A Christmas cubicle decorating contest is a fun, easy way to inject some holiday cheer into your office while boosting morale and sparking creativity. Whether this is your first time hosting a contest or you’re looking to refresh any holiday traditions, this guide will help HR teams, managers, and office culture leaders plan, execute, and promote a memorable and engaging contest. From setting the rules to rewarding winners, we’ve got everything you need to make your cubicle decorating contest a success—and spread some festive spirit in the process!
1. Why Host a Christmas Cubicle Decorating Contest?
Fosters Camaraderie and Teamwork
A cubicle Christmas decorating contest is a great opportunity for your coworkers to work together and bond over a shared goal. Whether they’re collaborating on decorations or just chatting about ideas, the contest fosters a sense of camaraderie.
Adds Energy and Cheer During the Winter Slump
As the winter months drag on, energy in the office can dip. A holiday decorating contest adds much-needed cheer and liveliness, creating a vibrant atmosphere in an otherwise dreary season.
Encourages Lighthearted Employee Engagement
Hosting a contest gives employees a chance to showcase their creativity in a low-pressure way.
Reinforces a Fun, Inclusive Company Culture
By inviting everyone to participate, you demonstrate that your company values creativity, fun, and inclusivity. It’s a great way to strengthen company culture and make everyone feel part of the holiday spirit.
2. Set the Ground Rules for Participation
Establish Safety, Noise, and Workspace Boundaries
Before diving into the fun, make sure to clarify any rules about workspace boundaries. Be mindful of safety concerns, such as avoiding decorations that may obstruct walkways or create fire hazards.
Comply with Fire Codes and Accessibility Standards
Ensure that decorations meet any necessary fire code regulations. Additionally, consider accessibility for those who might have limited mobility, ensuring that decorations don’t block doors or windows.
Define Timelines for Setup and Judging
Set clear deadlines for both decorating and judging, ensuring that employees have enough time to fully participate without interfering with work tasks. A suggested timeline could be one week for decorating and a second week for judging.
Share the Rules in Advance
Make sure that employees know what they’re getting into. Announce the contest via email, posters, or team meetings, and include the rules, deadlines, and judging criteria in every communication.
Suggested Judging Criteria:
- Overall Impact
- Creativity
- Use of Theme
- Originality
3. Creative Cubicle Decorating Theme Ideas
Here are some theme ideas to get your employees’ creative juices flowing. You can even invite employees to vote for the next year’s theme to keep things fresh and exciting!
Classic Themes
- Winter Wonderland
- Santa’s Workshop
- North Pole Express
Fun Themes
- Ugly Sweater Desk
- Elf on the Shelf Takeover
- Christmas Around the World
Eco-Friendly Themes
- Recycled Decorations Only
- Paper & Cardboard Challenge
4. Promote the Contest Across the Office
Announce in Team Meetings and via Email/Slack
Spread the word by announcing the contest during team meetings or through office communication platforms like email and Slack. Make sure to include all the key details: rules, deadlines, and theme.
Build Excitement
To generate buzz, share decorating tips, photos from previous contests, or sneak peeks of festive supplies. You can also create countdowns or progress boards to keep the excitement building.
5. Offer Decorating Supplies and Tips
Provide Budget-Friendly Materials
Supply employees with inexpensive, accessible materials like tinsel, garland, wrapping paper, and cardstock. This ensures everyone, regardless of budget, can participate.
Set Up a Donation Station for Gently Used Decorations
Encourage employees to donate unused holiday decorations to a shared supply pool, making it easier for everyone to join in, even if they don’t have decorations of their own.
Offer Decorating Tips
- Use wrapping paper to cover cubicle walls for an instant transformation.
- Repurpose everyday office supplies to create DIY ornaments.
- Add battery-operated lights for a festive touch (safety first!).
Encourage employees to be resourceful and creative—even with limited supplies.
6. Judging the Contest & Awarding Winners
Choose Your Voting Style
Decide whether you want to go with peer voting, anonymous ballots, or a management panel to select the winners. The style you choose will depend on the size of your office and your company culture.
Offer Fun Awards
Here are some unique categories you can use to keep things lighthearted and fun:
- Most Creative
- Best Use of Office Supplies
- Merriest Theme
- Funniest Cubicle
Perks for Winners
Award winners with fun prizes like:
- Gift Cards or Gift Certificates
- Early Dismissal Passes
- Coffee Gift Baskets
- Certificates with a festive border
These small perks make the contest even more rewarding!
7. Make It Memorable (and Shareable)
Capture the Moment
Don’t forget to take plenty of photos and videos of the decorated cubicles! These will make great memories and can be shared across your office channels.
Showcase Your Contest
Share highlights in your company newsletter, intranet, or during the holiday party. Consider creating a collage or slideshow featuring the top decorated cubicles.
Social Media Fun
With permission, post photos of the contest on your company’s social media accounts. This helps showcase your office culture and spreads some holiday cheer to your broader network.
Archive Winning Entries
Keep a record of the contest winners so you can reference past entries for inspiration next year.
A Christmas cubicle decorating contest isn’t just a break from work—it’s a way to unite your team, encourage creativity, and celebrate the season in a fun, inclusive way. With a little planning, some creative ideas, and a dash of holiday spirit, your office will be full of laughter, collaboration, and festive joy.
Ready to get in the holiday spirit? Stock up on festive certificates, border paper, and decorating supplies at PaperDirect.com to make your office cubicle contest one to remember!
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