Taking Care of Your Team During the Holiday Rush
December is busy and full of extra pressure for Life Enrichment teams. Calendars expand. Families visit more often. Emotions run high. Staff juggle decorations, themed socials, room setups, special events, and last minute requests. It is the season when your team gives and gives. They deserve the same level of care.
A strong staff morale plan helps everyone feel supported during one of the most demanding months of the year. With a few simple ideas, you can build pockets of comfort, rest, and appreciation into your daily routine. These small moments can make a big difference.
Create Cozy Break Room Moments
Even five minutes of comfort can reset a tired team member. Try adding simple winter touches that feel warm and inviting.
Easy ideas to try:
- A hot cocoa or cider bar stocked with marshmallows, whipped cream, and flavored syrups
- A “grab and go” snack station with granola bars, fruit, and festive treats
- A small diffuser with calming seasonal scents like peppermint or cinnamon
- A rotating “comfort playlist” with relaxing instrumental winter music
These tiny touches show that the workday matters just as much as the events you plan.
Start a Secret Snowflake Gift Exchange
Gift exchanges bring fun to teams during a high stress season. Keep it simple.
Set a five or ten dollar spending limit. Encourage thoughtful gestures instead of big gifts. Slip notes of appreciation into mailboxes. Add small tokens like holiday socks, favorite snacks, or stickers for clipboards and water bottles.
Reveal day can happen at your December staff meeting or as part of a morning huddle. It is a small tradition that grows team connection all month long.
Add Mini Moments of Gratitude
Gratitude is powerful and easy to weave into your routine.
Try:
- “Shout Out Snowflakes.” Team members write a thank you on a paper snowflake and post it on a wall.
- A daily gratitude jar where staff add happy moments from their day.
- Quick end-of-shift huddles with one positive share.
These tiny reflections help everyone slow down and feel seen.
Build Rest Into the Schedule
Even the strongest team burns out without breaks. Look for ways to create space for breathers.
- Rotate holiday event duties so the same person does not carry the load
- Limit back to back events when possible
- Block protected planning time
- Add a fifteen minute reset break during long event days
These pauses prevent the December fatigue that often hits right after big celebrations.
Use Technology to Take Weight Off the Team
Go Icon can save teams hours of prep during the holiday rush.
- Activity Guides reduce planning time and prep
- The Smart Aging Copilot helps generate ideas when the team is stretched thin
- The Idea Generator adds instant backup for themed socials, craft sessions, and holiday games
- Attendance tracking keeps things organized when residents attend more events
When tools do some of the heavy lifting, staff can focus on what matters. Being present. Creating connection. Supporting residents.
Celebrate the Wins All Month Long
December is filled with big and small victories. Celebrate them.
- Highlight team achievements at standup
- Share notes from families who appreciated the events
- Treat the team to a warm breakfast after a big social
- End the month with a short “cheers to us” moment
These celebrations remind everyone that the work they do has real impact.
Taking care of your team during the holiday rush is not extra work. It is essential. With a few thoughtful traditions and supportive tools, you can create a work environment that keeps your team grounded, appreciated, and supported during the busiest month of the year.