The celebration of Christmas can be a time of joy for many people all over the world. Closer to home, there are however a number of things to consider when planning your festive celebrations from both a company and personal perspective.

• Choose an appropriate celebration that suits the culture (organisational and multicultural) and values of your organisation and that of your customers. It is important to remind staff that company parties are still considered as ‘work activities” and continue to be covered by OHS obligations, current policies and grievance procedures.
• Remind staff not to display or participate in behaviour which may physically/emotionally harm, offend, humiliate or embarrass others. This may include fighting, bullying, harassment and discrimination. In the light of day, these behaviours can cause embarrassment to the company and employees/people involved, affect working relationships and may result in disciplinary action being taken against the employee.
• Clearly communicate (verbally and in writing) your behavioural expectations, responsibilities and disciplinary guidelines to staff before any celebrations. This may be achieved via email messages and notice board displays and face to face in briefing sessions or team meetings.
• Be mindful of what you say or do after a few alcoholic drinks. Some conversations and subjects may be more suitable for back in the office. An office fling at the Christmas party may cause embarrassment to those involved or put a strain on working relationships afterwards.
• Thinking of giving Secret Santa or Kris Kringle gifts to colleagues? A gift that you might find funny or amusing may be viewed by others as offensive, humiliating, embarrassing or inappropriate by others.
• Mange OHS risks and hazards associated with the use or hire of venues, transport home, safe food selection/storage, limiting the amount of company supplied alcohol and the responsible service of alcohol. If staff are required to work the next day, it will be important that you remind them of their safe work responsibilities and the need to be sober, especially when operating machinery/equipment or driving a vehicle.
• Include employees who may be absent for a period of time on your invitations list e.g. those on parental, long service leave or leave without pay. Whether you invite the partners of employees to the celebrations is something to carefully think about. Non employees, including invited customers and partners will be classed as visitors; therefore you have the responsibility to manage the risks associated with them being at the party in the same way you would at your worksite or workplace.

From a personal perspective, this time of year may be a time of mixed emotions which can result in pressure being felt by individuals, teams, families and in relationships. Here are some things to keep in mind;

• People celebrate Christmas in different ways. In some cultures and religions, Christmas is not recognised or celebrated in the same way as we may be familiar with or experience in Western cultures. Some cultures have more traditional roots and are less materialistic than others, so there is less emphasis on gift giving and more on the religious or spiritual aspects of Christmas.
• Divorce and separation can put pressure on individuals and family members during this time. It is important to talk about how you feel at this time of the year with the people in your life. If possible try and find ways to celebrate Christmas in a way that avoids putting added pressures or unrealistic demands on each other.
• Decide what you want from this celebration. It can be easy to be swamped in the fury of shopping and gift wrapping, but is this what you really want or can afford? Is it time to donate your gifts or time to a charity that needs your support at this time of year. Have you ever thought of simplifying your Christmas and just getting together to spend time with people that you care for, feel comfortable with or love?
• Consider inviting a friend or close colleague to your celebration. You may know someone who is alone, from overseas/ interstate or no longer has a close relationship with family members. Welcoming others into your celebration with existing family or friends may feel uncomfortable at first however; it can have some wonderful advantages and can add more fun and dynamics to the group.
• Some people may feel sad or find it difficult to celebrate at Christmas time. Family and emotional pressures, loneliness, depression, grief, guilt and unresolved life or family issues can emerge or re-emerge during this time. If you know someone who feels sad or depressed at this time of year try to encourage them to talk with a counsellor or someone that they feel comfortable with and trust. If your organisation has an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) try to encourage them to make contact and to organise an appointment before the holidays begin.
• Excessive spending and credit card blow outs are common at this time of year. Try to avoid the post Christmas spending blues by making a list, start your shopping early, avoid the Christmas week rush and sticking to a budget.
• Try to start your celebration preparations early and try to avoid grocery stores on Christmas Eve. If you purchase gifts try to wrap them before Christmas Eve that way you can relax and start to celebrate on the night without all the stress.
• Don't forget yourself. You may be involved in organising Christmas events for colleagues, customers, partners, friends or family but what about you? Is there something that you would like to do for Christmas or treat yourself with? Don't forget to make this time of your special for yourself as well.

As the Christmas and New Year celebrations approach try to keep it all in perspective. Consider thinking of others; take care of each other and yourself. Enjoy the celebrations in your own unique way.