Sledge’s Post

Clients Are Cancelling the Christmas Party...?! The demand for a traditional alcohol-heavy Christmas party is tanking. Booze-filled gatherings are often quickly forgotten and can leave more chaos than cherished memories. But there are plenty of fun, engaging, and meaningful alternatives to consider... Alternatives Clients are doing include: New Year Kick-Offs: Start the new year on a high note with an event that blends team bonding and business strategy. With more affordable venues in January, it’s a great way to celebrate and set the tone for the year ahead. Spring or Summer Family Fun Days: Show appreciation to your employees and their families by hosting a relaxed day of outdoor activities. It’s a fantastic way to build deeper connections beyond the workplace, making everyone feel valued. A Day at the Races: For a more refined experience, take the team to the races or organize an alternative sophisticated outing. It’s memorable, fun, and doesn’t need to center around alcohol. Hosting a Kids' Charity Party: Embrace the holiday spirit by giving back. Organize a festive charity event for children in need, combining fun and philanthropy in one heartwarming celebration. This shift towards more thoughtful and inclusive celebrations is gaining momentum for good reason. However, if you want a party, we can help make it unforgettable!

Creative Ideas for Spreading Holiday Cheer in Your Team ✨🎄 With the holidays around the corner, it's a great time to show appreciation for your team and spread some cheer! If you're looking for ideas on how to make the season extra special for your team, here are a few activities you could organise: Secret Santa Gift Exchange 🎁: A fun way to surprise each other with small, thoughtful gifts. Holiday Party 🎉: Whether in-person or virtual, a festive gathering to celebrate the year's successes. Team Building Activities 🎯: Holiday-themed trivia, gingerbread house competitions, or even a scavenger hunt for a bit of fun. Volunteering Together 🤝: Give back as a team by volunteering at a local charity or community event. Holiday Potluck & Cookie Exchange 🍪: Share homemade treats and enjoy a festive lunch together. Personalised Thank-You Notes ✉️: A simple but meaningful way to express gratitude to each team member. Office Decorations 🎄: Bring the holiday spirit to the workplace with a few festive touches. Team Gifts & Bonuses 🎁: Show your appreciation with small gifts or year-end bonuses. Charity Drive 🧸: Organise a drive to collect donations for a good cause. End-of-Year Reflection 🥂: Take time to reflect on the team's achievements and celebrate milestones. These ideas are just a few ways to wrap up the year on a high note and make everyone feel appreciated. It’s all about creating moments that bring your team closer together while celebrating the season. 🎉 #TeamSpirit #HolidaySeason #EmployeeAppreciation #Leadership #TeamBuilding

It's this time of year, and here are 10 Christmas ideas to raise spirits in your venture during the holidays. 🎄🎅☃️🎁 1️⃣ funny Christmas sweater Celebrate Christmas with funny and festive sweaters! Set a date (how about St. Nicholas Day on December 6?) and invite your colleagues to wear their best or funniest Christmas sweaters. Sweaters with reindeer, snowmen, and crazy motifs will bring some Christmas spirit into the office. Not only will this create a festive atmosphere, but it will also boost team spirit. 2️⃣ charity campaigns Organize a fundraiser for local charities. Employees can donate toys, clothes, or food to help needy communities. Such campaigns strengthen the sense of community and show the company's social responsibility. There are also nationwide campaigns: - Letters against loneliness - Christmas in a shoe box - Donations to the food bank 3️⃣Christmas cooking competition A friendly cooking competition where employees prepare their favorite Christmas dishes is a great way to bring the team together. The dishes can be presented in the office or shared via video conference. This encourages cultural exchange and strengthens relationships between colleagues. Alternatively, you could organize a cookie-baking competition. 4️⃣ Secret Santa campaign The Secret Santa campaign is a traditional Christmas activity in which employees exchange gifts anonymously. This encourages surprise and joy within the team. Combine this with a small celebration to make the exchange even more festive. 5️⃣ Christmas team-building events Organize team-building events with a Christmas theme, such as a Christmas quiz or a virtual escape room. These activities are not only entertaining but also promote team spirit and cooperation. Of course, there is a lot more - from personal thank you messages, Christmas photo competitions, relaxation, and wellness activities like Yoga.

Thursday was SAD. For most however, it’s been a nice week for catching up with old friends and colleagues before Christmas, a lot of people making an effort to get into the office for a seasonal get-together resulting in a lot of chance catch-ups. It was also fun to see lots of normally serious people in quite ridiculous Christmas Jumpers. Christmas Jumper Day, a fund-raising event promoted by the UK charity “Save the Children” has been criticized for encouraging people to buy cheap jumpers made in sweatshops from non-renewable materials. This response has dampened the support from some employers, opting instead to encourage staff to wear Christmas themed jewellery,  using tinsel as hairbands, or similar accessories. A small office within my circles went a step further, noting other cultural festivals such as Hannukah and Pancha Ganapati, alongside various solstice celebrations, were just as important to North London communities as Christmas. As a result it was suggested that Seasonal Accessories Day would be more appropriate than Christmas Jumper Day, and the management team agreed without noting the initials. The approach was publicised with staff, and it was apparently greeted with the kind of collective eye-rolling amusement as any other bizarre management initiative. (Just to be clear, this was a different, but related organisation to the one allegedly briefly known as South Hertfordshire Institute of Technology.) Corporations are notorious for creating meaningless jargon, often through the use of TLA’s (Three Letter Acronyms). It’s refreshing to see a piece of tooling with a name that says what it does. CrossRail came close, before renaming to the meaningless Elizabeth Line. My message today is: if you choose a title for a piece of software or other tools, try to make it a fundamentally understandable name. If that’s not feasible, at least make the abbreviation spell something fun. #sundaythoughts #christmasjumperday

As the holiday season approaches, it’s a wonderful opportunity for businesses to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with our teams, our clients, and our communities. For many, this time of year is about gratitude and giving, and those values resonate deeply in the business world. It’s a chance to celebrate achievements, acknowledge challenges, and thank those who contribute to our success. Here are three ways to embrace the holiday season as a business leader: 🎁 Show Appreciation: Take time to recognize your team and partners. A simple “thank you” can go a long way in strengthening relationships and motivating others as we prepare for a new year. 🎄 Give Back: Whether it’s organizing a toy drive, volunteering as a team, or supporting a local charity, the holiday season is the perfect time to make a meaningful impact in your community. ✨ Plan for Growth: While we reflect on the past year, we also look ahead to the next. Use this season to set goals, refresh your vision, and gear up for the opportunities to come. At its heart, the holiday season is about connection—and in business, that’s what it’s all about. Cheers to making the most of this season of giving and growing! I love our NEC traditions and can't wait to kick them off next week! Bring on the Turkey Potluck, Thanksgiving Baskets, Toy Drive, Holiday card signing, Holiday Brunch and our annual Holiday Party! I may or may not have programmed the SirusXM holiday channels in my car already. #HolidaySeason #BusinessLeadership #Gratitude #Teamwork #Community

The holiday season is filled with joy, but it can also be a hectic time for families. 👨👩👧👦 To help you stay organized and make the most of your celebrations, here’s a comprehensive holiday checklist! 1. Plan Your Schedule - Family Gatherings: Coordinate dates and times with relatives. - Travel Arrangements: Book transportation and accommodations early. 2. Create a Budget - Gifts: Set a budget for each family member. - Food: Plan meals and allocate funds for groceries and dining out. 3. Gift Shopping - Make a List: Write down gift ideas for everyone. - Purchase in Advance: Avoid last-minute shopping stress. 4. Decorations - Tree & Ornaments: Set up your #holiday tree and hang ornaments together as a family. - Home Decor: Add festive touches throughout your home. 5. Holiday Cards - Design & Order: Choose a family photo or design for your cards. - Mail Early: Ensure they arrive in time to spread holiday cheer! 6. Meal Planning - Festive Recipes: Compile a menu of holiday favorites. - Grocery List: Make a list and shop for ingredients ahead of time. 7. Family Activities - Plan Outings: Schedule visits to local holiday events, markets, or light displays. - Crafts & Baking: Set aside time for holiday crafts or baking sessions. 8. Relaxation Time - Self-Care: Don’t forget to plan downtime for relaxation and family bonding. - Movie Nights: Create a list of holiday movies to enjoy together. 9. Volunteer & Give Back - Community Service: Find opportunities to volunteer as a family. - Charitable Donations: Consider donating toys or food to those in need. 10. Reflection & Gratitude - Family Meeting: Discuss what you’re grateful for this year. - Create a Memory Book: Document your family’s holiday experiences. Happy holidays 🎄 ♻️Share with your friends #iceageshortlets #holidayseason #checklist

Toni’s Top Tips Tuesdays As we enter December, the final month of the year, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the impact we can create both personally and professionally. Today, on Giving Day, let’s celebrate the spirit of generosity and gratitude that defines this season. ✅ Embrace the Spirit of #Giving: Whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply offering a helping hand, let’s make a difference in our communities. ✅ Prioritize Work-Life Balance: As we approach the holidays, it’s crucial to find a #balance between our professional responsibilities and personal lives. Taking time to recharge with family and friends not only enhances our well-being but also boosts our #productivity and #creativity. ✅ Plan and #Connect: Use this time to plan meaningful activities with loved ones. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a simple get-together, these moments are invaluable. ✅ Reflect and Set Goals: #Reflect on the past year and set #goals for the upcoming one. This is a great time to think about how we can continue to #grow and make a positive impact. ✅ Practice Gratitude: Show #appreciation to your colleagues for their support and #collaboration throughout the year. A simple thank you can go a long way in fostering a positive work environment. Let’s make the most of this festive season by giving back, balancing our lives, and cherishing the moments with those who matter most. 🎅🏻Happy Giving Day and happy holidays! 🎄 #GivingDay #SeasonOfGiving #HolidaySpirit #WorkLifeBalance #ReflectAndGrow #Gratitude #CommunityImpact #FestiveSeason #GoalSetting #HappyHolidays

Christmas Jumper Day started in the UK in 2012, spearheaded by Save the Children International, as fun way to bring people together and raise money for children in need. But as we plan to mark this festive tradition this coming Thursday, it’s worth thinking about how to celebrate it more sustainably. Many Christmas jumpers on the market are made from synthetic materials like acrylic, which can take hundreds of years to break down in landfill. But there are better ways to join in the fun while reducing environmental impact. Here are some eco-friendly tips for Christmas Jumper Day: 1️⃣ Choose Natural Fabrics: If you’re buying a jumper, opt for one made from cotton or other biodegradable materials. My absolute favourites are Organic Zoo and Hunter & Rose, both offer beautiful cotton jumpers with timeless designs. 2️⃣ Consider Renting: For growing children, renting is a great option. Companies like thelittleloop and borro-it rent festive jumpers, reducing waste and extending the life of clothing. 3️⃣ Buy to Last: If you’re buying, choose a slightly larger size for kids so they can wear it for two years. Christmas jumpers are often generic enough to be passed down between siblings or friends. 4️⃣ Pass It On: When you’ve finished with your jumper, resell it, donate it to a charity shop, or swap it with others to ensure it’s worn as many times as possible. 5️⃣ Resale: When you have finished with your jumper, you could also sell it through companies like Reloop and Vinted. Christmas Jumper Day is a wonderful tradition, but we can all take small steps to make it kinder to the planet. Let’s celebrate responsibly and ensure that our festive fun doesn’t leave a lasting impact on the environment. Do you have a great idea to share on how to celebrate an eco-friendly way? #Sustainability #ChristmasJumperDay #EcoFriendlyLiving

When considering Thanksgiving, many immediately envision traditional gatherings with family. However, for those unable to travel home, lacking family nearby, or simply seeking time with chosen loved ones, Friendsgiving offers a wonderful alternative for celebration. Thanksgiving fundamentally revolves around community and gratitude, themes that can be embraced whether surrounded by family, friends, or neighbors. Planning a Friendsgiving event is an excellent way to bring people together and extend the holiday spirit, even if attendees have other plans for the official Thanksgiving date. Utilizing Sickening Events for event planning can streamline the process, allowing convenient sharing with the community while facilitating ticket sales through various platforms. If you are seeking inspiration for Friendsgiving themes, here are 15 unique ideas across four categories: Interactive, Classes, and Workshops, Charitable, and Virtual. Interactive Friendsgiving Party Ideas: Football Watch Party:  Gather at a sports bar or rented venue for a football viewing extravaganza. Provide alternative activities for non-football fans. Board Game Day: Host a board game marathon, encouraging guests to bring their favorites and share stories about their choices. Community Potluck:  Embrace diversity by organizing a potluck where attendees share culturally significant dishes. Friendly Retreat:  Craft a unique experience focused on community, healing, and gratitude, drawing inspiration from similar events. Classes and Workshops: Thanksgiving Cooking Class:  Bring friends and family together for a culinary adventure, learning to create traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Candle-Making Workshop:  Engage in a hands-on activity, crafting custom candles perfect for gifting or decoration. Charcuterie and Cocktail Workshop:  Elevate the celebration with a gourmet experience, learning to create artisanal charcuterie boards and cocktails. Charitable Friendsgiving Theme Ideas: Turkey Trot 5K Race:  Foster community and fitness with a charitable race, raising funds for a meaningful cause. Block Party:  Celebrate with the community, enjoy food and performances, and support local vendors while fundraising for a cause. Pie-Making Contest:  Showcase baking skills and creativity, encouraging friendly competition and camaraderie. Blood Drive:  Give back to the community by organizing a blood donation event partnering with local hospitals or blood banks. Virtual Friendsgiving Ideas: Virtual Dinner Together:  Connect friends and family virtually over a shared meal, fostering inclusivity and togetherness. Virtual Social Mixer:  Create a welcoming online space for like-minded individuals to connect and share experiences. Holiday Watch Party:  Host a virtual viewing party for TV shows, movies, or sports events, bringing friends together regardless of distance. Friendsgiving Trivia Night:  Challenge knowledge with a themed trivia event, providing fun and prizes for participa

It's almost time to start prepping content for Christmas, so here are some ideas 🎄⬇️ 1. Reflecting on 2024 ❤️ A lovely way to end the year is to reflect on your achievements, lessons, key moments, and challenges. Why not put it in a post? Highlight some key moments that shaped your career or business. 2. Gratitude posts 🤝 Show some appreciation for your team and showcase their contributions. Celebrate collaborations and achievements with partners. 3. Office traditions 🌲 Christmas parties, secret Santa, office buffets, decorations, Christmas jumper day etc. There are loads of things you can do. 4. Highlighting the company culture Post how your company supports work-life balance during the festive period through flexible hours, holiday bonuses, or special time-off policies. 5. Charity Are you planning on doing anything for charity? An office baking day where the money goes to charity? Toy drives, food bank donations, or volunteering? 6. Holiday stories 📖 If you have one, share a heartwarming story from your industry or company that offered support during the festive period. 7. Christmas tips 🧐 - "How to prep for the Christmas rush", - "Customer service best practices" - "Managing holiday workflows" - "Year-end closing tips" 8. New Year's resolutions for the industry/business 🥳 Share your thoughts on improvements or changes you'd like to see in your field in the upcoming year. 👏 Comment any more below 👇