How to celebrate on a shoestring — without losing heart or team spirit

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — unless your business isn’t meeting budget. When revenue is tight or a couple of big projects have stalled, it’s tempting to trim the holiday celebration. After all, when you’re a business owner feeling the pressure, a party may seem like the easiest thing to cut.

Photo / Tim Greenway

Nancy Marshall

But be careful about the message this sends. You don’t want your team polishing their résumés along with the holiday silver. A holiday gathering — no matter how modest — signals confidence, stability and appreciation.

As professionals who have spent our careers helping leaders strengthen relationships, we can tell you that how you show up during challenging times matters even more than how you show up when things are easy.

So yes, celebrate! Just do it creatively and thoughtfully. And remember: what people cherish most isn’t the price tag of the event — it’s the personal connections. Whether you serve lobster patties or a delicious lentil soup, the magic comes from the stories, the laughter and the feeling of being part of something meaningful.

Here are three simple ways to make a celebration memorable without overspending.

Change the time

Lunch events are almost always less expensive than evening dinners, and many restaurants are far less crowded midday. Another option is an end-of-day gathering with appetizers and drinks. Honestly, having the evening free during the hectic holiday season can feel like a gift in itself.

Or consider shifting the celebration into January. One year, Ann’s team delayed their gathering until after the holidays to avoid the crowds, chaos and premium pricing — and not a single person complained. In fact, people appreciated the slower pace.

Change the provider

Instead of outsourcing the entire experience, consider making it more personal. A potluck lets everyone show off their signature dishes and creates an atmosphere that’s relaxed, warm, and sometimes delightfully quirky.

Photo / Tim Greenway

Ann Leamon

Ann’s team once gathered at her senior partner’s home and played “How Well Do You Know Your Colleagues?” Their answers revealed everything from past jobs (including staffing a haunted house!) to what they’d take to a desert island. The cost was minimal; the laughter was priceless.

Gifts can also reflect thoughtfulness rather than expense.

Nancy’s team does a Yankee Swap with local gifts priced up to $20. Jam from a local farm stand supports small Maine businesses and feels special. A collection of favorite recipes — something Nancy’s team often shares — can become a nostalgic, heartfelt gift.

Change the focus

Instead of centering the celebration solely on food and drink, think outward. Your team could participate in Toys for Tots, volunteer at a food pantry, wrap gifts for donations or bake cookies for a fundraiser. The company might even provide paid volunteer hours so everyone can pitch in during the workday, followed by casual snacks and drinks afterward.

Or add purpose to a playful tradition: hold an ugly sweater contest where the “prize” is a donation to the winner’s favorite cause. It sparks joy while reinforcing your organization’s values.

Communication matters

If employees are accustomed to large end-of-year bonuses and this year will be different, clear communication is essential. Staff should understand the business context — without panic, but with honesty.

Even when Ann worked at a lollipop factory, she could see inventory stacking up in the hallways. Your team likely senses what’s happening, so transparency builds trust.

If bonuses are tied to company performance (as they should be), explaining factors like “reduced tourism” or “a major project postponed” helps set expectations. And leadership must lead by example. In some venture-capital downturns, senior partners voluntarily gave up their bonuses to support junior staff which is a powerful gesture of unity.

A celebration worth remembering

While it’s easier to celebrate when budgets are flush, a thoughtful gathering during challenging times can be even more meaningful.

With creativity, communication and a focus on relationships, your celebration can still sparkle — strengthening your culture and preparing your team for a bright, successful year ahead.

Processing Your Payment

Event Info

Award Honorees

Topics

Regions

Biweekly Issues

Special Editions

Event Info

Award Honorees