The holidays are no longer fast approaching my loves, they are here. Thanksgiving has come and gone, we’re lighting eight little candles for Hanukkah and soon we’ll open presents by the Christmas tree. You may have wracked your brain about what to buy your friends and family, and even your S.O. for the holidays but I’m here to remind you of one thing…don’t forget your coworkers. With one week to go until the big day, there is still time to spread holiday cheer among the cubicles!
While I have never gone full-throttle and made this blog all about being a boss in the workplace I think we can agree in between the playlists and interviews that being a boss in the office, and in life, is high on my list. I’ve also noticed throughout the blogosphere that there are SO MANY gift-giving guides popping up everywhere: “A Gift List For the Guy You Just Started Dating”, “50 Must-Have Gifts All Moms Will Love” , “Top Ten Beauty Gifts to Give your BFF” and so on. So, this is not one of those blog posts, but let’s talk about how you can celebrate the season in the workplace.
It’s not always feasible to purchase a gift for everyone that you work with. I’m on a small team with four other guys, and while they barely remember things like birthdays and Bosses Day they still are great guys to work with and I want to let them know that with a little gifty! I thought I’d whip up a few easy ways to say “Happy HanKwanzMas” (Hanukkah/Kwanza/Christmas) to those that you work with this holiday season.
Holiday Cards: Cards are such a simple and inexpensive way to say ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘It’s been great working with you, can’t wait for what the next year brings!’ Dropping this off on people’s desk or passing them a card during a meeting is a great way to show people in the office that you care.
Here’s a huge pet peeve of mine: People who give out holiday cards and don’t write the receivers name on the card or anything and just sign their name at the bottom. My god, my blood is boiling thinking about it. How lazy and rude are you? I do my absolute best to write a quick note to my colleagues, friends, family, etc. If you can’t be bothered to tell Jim that you are “Wishing him and the family a great holiday” then you really need to put the pen down and don’t even bother.
Cookies/Brownies/Desserts: Another fun way to give the gift of the holidays in the office is to make your signature dessert and hand them out. Are you amazing at lemon bars? Awesome, just don’t give me one because I really hate citrus desserts, small sidebar. Ha! Last year I was scratching my head of what to get the guys on my team when it hit me one day in Publix (southern grocery store that will change your life) and I realized…just make a ton of cookies. And that is what I did and they absolutely loved me for it.
Giving the gift of dessert is such an easy way to say ‘Merry Christmas and here are a few cookies to help you prep for your New Years Resolution to lose 10lbs!” No, honestly if you can turn the oven on, you can take some pre-made dough and whip up 3-4 dozen cookies for your coworkers. Bonus Points if you find those cute holiday baggies to wrap them in and drop them off at their desk like the Christmas Elf you are!
Gift Cards: This can also be a small gift to say ‘Next Eggnog Latte at Starbucks on me!’ Do you remember back in the day having to physically get IN the car, drive to the store, wait in line and say “I need a $10 gift card”? Ugh, I’m tired remembering those days…ew. Now, thanks to grocery stores, Walgreens, CVS and more you can get gift cards ranging from AMC, Visa to fast food chains and guys you can even give the gift of UBER! Be your coworkers DD this drinking season with an UBER gift card. HA!
Popping a gift card to your bosses favorite restaurant into a Christmas card and dropping it off on your bosses desk this holiday season is a win-win. Just don’t forget to do more than sign the card!
Helpful tip: Keep blank cards in your desk at all times. If you receive a card, or gift, from a coworker unexpectedly and you don’t have something for them in return you have a back up plan. This is also good if you realized you forgot someone! This way there’s no awkward “Oh, I didn’t get you anything” but instead you can say “Oh my gosh your card is at my desk, I’ll drop it by later!” This is a total Boss move FYI. If you want to take it a step further, swing by Target and pick up some pre-wrapped chocolates or have a few $5 Starbucks gift cards in your drawer that you can put in your card.
These are just a few things that I think are easily implemented in the office during the holiday season. Actually, this can go for Hallmark-celebration days like Admin Professionals Day or even a coworkers birthday. A little note to say ‘thinking of you’ is always a great way to stay ahead of your professional reputation. Remember, whether you are a boss in the workplace or applying it to your personal life…your reputation is all you have at work so sweeten the deal this year with some cookies or a card. I hope that you all have the most wonderful holiday season!
Leave me a note in the comments and tell me how do you spread cheer in the office? Are you a cookie elf or do you have your own uniquely you gifts?! I can’t wait to hear all of your ideas!
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