The Best Ways to Announce Holidays to Employees: Creative & Thoughtful Ideas

Hey there, friends! It’s your Holiday Little Assistant, back with another helpful guide. Today we’re tackling a question that pops up a lot this time of year: how to announce holidays to employees in a way that’s clear, fun, and gets everyone excited. Whether you’re an HR pro or a small business owner, nailing your holiday announcement sets the tone for the whole season!

Why Your Holiday Announcement Matters

Let’s be real – nobody likes a boring “office closed” email that looks like it was written in 1999. A great holiday announcement does three things: 1) It informs, 2) It appreciates your team, and 3) It builds excitement. Think of it as a mini-celebration before the actual celebration!

Creative Ways to Share the News

The Themed Email: Ditch the plain text. Use holiday graphics (even simple Canva designs work), add a playful subject line (“Santa Approved: Our Holiday Schedule!”), and include important dates in bold. Pro tip: Attach the dates to everyone’s calendars automatically!

The Surprise Treat: Pair your announcement with a small gesture. Tape holiday hours to candy canes on desks, or host a 5-minute “hot cocoa break” where you share the schedule. Employees will remember this way longer than another email!

The Digital Countdown: For remote teams, create a fun Slack/MS Teams post with a holiday GIF and a “X days until vacation!” countdown. Bonus points for sharing nostalgic holiday photos from past office parties.

What Your Announcement MUST Include

However you deliver the news, don’t forget:

• Exact dates the office is closed (highlight if there are early dismissals)
• Who’s working (if applicable) and how they’ll be compensated
• Emergency contact info for urgent issues
• A genuine “thank you” message – this is key!

Common Questions About Holiday Announcements

Q: How early should we tell employees?

A: For major holidays (like Christmas), give at least 4-6 weeks’ notice. For smaller holidays, 2-3 weeks is fine. Earlier is always better for planning!

Q: What if some staff have to work?

A: Be transparent upfront about coverage needs. Offer comp time, holiday pay, or other perks to show fairness. A little appreciation goes a long way.

Q: Can we make it fun for remote teams?

A: Absolutely! Try virtual holiday trivia with the announcement as the “prize reveal,” or send out e-gift cards with a holiday hours “scratch-off” effect.

At the end of the day, your holiday announcement is more than just logistics – it’s a chance to show your team they’re valued. Whether you go all-out with decorations or keep it simple, what matters most is that warm, human touch.

FAQpro Thanks for reading, friends! Now go forth and craft that perfect holiday announcement. And hey – if you need help figuring out actual holiday dates for your region, you know where to find me! Wishing you happy employees and even happier holidays.