No matter how big or small your team, it still takes lots of hard work and attention to detail to throw an amazing virtual holiday party. And since we've been in this virtual events game for a while, we're happy to share some notes to help you as you begin your planning.

This year, it feels as if time is both standing still and flying at the same time. So it's hard to believe, but we're already two weeks into November. I know. Try to catch your breath.

I don't mean to rush you, but that also means that December—and this year's virtual company holiday party—are right around the corner. So, if you're feeling a little overwhelmed and behind, now isn't the time to worry. Now is the time to take action!

You and your coworkers really want to have a holiday party this year. Working remotely has been really challenging, so celebrating the wins, reflecting on your team's perseverance, and having some fun together would be hugely important. To you, it seems pretty obvious why.

But you're having trouble getting management to see why a virtual holiday party is necessary for employee morale.

Maybe you're just really busy. Maybe you're still not sure how this whole "virtual holiday party" thing is supposed to work. Maybe you're feeling overwhelmed and kind of clueless.

Whatever the reason is, it's time to stop procrastinating and start planning your company's virtual holiday party or end of year celebration.

Here are 3 reasons to start planning your company holiday party right now!

Even in a good year, it's hard to keep up with everything. Now, throw in a global pandemic, a frenetic news cycle, an election, adjusting to a remote working environment, and maybe even trying to wrangle childcare. 

You have so many things on your plate that it's tempting to kick the can down the road on planning your virtual holiday party. Soon enough, pushing it back "just one more day" becomes one more week, becomes two weeks or longer. And then suddenly, you're scrambling, frantically trying to pull off a fun event for your team. 

We know it's hard to juggle everything. And planning your company's virtual holiday party can feel like just one more thing you don't have time for. But here's the silver lining of 2020:

This year, there is only ONE STEP to planning your company's virtual holiday party.

Be honest. When you think of "virtual holiday party," what comes to mind is a computer screen filled with a million Zoom boxes. No one is actually engaging. It's a "virtual happy hour," but no one is actually happy. It's just kinda awkward and sad.

But wait. What if there's a better way to have a virtual holiday party?

It’s that time of year again. There’s a chill in the air. Puffy jackets, hats and scarves are on. Your morning coffee is dressed up in a holiday cup. And your company holiday party is just around the corner.

The experts have spoken: Play is more than just fun and games. But as HR professionals and people leaders, how can we be strategic in using play to engage your coworkers? How can we design experiences that make employees excited to raise their hand and jump in the game?