Holiday games

We've all been there: eagerly planning a fun holiday game for a team, only for it to LMAOOO DID NOT GO AS PLANNED! My recent experience with a holiday activity was exactly that – a bit of a chaotic mess, but surprisingly, it turned into one of the most memorable and talked-about moments of our holiday get-together. It just goes to show that sometimes, even when things don't unfold perfectly, the shared laughter and unexpected moments are what truly build bonds and create lasting memories. After that adventure, I started thinking more about what makes holiday team building activities genuinely work, even when they're a little wild. It’s not always about perfection, but about engagement and creating a space for genuine interaction. If you're looking to plan some holiday fun that avoids the 'did not go as planned' pitfalls – or at least embraces them with good humor – here are a few ideas I've found to be a hit: Holiday-Themed Scavenger Hunt: This is a fantastic way to encourage teamwork and get everyone moving. Hide holiday-themed clues or items around your office or venue. Each clue can lead to the next, culminating in a festive prize. You can even include puzzles or riddles that require collective problem-solving. It’s engaging, inclusive, and gets people communicating and strategizing together. Ornament Decorating Competition: A low-pressure, high-creativity option. Provide plain ornaments, paints, glitter, and other craft supplies. Divide into teams and challenge them to decorate ornaments based on a theme (e.g., 'most festive,' 'representing our team,' 'funniest'). It's a great way to unwind, tap into artistic sides, and create something tangible to remember the day by. Plus, everyone gets to take home a unique souvenir! 'Two Resolutions and a Lie': A holiday twist on a classic icebreaker. Everyone shares two genuine New Year’s resolutions they have, plus one fake one. The rest of the team guesses which one is the lie. This sparks conversation, encourages lighthearted interaction, and helps people learn more about their colleagues in a fun, personal way. My biggest tip for any holiday team building activity is to focus on participation and fun over strict rules or winning. Even if an activity doesn't go as planned and ends up being a bit of a hilarious failure, the shared experience and the laughter it brings are invaluable for team morale. Sometimes, the unexpected moments are the best ones for truly bringing people together and creating unforgettable holiday cheer!