Throwing the office holiday party in December is no longer the status quo—January is a great time of year too. From increased date freedom to combatting the long winter still ahead and boosting company morale, January is a pleasant alternative option.
Here’s why you should consider having the party in January instead of the usual holiday season.
1. The December Hangover
People are pulled in a million different directions during the holiday season. With shopping, family Christmas dinners, and preparing for parties, it leaves everyone feeling wiped. Attending a party starts to feel like you’re just checking it off a list if you haven’t already responded “No” because you simply can’t come. Jam-packed schedules make party-going feel like a chore instead of a fun celebration.
Colleagues are likely to feel more refreshed after the holiday break. More people are likely to be free during the slow January season, when there are hardly any parties to choose between versus the holiday rush in December.
2. Improved Availability
Throwing a party in January means competing with every single other business doing the same thing. From picking a venue to selecting a caterer, booking too late could put you out of luck.
January party dates are practically endless when compared to December, as most aren’t booking a party at this time. You can get the best catering in Toronto when you aren’t fighting everybody else.
December only has so many weekends available before Christmas. January, by contrast, is open the entire month. You’ll be less constricted to certain weekends when you aren’t cramming a party in before the seasonal break. Toronto is filled with must-see party venues for your office party, but these options become limited when you’re competing with everybody else for prime seating. That cool party venue is more likely to be available during the significantly relaxed month of January.
3. Choose Your Own Theme
December evokes a “Christmas” theme—whether it’s blatantly obvious or not. January is slightly more inclusive for those who don’t celebrate that holiday, where you can really take advantage of the “winter” theme instead.
Highlight the best of the winter season with silver touches, such as branches, pine, and candles. Try a different theme completely, such as a circus, casino night, or anything else you think would be fun. There’s no need to feel like you have to keep the party “holiday-centered” when you host it in the middle of January.
4. Cash Savings
December is peak party season, meaning prices are a little higher. January is both the off season and slower restaurant season, where minimums will be lower. You might be able to save some money on the party when the date is pushed back a few weeks, and money saved here can be used to cater more food and beverages or perhaps book a fancier spot you weren’t able to book during the busy season.
The venue you like might even offer reduced rates or off-season incentives during this time. A combination of both these factors is not only a great money-saving strategy, but it gives you more freedom to budget other party-planning aspects.
5. Get Over the Winter Blahs
It’s no secret that January is a bit of a boring month, especially after the holiday build-up. It’s dark, it’s cold, and there’s really nothing to celebrate. Beat the winter blues and kick off the first quarter with a party. People are rejuvenated after the office break.
January is slow. The bleakest month of the year can leave everyone feeling down, but this event adds extra sparkle. Create some excitement and give everyone something to look forward to with an office holiday party in January.
