City Brew Tours
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3. Dive into a virtual escape room
Weâve all seen or heard of escape rooms before. Some of us have even created them for our students. Why not give your staff a virtual escape room holiday party they wonât forget? To make this less expensive, try making one yourself at BreakoutEdu.
Learn more: The Escape Game
4. Exchange holiday gifts
This is a great solution for getting staff members involved without costing too much money. Getting a gift for someone at your school right now can feel joyful and special. Set a price limit on presents and make sure to give addresses so they can send them or drop them off. If you arenât that good at setting these things up, use a free service like Elfster!
5. Wear an ugly sweaterÂ
Some of us might have many sweaters we wish we could have worn this year during the holidays. Hereâs an opportunity! If people donât have an ugly sweater, or if they donât want to get one, offer a holiday hat option as well. Even your most conservative teacher wants to let her hair down and have fun at a holiday party. Enjoy your video time together and give each person a chance to show their sweater and explain what they like or donât like about it.
6. Investigate a virtual scavenger hunt party
Scavenger hunts always bring people together with a rush of adrenaline and the thrill of the hunt. You can use an app like Goosechase or check out these tips for creating one on your own.
7. Learn about staff holiday traditions
Lots of people celebrate different holidays, or they celebrate holidays differently. Invite each staff member to spend five minutes sharing their favorite or most meaningful holiday traditions. Use this as a time to be present with each other and get to know what theyâll be doing on your time off.
8. Host a virtual paint and sip
Call up your favorite local paint and sip place and see if they offer virtual parties. Usually, people can pick up a kit of supplies from the site and have everything ready to go during the holiday party. Itâs a creative and fun way to get your staff talking, creating, and laughing while staying safe. If you donât have one locally, consider asking your art teacher for ideas or check out this online source.
Celebrating the ridiculously tough year weâre having is so important and can help your staff start their holiday vacations feeling happy and loved. Donât forget to send holiday invites! eCards make it so easy, and most are free .
Looking for more ways to celebrate your teachers? Try these Amazing Ways That Principals Celebrate Teachers !
If youâre a school leader, what are you doing for your holiday party this year? Share in the comments below. Plus, be sure to sign up for our newsletter for more tips and advice for school leaders.
