Holiday Cheer: Creative ways to celebrate Thanksgiving in the office.

In partnership with

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude, foster connection, and enjoy the company of those around us. People tend to be more kind during this time of year. Bringing this spirit into the workplace can boost morale, strengthen relationships, and remind employees that their efforts are valued. Whether your office is in-person, remote, or hybrid, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Thanksgiving together. Despite late notice, I wanted to share five creative ideas to help your team feel appreciated and connected this Thanksgiving season.

1. Gratitude wall or board.

Set up a physical or virtual gratitude wall where employees can share what they’re thankful for. This can be done throughout the entire month of November.

Provide sticky notes and pens in a common area, or use an online tool like a shared document or virtual whiteboard for remote teams. Encourage everyone to write something they’re grateful for—whether it’s a supportive colleague, a recent team success, or a personal milestone.

This activity not only cultivates positivity but also allows employees to see the collective gratitude of their peers, creating a sense of unity and appreciation.

2. Host a Thanksgiving potluck.

Nothing says Thanksgiving like food! Organize a potluck where employees can bring dishes that reflect their traditions or favorite holiday recipes. Create a sign-up sheet to ensure a variety of options, from appetizers to desserts.

For remote teams, consider a "virtual potluck" where everyone shares photos and stories about their favorite Thanksgiving dishes during a video call. Bonus points for swapping recipes in a shared document!

3. Share a team gratitude video.

For a modern and heartfelt twist, ask team members to record short clips sharing what they’re thankful for this year. Compile the videos into a montage and play it during a team meeting or office gathering.

This personalized touch allows employees to reflect on their blessings while celebrating their colleagues’ gratitude, reinforcing a sense of community.

4. Organize a "Thanksgiving Giving" drive.

Extend the spirit of Thanksgiving beyond the office by organizing a charitable giving drive. Collect donations such as non-perishable food items, clothing, or toys, and partner with a local charity to distribute them to those in need.

Consider making it a team-building activity by volunteering together at a food bank or shelter. This not only makes a positive impact on the community but also strengthens bonds among employees.

5. Employee recognition and thank-you notes.

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to acknowledge employees’ hard work and contributions. Write personalized thank-you notes for each team member, expressing specific appreciation for their efforts and achievements.

For a more public celebration, host a recognition ceremony during a team meeting to highlight accomplishments and milestones. Employees will feel valued and motivated heading into the holiday season.

Turn it into a tradition!

Thanksgiving in the office is about more than just celebrating a holiday. The positive impact that these events have is incalculable. Whether through a simple act like a gratitude wall or a grand gesture like a catered feast, these activities can create lasting memories and reinforce a positive workplace culture.

This Thanksgiving, take the time to bring your team together and remind them that their contributions matter. After all, gratitude isn’t just for Thanksgiving—it’s the foundation of a thriving workplace year-round.

Start learning AI in 2025

Everyone talks about AI, but no one has the time to learn it. So, we found the easiest way to learn AI in as little time as possible: The Rundown AI.

It's a free AI newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the latest AI news, and teaches you how to apply it in just 5 minutes a day.

Plus, complete the quiz after signing up and they’ll recommend the best AI tools, guides, and courses – tailored to your needs.

Sign up to start learning.