“Holiday Lite” is apparently a thing now. 

A Harris Poll survey found that fewer than half of workplaces (48%) still host regular in-person holiday events, and younger employees are asking for celebrations that feel interactive, inclusive, and a lot less stiff. 

I read that and thought, finally. I’ve sat through enough awkward office parties to know the best holiday moments happen when someone casually says, “Here’s what we do at my house,” and everyone leans in. 

That’s what I want this season: more stories, less small talk. I’ll happily wear my christian t shirt to the potluck and share my traditions, and I can’t wait to hear yours.

1. Start With a Story Swap, Not a Sign-Up Sheet

Pick a casual Friday, bring snacks, and invite people to share one tradition if they feel like it. That last part matters, because some people would rather skip the holidays altogether, and that’s completely fine. I’d wear one of my christian hoodies, since a roomy hoodie makes a conference room feel like a living room. 

People talk more when they’re comfortable, and the stories that come out are the ones you remember in January.

2. Let Everyone Dress for Their Own Tradition 

Some coworkers might wear a hijab, a kippah, a sari, or a favorite family sweater, and your outfit can say who you are too. 

My go-to is layering a christian fringe scarf over a plain coat. It adds texture and movement without shouting. The point is that nobody should feel like they have to tone themselves down to fit in, and a holiday gathering is the perfect time to show that.

3. Plan a Comfort Day for the Whole Team 

December wears everyone out, so I love a “come as cozy as you can” day. I’d reach for my jesus sweatshirt, wear it with jeans, and call it done. 

Add a shared playlist with songs from different traditions, and a table of hot drinks, and you’ve got an easy afternoon where people actually sit and chat instead of rushing back to their desks.

4. Turn Teamwork Into Spirit Day 

Ask everyone to wear a sporty or team-inspired look for the day. A christian jersey has that loose, breathable mesh drape that works over a long sleeve tee, and it feels playful without trying too hard. 

Other people can wear their own team jerseys, which is half the fun. It’s a low-pressure way to laugh together and learn what everyone cares about outside of work.

5. Make Ugly Sweater Day Open to Everyone 

Humor is the fastest way to bring a room together. A loud christian ugly sweater is my pick, but I always tell coworkers to wear whatever feels festive to them, whether that’s a winter pattern, a seasonal knit, or just their coziest layer. Keep it optional and keep it silly. 

The goal isn’t matching. It’s showing up with some personality and letting other people do the same.

Brand i love: Guiding Cross

I found Guiding Cross while hunting for faith-forward pieces that felt like real clothes, not a costume. The shop is built around Christian apparel, and the range covers everything from hoodies and sweatshirts to jerseys and scarves, so you can build a whole outfit in one place. During the holidays, I love browsing the christian christmas sweatshirts, since they let me share my traditions in a way that feels warm and personal. For me, wearing my faith comfortably is what makes it easier to ask about everyone else’s.

3 Reasons I’m Obsessed

• The range is easy to mix

From a cozy hoodie to christian sweatpants, everything fits the same relaxed, comfortable mood.

• There’s room for every style

Whether you like soft basics, sporty jerseys, or something like a Christian Camo T-Shirt, you can find a look that feels like you.

• The holiday pieces stay personal

The seasonal designs let you celebrate your own traditions without feeling forced or generic.

Celebrating together doesn’t mean everyone has to celebrate the same way. The closest teams I’ve been part of are the ones where people felt free to share what matters to them, and to listen when others did the same. Start small with a story swap or a casual cozy day, and maybe tuck a christian ugly christmas sweater into the mix for the laughs. By the end of the season, you’ll know your coworkers better than you did in October.