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Oh, the holidays!
A time of joy for some; a time of frustration for others. Navigating through office politics, co-worker gift exchanges, and the holiday party can be tricky – especially for a young professional. This guide will address your burning holiday questions and provide advice for making it through the season unscathed (and unembarrassed).
Should you even participate?
If you’re on more of the bah-humbug end of the holiday che
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Comments
12.01.08
Great list of potential office gifts, or gifts to anyone for that matter. I would give everyone the same, very small, gift. You don't want to be seen as sucking up to the boss by giving him something more expensive than you give your cube mate. The $5 starbucks or Qdoba gift cards seem like the safest play to me!
12.01.08
There are offices that still do the gift-giving thing? Wow. I thought that had gone the way of smoking at your desk, and three martini lunches. These things are so fraught with opportunities for misunderstanding, jealousy, corruption, and just plain disaster I can't believe people still do it.
In my office, no one gives the boss a gift. The bosses sometimes will give the employees a gift card ($25 or less), but it's not expected. We have a profit sharing plan in place, so we usually get bonuses at the end of the year anyway. Some of the more people-oriented employees will give everyone on their team a card and a piece of candy (think candy cane or cookie).
Our company holds a nice Christmas ‘reception’ for lunch at the hotel next door. They rent a ballroom and give everyone a nice sit-down lunch, with some entertainment on a stage. The entertainment is usually the local school kids chorus, and some humorous songs from the HR department. No alcohol is served.
I’m usually a bit bored by the whole party thing, but the company does a nice job. And at least they don’t require us to give up an evening to go to an ‘optional’ holiday party.
12.01.08
@ Ryan - Thanks. I agree about the sucking up to the boss thing. It totally depends on the culture. I love the gift cards, too!
@ Scott - Again, it's totally a culture thing. I'm sure there are a lot of places out there that don't do anything at all, while some, yes, still do the gift-giving thing. A lot of offices that I'm familiar with do more of a gift exchange where everyone picks a name out of hat. Sounds like your company found a nice low-key mix.
12.01.08
Holidays in the office can become like politics in the office. You do have to be careful not to offend anyone and remember to respect each other’s beliefs. I know allot of companies question having a party and if so what do we call it? And do we exchange gifts? I think no matter what there should be some kind of a gathering. You can call it a Holiday Celebration or an End of Year Party! The main thing is to bring everyone together and acknowledge the hard work that has been going on. Also, as you mentioned, gifts don't have to be extravagant. Isn't it supposed to be the thought that counts ;)
12.01.08
I can't help but suggest any of the cubical war weapons offered through many sites such as www.thinkgeek.com who doesn't want an air cannon for attacking cube mates?
One easy way that I have found for navigating through the religiousness of the holiday season is to call everything Yuletide. Our yuletide tree has a Star of David on it along with a cross. We find that it is enjoyable and educational to celebrate everyone differences and learn more about other culture an religions, and our yuletide which is more like a collage of religions then a winter solstice celebrations is a wonderful opportunity.
12.01.08
@Dina Totally. I like what you say about bringing everyone together to celebrate their accomplishments. That's a great way to look at it.
@Jessica I LOVE your cannon suggestion - as long as everyone's ok with it. It seems like that should be on an episode of The Office... something Jim might do to Dwight. I enjoy Yuletide slant on the holidays - whatever works, right!?!
12.02.08
I plan to bake something festive and bring it in for everyone to enjoy. 1) because I don't really have extra money, and 2) because I don't at all work in a traditional office.
Great advice though!
12.03.08
Great post! I work for a staffing agency in Boston, Hollister (www.hollisterstaff.com/?=451) and every year we do secret Santa in the office. I never know what to get for the person I choose, but now I will definitely refer back to your list. Thanks so much!
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