Ways to Enjoy a Virtual Christmas Party (Part 1)

Everybody knows that Filipinos get bitten by the Christmas bug once September sets in. Christmas plans inevitably begin to take form and unravel. But, with almost everyone staying at home, for practically half the year, missing work, missing school, missing parties…PARTIES (!), you cannot help but think what will become of the most awaited party of the year: the office Christmas party?

The so-called new normal dictates social distancing or even telecommuting to work. So, will the much-awaited Christmas party also be held with party-goers a meter apart from one another, at all times? Or will it be in the confines of the home, made alive on your device screens? Given that physical gatherings can still be a health threat come Christmas time, it is quite likely that you will be partying from home. That’s right. Right there in your cozy, sweet home. Now, just how can that be made possible?

Surely, by now, you have seen how meetings at work have transformed. Video calls and video conferences have saved the day. Your Christmas party can be held this way, too. The only difference is that this is one video conference where you do not have to sit still, and you cannot wear the bottom half of your PJs or your favorite pair of Mickey Mouse shorts!

The big question when organizing a party is all about the venue. So, where will you hold your online Christmas party? There are a handful of options like Zoom, GoToMeeting, and G Suite. For smaller groups, you can opt for basic video conference calls like the one provided by Skype or Facebook. For any of these, you would, of course, need your camera and microphone to be set up correctly.

THE VENUE

GoToMeeting has video conferencing solutions that work on just about any device. It provides high definition conferencing, so you get to see every detail of your workmates’ costume or party get-up. It is secured, so your party will be as private as you want it to be. It is like having top-rank security experts manning the lobby. Certainly, no gatecrashers will be allowed. Live screen sharing and drawing tools are perfect features for hosting the party, facilitating the games, and flashing presentations and photos. And, just like in any meeting, the software allows for recording. This way, you can look back at all the fun you had any time you wish to. This is also made easy with cloud-based access.

GoToMeeting has a free plan which you can enjoy for your party. Workmates just have to download an app and join using a meeting ID.

Zoom allows for video conferencing and content sharing. You can even share music. What is a party without music? Its real-time messaging feature could also allow you a quick banter or two to other workmates if only to greet them a Merry Christmas and exchange more pleasantries. You can use it on any device. And security settings ensure that your party will be free from disruptions. Video and audio are high definition, and recording is also enabled.

Perfect for your parlor games are its interactive whiteboarding capabilities. Even when you are miles away from one another, you can quickly compete and win as many prizes as you can. Needless to say, Zoom has various room sizes, so just about everyone can come and hold a party for the office, the department, or the team. It also has a free plan and is secured with passcodes.

Another video conferencing tool is Google Meet. It is also secure and gatecrash-free. Anyone who wishes to join the party must first be admitted. Noise cancellation features make distractions easy to ignore. It works well with browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. All you need to join is a link.

For a small party of 50 persons, you can have your Christmas party on Skype for free. It also has screen sharing features. You can also use its background blur feature in case you do not want workmates to fuss over your poodle in the back of the room that wishes to know what all that noise is about on your computer.

Another video conferencing app for 50 persons is provided by Facebook’s Messenger. It usually works well with browsers like Chrome, Opera, and Edge. The good news is that you only need a link to join the party.

Oh, and don’t forget to enable your virtual background. Your HR or communications teams can share unique party backgrounds to go with your selected Christmas party them or use the background to assign people in performance teams or just give video background designs to make the whole online party more festive for everyone! (Actually, you can even make the virtual background design contest as part of the entire party come-on).

THE INVITES

Now that you have an idea where to hold your meeting, the next challenge is getting people excited to show up. You can do that by sending out virtual invites. There are web-based services for invitations or greeting cards like Punchbowl, 123greetings, and the like, where you can customize your invites and make them look and even sound fantastic. Some greeting cards can come with music. The usual calendar reminders will not cut it this time. You have to make it extra special because it is Christmas!

The invitation is also the perfect means to share your links, meeting IDs, or passcodes to join the party. You can also include a request for RSVP to ensure the number of attendees is well under your control.

THE THEME

But, before sending out your invites, you have to decide on a theme or a dress code. Yes, you still want everybody looking all jazzed up even if they are just partying at home before their screens. A common hat perhaps or a shirt of a particular color. Or you can go all-out with Christmas costumes.

You can even ask your workmates to decorate their space. Their costumes will be a lovely match to a Christmas tree or a trail of reindeer hanging in the background.

Deadly as it is, the virus could not put a stop to productivity at the workplace even if it has somewhat shifted to the homefront. People found a way through technology to continue working. And because all work and no play can really dampen the Christmas spirit, thankfully there are ways to still go merrymaking on this most festive season.

Watch out for Part 2 in a few days. Subscribe to bnfts.ph today to get the latest on what you can do to liven up employee engagement and benefits in your organization! Visit us at www.bnfts.ph today!