What are Creative Ways Nurses Celebrate the Holidays at Work?

Working through the holidays can be emotionally and physically demanding, yet it also opens the door for meaningful connections, creative team traditions, and morale-boosting fun.

If you’re wondering what creative ways nurses celebrate holidays at work, this guide offers practical, low-stress, and unit-friendly holiday nurse activities designed to boost joy without disrupting patient care. These holiday ideas for nurses are also perfect for nurse managers looking to strengthen teamwork and build a positive culture during the busiest time of year.

1. Host a “15-Minute Festivity”

Long celebrations aren’t always possible during patient care, so quick, uplifting mini-events are ideal. Try

• Hot cocoa pop-up bar with toppings
• Festive snack swap (single-serve items only)
• Holiday trivia lightning round with small prizes

These small moments can refresh the team without interrupting workflow.

2. Decorate Your Unit—Safely and Simply

A little décor goes a long way. Choose small, safe touches like:

• Battery-operated candles
• Mini wreaths or garland
• A “gratitude board” where staff and families can add notes
• Themed bulletin boards (winter wonderland, holiday kindness, etc.)

This brings cheer to patients and staff while keeping the unit uncluttered and compliant with facility guidelines.

3. Plan an Inclusive Potluck or Treat Table

Food brings people together—but inclusivity matters. Encourage team members to share dishes from their own traditions. Provide options for dietary needs like gluten-free, low-sugar, or nut-free.

To keep it stress-free, allow store-bought items and set up a grab-and-go table instead of a formal meal.

4. Create a “Secret Supporter” Gift Exchange

Instead of a traditional Secret Santa, try a Secret Supporter exchange focused on encouragement rather than gifts. Participants anonymously leave notes, small snacks, or words of appreciation during the week.

This keeps costs low and boosts morale during a hectic season.

5. Celebrate with a Themed Spirit Week

Theme days are simple, fun, and loved across nearly every unit. Some ideas include:

• Cozy Scrubs Day
• Holiday Socks Day
• Ugly Sweater (or Fun Scrubs) Day
• Favorite Winter Mug Day
• Festive Accessories Day (badge reels, pins, headbands)

Themes help bring the team together—and make for great social media photos for the department if allowed.

6. Host a Holiday “Shout-Out Wall” or Recognition Tree

Create a bulletin board or paper tree where team members can post:

• Notes of gratitude
• Compliments for coworkers
• Patient thank-you notes (with permission)

Recognition is one of the most meaningful gifts during a stressful season.

7. Bring Holiday Music (in Moderation!)

If your unit allows it, play soft, calming holiday music during low-activity hours. Or create a shared playlist where staff add their favorite cozy, peaceful, or upbeat holiday tracks.

Music can help reduce stress and boost team mood.

8. Organize a Charity Drive or Volunteer Moment

Many nurses feel deeply connected to giving back—and organizing a charitable activity can unite your team. Try:

• A toy drive
• Warm clothing donation
• Sponsored family giving tree
• Writing holiday cards to seniors or veterans

A sense of purpose brings extra meaning to the season.

9. Create a Memory-Making Photo Corner

Use a blank wall or bulletin board and add a holiday backdrop (paper snowflakes, garland, winter scene). Nurses can take quick photos during breaks—solo, with coworkers, or with props.

Photos help teams bond and create keepsake memories.

10. Make the Holidays Special for Patients

Working holiday shifts can be draining for you, but the holidays can be extremely depressing for patients who don’t have a way to be with loved ones. You can help by:

• Make cards for patients telling them you’re thinking of them. 
• Spruce up patient bulletin boards or doors with paper snowflakes of festive decor
• Ask patients to share a favorite holiday memory or tradition with you
• Hum seasonal tunes while working or encourage patients to sing along

Doing something special for others can give your mood a boost, and make them feel good too.

Bringing Joy to Holiday Shifts

Even small holiday nursing celebrations can transform the atmosphere in a unit. These creative ideas help nurses honor the season, support one another, maintain morale, and bring joy to others while continuing to deliver exceptional patient care.

‍