Christmas Decoration Ideas for Shared Offices: A Fun and Festive Guide

The holiday season is upon us, and as the excitement for Christmas builds, there’s no better time to infuse some holiday cheer into your workplace.

If you work in a shared office space or coworking space, you know that decorating can be a challenge. After all, you’re sharing the space with a bunch of people who might have different tastes in tinsel, twinkling lights, and Santa’s sleigh (or lack thereof).

But fear not, because Christmas decorating in a shared office doesn’t have to be stressful or awkward. In fact, it can be a whole lot of fun!

Let’s dive into the holiday spirit with some Christmas decoration ideas that will bring joy to your office while keeping things light, fun, and just the right amount of festive.

1. The Non-Invasive Christmas Tree

The first rule of office decorating: don’t be a space hog. Nobody wants a tree so big that it blocks the door or prevents people from getting their much-needed caffeine fix. While a giant tree may seem like the obvious go-to, in shared offices, less is often more.

Miniature Christmas Trees: These little beauties can pack a punch without taking up much space. You can set up a tiny tree on your desk or in a common area, and everyone can have a hand in decorating it. There are even cute ones that come pre-lit or can be used as DIY projects (for the artsy folks).

Tabletop Trees: Look for some compact, stylish trees that can be perched on coffee tables or countertops. These give the office a festive feel without overwhelming the workspace.

Christmas Tree Alternatives: If you’re really looking to save space (or just want to stand out), think about going for a “tree” made of hanging lights or even a stack of Christmas-themed books arranged in a triangular shape. If Martha Stewart can make a cone of styrofoam look good, you can make a Christmas tree out of anything.

2. Festive Desk Accessories

While full-fledged trees might be a bit much for some, everyone can get into the Christmas spirit with festive desk accessories. Think of it as your personal space on full holiday blast.

Santa Hats for Chairs: A simple way to add some holiday cheer is by draping a small Santa hat over the back of each office chair. These little toppers can make a huge difference, and they’re easy to put on and take off. Plus, who wouldn’t smile at a sea of office chairs looking like they belong to Santa’s helpers?
Christmas-Themed Mouse Pads and Mugs: Swap out your plain, everyday mouse pad for something that screams “Ho Ho Ho!” Similarly, get a quirky mug to enjoy your holiday beverages. Whether it’s a snowman, reindeer, or just a Christmas tree design, the right mug can turn a regular cup of coffee into a seasonal celebration.
Festive Pens and Notepads: Tiny touches like pens with candy cane stripes or notepads decorated with reindeer can brighten up your desk and inject a little holiday fun into the everyday grind.

3. The Secret Santa DIY Corner

What’s a coworking office without a bit of camaraderie and a Secret Santa exchange? The holidays are the perfect time to show a little love for your colleagues (without breaking the bank).

Personalised Gifts: Rather than buying generic gifts, why not create something special? Craft a personalised ornament or make a jar of homemade hot cocoa mix. Not only does this show your coworker you care, but it also adds a DIY flair that makes the office feel like a holiday workshop.
Gifting Stations: Create a “Secret Santa Drop-Off” station. Decorate a table with wrapping paper, festive tags, and cute boxes so everyone can easily drop off their holiday presents. It’s an excellent way to add some fun without causing chaos.

4. Office-Wide Christmas Challenges

If you’re sharing a workspace, you know one thing for sure: team-building is key. What better way to bond with your coworkers than with holiday-themed office challenges? When it comes to holiday fun, a little friendly competition never hurts.

In fact, Christmas decoration is especially popular in coworking spaces in Miami because of the main events, where people in shared spaces come together to celebrate. These challenges will help bring everyone together for some festive fun!

Ugly Sweater Contest: This one is a classic. Encourage everyone to come dressed in their most garish Christmas sweaters. Bonus points for extra creativity, like turning your sweater into an actual tree or snowman. You could even hold a vote and have the winner take home a trophy (or perhaps, just bragging rights).

Office Decoration Contest: Divide the office into teams and assign each team a section of the office to decorate. Whether it’s the kitchenette, a conference room, or the entryway, each team can get creative and show off their decorating skills. Make it extra fun by having a holiday photo booth for people to snap pics of their festive efforts.

Christmas Carol Lip Sync Battle: During a slow afternoon or lunch break, why not have a little impromptu lip-sync contest? Everyone can choose their favourite Christmas carol and compete for the title of “Office Christmas Star.” Whether you’re in a coworking space or any other shared office, this challenge is sure to spark plenty of laughs.

5. Go Green with Your Christmas Decorations

Sustainability is on everyone’s mind these days, and the holiday season is no exception. Christmas decorating doesn’t have to be wasteful, and there are plenty of eco-friendly ways to deck out your office.

Recycled Ornaments: Swap out those plastic ornaments with ones made from recycled materials, such as wood, paper, or even old CDs. It’s a great way to keep the holiday spirit alive without filling up landfills. Plus, DIY ornaments can make your workspace feel personal and thoughtful.
Reusable Wrapping: Say goodbye to the mountains of disposable wrapping paper. Instead, opt for reusable gift bags, fabric gift wraps, or even old newspapers for a fun and quirky alternative. Your coworkers will appreciate the thoughtfulness and the creative touch.
LED Lights: Ditch those old, energy-draining Christmas lights for some LED options. Not only will they brighten up your workspace, but they’ll also save on electricity costs. It’s a win-win!

6. Light Up the Space (Responsibly!)

No Christmas decoration is complete without lights. However, when decorating a shared office, it’s essential to keep the vibe cosy without turning the place into a glowing Christmas nightmare.

Fairy Lights: Small, twinkling lights are a great way to add a soft holiday glow to your space. You can wrap them around your desk, a shelf, or even drape them across the ceiling for that perfect twinkly effect.
Battery-Powered Lights: For flexibility and safety, go for battery-powered LED lights. These can be placed anywhere without needing to worry about outlets or tripping over cords. It’s all about ambiance!
Lighted Christmas Wreaths: Instead of an actual tree, try hanging a wreath decorated with mini LED lights. It’s a more subtle way of celebrating the season, and it won’t take up much space.

7. Scented Candles (With Caution!)

Scented candles can be an incredible way to set the mood for the holiday season. Who doesn’t love walking into a room that smells like cinnamon, pine, or fresh-baked cookies? However, be mindful that not everyone enjoys the same scents, and some may even be allergic.

If your coworking space allows it, scented wax melts might be a safer bet since they can still offer a pleasant smell without the fire risk. And remember, less is more—one or two strategically placed items can work wonders.

8. The Christmas Music Playlist

Here’s an idea that might divide your coworkers into Christmas music lovers and Grinches: creating an office playlist.

Background Tunes: Curate a playlist of instrumental Christmas music for the office. This way, no one feels like they’re being bombarded with Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas” on repeat. Add some classical versions of holiday carols or jazzy renditions to keep the mood light and festive without overwhelming anyone.
Collaborative Playlist: You can even have a crowdsourced playlist where each person adds their favourite Christmas tunes. Just be sure to add a disclaimer: “No, the 12-minute version of ‘The Little Drummer Boy’ will not make the cut.”

Conclusion

Decorating a shared office space for Christmas doesn’t have to be a logistical nightmare. With a bit of creativity, you can fill the office with holiday cheer that appeals to everyone, even those Scrooges who claim to not celebrate the season.

From miniature trees and DIY gifts to office-wide competitions and a sustainable approach, the possibilities are endless. So this year, transform your shared space into a winter wonderland, and enjoy the holiday spirit together.

After all, it’s not just about the decorations—it’s about creating memories and bringing everyone a little closer. Happy decorating!