The Christmas season is fast approaching, and with it many companies are looking for ways to celebrate the holidays with their employees.

A company Christmas party is a big part of our Christmas tradition, dating back to the Victorian age with the gathering at old Fezziwig’s, as depicted in Charles Dickens’ classic tale A Christmas Carol. Back then, Fezziwig used the party to show is staff their work is appreciated and to have some fun. Little has changed today.

“Christmas is one of the few times of the year when co-workers gather outside of the work environment and can really enjoy themselves,” says Anthony Annunziata, vice-president of marketing at the Marriott Gateway on the Falls. “A Christmas party is a great way to energize your team, instill a sense of appreciation and build morale that can last for months, or even years.”

There is no question a good company Christmas party will be water cooler talk well into the new calendar year. When seeking the ideal company Christmas party, Annunziata offers the following tips:

• Get out of the office.
  Your staff and co-workers would appreciate a change of scenery, so find a venue that can accommodate your guests.

• Invite spouses and significant others.
  Use the Christmas party to encourage more collegiality between colleagues. It’s a chance to build new and stronger friendships.

• Provide good food.
  Give serious consideration to the food that will be served. Pick a good menu, and it sets the tone for a good evening.

• Consider audio-visual needs.
  Coming near the end of the year, Christmas is a good time to reflect on the past 12 months, highlight accomplishments of your employees, and share some laughs with some of the funnier stories that have happened in the workplace. Questions that need to be asked: Is the party just dinner and drinks, or will there be DJ music and dancing? Will a microphone be required?

• Be safe.
  You want your staff to enjoy themselves, so think about how they will get home if they have been drinking. Look for a venue that is accessible by public transit or taxis, or even consider booking hotel rooms.

“Your staff work hard all year,” says Annunziata. “[A company Christmas Party] is a welcome gesture to show them that work has not gone unnoticed.”