15 Thanksgiving Activities to Spice Up Your Office Celebration in 2023

In the corporate kingdom, where deadlines loom like dark storm clouds and board meetings threaten to rain down upon us, there is a need for a moment of respite, a break from the daily grind, and a dash of whimsy to reignite the spirit of camaraderie. 

Enter the Turkey Day Team Building Extravaganza! We, the fearless HR heroes, are on a mission to infuse your workplace with the essence of gratitude, goodwill, and pumpkin-spiced absurdity.

As we approach the season of Thanksgiving, it's time to feast not only on turkey and cranberry sauce but also on the joys of team bonding and office shenanigans. So, gather 'round, dear employees, as we unveil our cornucopia of 15 Thanksgiving activities designed to elevate your workplace dynamics from mundane to marvelous, from humdrum to hilarious. 

Get ready to embark on a journey filled with quirky challenges, dramatic showdowns, and a heaping helping of fun, all in the name of teamwork. 

Buckle up, because it's time to turn your office into a Thanksgiving Wonderland like no other!

When and why is Thanksgiving celebrated?

Thanksgiving in the United States is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. In 2023, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Thursday, November 23rd. Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday celebrated in a unique and human way for several reasons:

• Historical gratitude: Thanksgiving is rooted in history, tracing back to the Pilgrims in 1621. It's celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the United States and the second Monday in October in Canada. This day commemorates the Pilgrims' successful harvest and their gratitude for Native American assistance.
• Harvest celebration: It's a time to come together and express gratitude for the bountiful harvest. Families and friends gather to share a delicious feast, which often includes turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. This tradition fosters a sense of unity and togetherness.
• Familial bonding: Thanksgiving transcends religious and cultural boundaries. It's an occasion for family members to reconnect, bond, and enjoy each other's company. People travel far and wide to be with loved ones, making it a heartwarming celebration of familial love.
• Reflection and appreciation: Thanksgiving serves as a reminder to reflect on the blessings in our lives. People often take time to share what they are thankful for, encouraging an atmosphere of appreciation and mindfulness.
• Community and charity: Some people spend their Thanksgiving giving back to their communities by volunteering or donating to those in need. This compassionate aspect adds a unique layer to the holiday, emphasizing the importance of helping those less fortunate.

Thanksgiving is a day when people come together to express their gratitude for the harvest, family, and the blessings in their lives. It's a time for reflection, unity, and acts of kindness, making it a truly unique and human celebration.

10 Thanksgiving activities ideas for the employees 

Here are 10 Thanksgiving activity ideas for employees to promote a sense of togetherness and gratitude in the workplace:

1. Thanksgiving potluck feast

Host a Thanksgiving potluck feast in the office. Encourage employees to prepare and share dishes that reflect their cultural or family traditions. This not only provides an opportunity to taste a diverse range of delicious dishes but also allows colleagues to learn more about each other's backgrounds and traditions.

2. Gratitude tree

Create a "gratitude tree" in a communal area, using a large branch or even a wall covered with paper leaves or ornaments. Throughout the month of November, employees can write down what they're thankful for on these leaves and hang them on the tree. It's a wonderful way to foster a sense of appreciation and positivity in the workplace.

3. Recipe swap

Organize a Thanksgiving recipe swap where employees bring in their favorite holiday recipes. They can share the history or significance of the dish and exchange recipes with colleagues. This can lead to a friendly cooking competition and an opportunity for food enthusiasts to shine.

4. Thanksgiving decor contest

Foster a creative and festive atmosphere by organizing an office decorating contest. Employees or teams can decorate their workspaces with Thanksgiving-themed decorations. Provide a prize for the most creatively decorated space, encouraging employees to express their holiday spirit.

5. Thanksgiving trivia

Challenge employees' knowledge of Thanksgiving with a trivia competition. Create a set of questions related to the holiday's history, fun facts, and pop culture. Divide employees into teams and offer prizes for the winning team. It's a fun and educational way to celebrate.

6. Volunteer day

Give back to the community by organizing a volunteer day. Provide employees with opportunities to volunteer at local food banks, shelters, or other charitable organizations in need during the holiday season. This activity reinforces the spirit of gratitude by helping those less fortunate.

7. Thanksgiving movie marathon

Set up a cozy movie corner in the office with a screen or projector and show Thanksgiving-themed movies or classic family films. Offer popcorn, snacks, and drinks to create a comfortable and entertaining atmosphere for employees to enjoy during breaks.

8. Thanksgiving talent show

Encourage employees to showcase their hidden talents in a Thanksgiving-themed talent show. They can sing, dance, recite poetry, or tell funny stories related to the holiday. This activity not only entertains but also brings out the unique skills and personalities of your team.

9. Turkey trot or fun run

Organize a charity fun run or "Turkey Trot" for employees who enjoy physical activities. Participants can sign up for a 5K or 10K race, and you can encourage them to wear turkey-themed costumes for added amusement. It's a healthy way to promote team spirit and support a charitable cause.

10. Thanksgiving craft workshop

Provide employees with craft supplies and instructions for making Thanksgiving-themed decorations or crafts. This hands-on activity allows employees to tap into their creative side and bond with colleagues while adding a festive touch to the office environment.

Remember, the key to a successful Thanksgiving celebration in the workplace is to promote a sense of gratitude, togetherness, and enjoyment during the holiday season, while also respecting the preferences and diversity of your team.

5 Thanksgiving activities ideas for HR team

Here are 5 Thanksgiving activities ideas for an HR team to foster team bonding and gratitude:

1. Thanksgiving talent swap

Organize a talent show within the HR team where each member can showcase a unique skill or talent. This activity not only fosters team bonding but also allows team members to appreciate each other's hidden talents. You can have a panel of judges or let the team vote for their favorites, and offer small prizes for the top performers.

2. HR gratitude wall

Create a "Gratitude Wall" in the HR office space. Encourage HR team members to write down what they're thankful for, whether related to work, personal life, or their colleagues, on colorful sticky notes. As the wall fills up, it becomes a visual reminder of the team's collective gratitude.

3. HR team cook-off

Host a friendly cooking competition among the HR team members. Each participant can prepare and bring in a Thanksgiving dish to be judged by the team. It's a fun way to celebrate the holiday and appreciate the culinary talents within the team. You can even create categories like "Best Side Dish" or "Most Creative Dessert."

4. HR team building scavenger hunt

Organize a Thanksgiving-themed scavenger hunt within the office or around the company campus. Create clues or riddles related to the holiday, and the HR team can work together to solve them and find hidden treasures. This activity promotes problem-solving and teamwork.

5. HR team volunteer day

Plan a volunteer day for the HR team to give back to the community. Find a local charity or organization that needs assistance during the Thanksgiving season and spend a day volunteering together. This not only strengthens team bonds but also reinforces the importance of social responsibility.

These activities can help the HR team celebrate Thanksgiving while promoting teamwork, gratitude, and camaraderie within the department. Remember to tailor the activities to the preferences and interests of your specific team.

Xoxoday Empuls Presents: "Dish Swap: Thanksgiving Challenge" - A Feast of Fun and Gratitude! 🎉🍽️

Dear team members, get ready to savor the flavors of this Thanksgiving with a delightful and dramatic dish swap challenge. 

Let's turn our Thanksgiving celebration into a memorable experience that truly connects with each and every one of you. Here's how you can make the most of our "Dish Swap Thanksgiving Challenge" using Xoxoday Empuls:

1. 🍁 Roll out the challenge on Empuls

Kickstart the Thanksgiving festivities by crafting a captivating post or banner on the Empuls platform, vividly outlining the exciting challenge ahead. Employ the announcement tool to ensure that everyone in our organization receives a notification, igniting their anticipation for this upcoming culinary celebration.

2. 🍗 Create specific groups

Let's carve out a special space on Empuls called "Thanksgiving Dish Swap Delights." In this designated hub, members can share their culinary creations, connect with fellow participants, and stay updated on the daily culinary adventures and themes, all in the spirit of Thanksgiving feasting.

3. 📸 Daily dish reminders

Spice up the Thanksgiving season by encouraging employees to whip up delectable dishes each day. Use Empuls' notification feature to send gentle reminders and inspire them to prepare something scrumptious. It's time to don your aprons and chef hats!

4. 🎮 Boost engagement with culinary games

Empuls provides incentives and rewards for those who actively engage on the platform. Points will be distributed for actions such as sharing photos of your culinary creations, interacting with others' mouth watering dishes (through likes and comments), and sharing your culinary journey. Let the culinary games begin!

5. 🍽️ Vote for the culinary champion

To determine the culinary champions and engage all employees, establish a polling system that allows everyone to cast their votes for their favorite dishes or specific categories, such as 'Top Thanksgiving Dish.'

6. 🎁 Appreciate with rewards

Xoxoday Empuls offers a seamlessly integrated rewards ecosystem. Once the challenge concludes, we'll honor the culinary champions by bestowing them with Xoxoday points, allowing them to unlock an array of experiences, presents, or vouchers from the extensive platform offerings.

7. 💬 Collect culinary suggestions

After the conclusion of the dish swap challenge, let's use Empuls to collect insights about the event. Design a brief survey or poll aimed at discerning employees' preferences, areas for enhancement, and innovative suggestions for upcoming culinary challenges.

Let's make this "Dish Swap Thanksgiving Challenge" a feast of flavors and a gobble of giggles! With Xoxoday Empuls, it's not just an event; it's an unforgettable experience. Join us for a night of joy, friendly competition, and lasting memories! 🦃🎮🥇

Wrap up: Turkey Day team building extravaganza

As the grand finale of our Turkey Day Team Building Extravaganza unfolds, it's clear that we've injected a dose of pumpkin-spiced magic into your daily office routine. Amid deadlines and responsibilities, we've shared moments of laughter, strengthened bonds, and ignited the spirit of teamwork.

Now, as the curtain falls on this extraordinary journey, cherish these memories and the profound camaraderie they've cultivated. Beyond the titles and roles, you've become partners in the grand adventure of work, laughter, and shared success.

With the echoes of turkey gobbles and the warmth of these shared moments, may this Thanksgiving season leave you not just with prosperity but also with lasting team connections. 

Until next year's surprises, may your workplace remain a vibrant hub of unity, inspiration, and the occasional touch of quirky and dramatic flair.🦃🍁