CELEBRATE Differently



Every year, as the holiday season approaches, I find myself thinking about corporate parties, especially as a former experience designer. Not just the logistics, but what makes them truly memorable. For decades, these gatherings have followed the same formula: banquet hall, buffet, maybe a speech or two. But in today’s workplace, that approach feels outdated. I’ve been noticing a shift, and it’s fascinating. Holiday parties are becoming a statement of culture, a tool for engagement, and a chance to make a real impact on employee fullfillment.

Reshaping holiday planning

What excites me most is seeing celebrations that actually reflect company values. A recent Cvent survey found that 74% of employees feel events strengthen workplace culture when they’re “memorable and meaningful.” 

Rather than defaulting to formality, businesses are tailoring gatherings to mirror their values. Whether that means hosting an eco-friendly event with minimal waste or creating space for wellness alongside festivity, the best holiday parties today are less about grandeur and more about authenticity.

The Hybrid Twist

Hybrid work challenges tradition. With teams spread across cities or even time zones, I’ve noticed more companies hosting smaller, in-person gatherings while streaming key moments for remote staff. Creative touches like mailing out “party kits” with branded mugs and hot cocoa give remote staff a tangible way to join the fun. 

Interestingly, a Gartner report noted that 54% of employees say they’re more likely to feel engaged when virtual and in-person celebrations are blended thoughtfully, rather than choosing one or the other.

Connection over Consumption 

One of the most surprising shifts is away from excess. Employees, particularly younger generations, are less interested in open bars and more drawn to experiences that foster connection. Think collaborative cooking classes and design-your-own team hats. People are craving shared experiences rather than lavish spreads. 

Redefining the Spirit of the
Season

The corporate holiday party is no longer just a box to check, or a question of food and décor. It’s an opportunity to pull company values off the shelf and bring them to life for the people who live them every day. A thoughtful celebration can do more than spread cheer: it can reignite energy in a burned-out employee, repair trust with a skeptical teammate, or even strengthen loyalty in ways that keep top talent from drifting away.

And to the unsung heroes who end up planning it: The office manager, the front desk pro, or the teammate who raised their hand (or got voluntold)—remember this: you’re not just throwing a party, Cinderella. You’re a vibe curator, a celebration designer, a memory-maker, a culture storyteller, and a moments architect. 

What you’re creating is bigger than centerpieces and playlists. You’re shaping how people feel about their workplace, and that’s powerful.This season, I encourage companies to look past the buffet line and aim for something more personal, meaningful, and unforgettable. A great holiday party doesn’t end when the music fades; it lingers in the stories people tell, the pride they feel, and the connections they carry into the year ahead. The truth is, the party matters more than most leaders realize.