How to create the perfect virtual Christmas

For a perfect online Christmas, you need:

• 1 stable online platform

• 3 or 4 packs of decorations

• 1 advent calendar full of surprises

• 2 or 3 themed playlists

• 5 or 6 activities to build with snow

• 1 melting heart with Santa Claus flavor

• 1 gift box prepared with love

• And a good pinch of good humor thanks to a Santa's helper who rocks!

Start by preparing the dough by finding the virtual platform of your dreams (for us this year, it’s Nowhere!). You need a friendly base, one that can be decorated thematically, and that allows both broadcasting workshops and shows on a central stage, while letting guests freely chat in small groups as they please, just like at an on-site event.

While the dough rests, prepare your Christmas decorations (graphics, quizzes, videos, playlists, and more) then add them to the dough mixing vigorously. The goal is to create a 100% Christmas atmosphere that is both cozy and full of surprises for guests who will want to click all around. Set the mood with the sound of a fire or sleigh bells to create a soft sound atmosphere, but also consider adding links to Christmas playlists so the party continues long after the event ends.

Cut your advent calendar into pieces (24, preferably) that you will scatter as the celebration approaches, for example through your company's Slack account. The goal is both to count down to the day of the party (and after, if the event is before official Christmas), and to get all guests in a good mood from early December (if we can make the last month of the year a bit more joyful, why not?). Again, quizzes, playlists, and online activities (like an elf name generator) are your friends, but you can also post challenges (make a Christmas tree with what you find on your desk, draw a snowman with your left hand…), questions (tell your best Christmas story), or encourage people to share their childhood photos or dreamed gifts.

Whisk the party program until you get a smooth but airy texture – you don’t want your guests to feel stressed and have to rush from one activity to another; always think about giving them free time to breathe and enjoy each other, they will appreciate the activities all the more!

Preheat your oven setting it to "growing excitement" mode with the help of an invitation sent to all guests. It’s even better if you write it in theme – take the pen under the name of Mrs. Claus, an elf, or why not, a reindeer! Sprinkle this letter with a generous dose of Christmas vocabulary and don’t hesitate to lean into good feelings, this cake must be very sweet!

Now that your dough has rested well, roll it out and cover it with a good gift box sent before the event. Ideally, this layer contains not just one gift, but also crunchy treats with plenty of little things to serve the guests during the party: Christmas decorations, accessories to get into the spirit (reindeer headband is always a big hit), glitter, and everything needed to participate in workshops (cookie mix, fimo clay, etc.).

Cut out the center of your party and hide a melting heart with the visit from Santa Claus for little and big kids. Choose it fun and tender, and make sure children send their letters in advance for an even more personal interaction.

Finally, sprinkle everything with a generous pinch of good humor (don’t hesitate to add two!) thanks to your Mrs. Claus who will play the role of host throughout the party. Attention: Mrs. Claus is an INDISPENSABLE ingredient to your virtual Christmas, so be sure not to buy a battery-raised one! You need a Mrs. Claus full of energy and good humor, very good at improvisation and with a good sense of comic timing, otherwise your cake will fall like a failed soufflé!

On the big day, heat up your energy to a boil of good humor and cover your party with it. And there you go, everything is ready for tasting!

To be devoured fresh out of the oven! 🎄