A Heartwarming Christmas Gathering: A Unique Company Holiday Celebration

As the cold winds of late December blow, they are always quietly softened by the warm glow of holiday lights and the sound of laughter. This year, our company chose to celebrate Christmas in a special way—not with a traditional dinner, but with a hands-on gathering that lasted from afternoon until night, blending taste and camaraderie.

3:00 PM · Sweet Beginnings

At three in the afternoon, sunlight streamed through the windows into the open space downstairs. Long tables were already filled with hawthorn berries, strawberries, grapes, oranges, and an assortment of nuts. In small pots nearby, rock sugar simmered into translucent amber syrup. This was the first activity of the day—making candied fruit skewers.

At first, everyone was a bit unsure—fruit would slip off the skewers, and the sugar coating wasn’t always even. But soon, laughter replaced hesitation. Someone tried skewering strawberries and hawthorn together, calling it “Snow Beauty.” Another secretly sandwiched walnuts between grapes, creating an unexpectedly crispy texture. The air filled with the sweet, caramel-like aroma of melting sugar, and everyone’s hands and smiles were touched by a little sticky, shiny joy.

Just as the candied fruit skewers were finished, game time began. This year, instead of complicated rules, we played simple team-building games that brought everyone closer. During a charades relay, someone’s wild gestures had the whole room laughing. In a “silent lineup” game, everyone managed to arrange themselves by birthday using only eye contact and gestures—a surprising show of teamwork. Winners received small prizes, and even those who lost were cheered—because in the end, winning didn’t matter. What mattered was seeing colleagues from different departments, usually busy with their own work, now laughing and focusing together.

Between games, the snack area stayed lively. Gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflake cookies, hot cocoa… all kinds of Christmas-themed treats were lovingly prepared. Fruit platters featured strawberries like little red hats, green grapes like strings of jade, and orange slices arranged like sunflowers. The snacks were delicious, but even more so was the thoughtful care behind them.

Nightfall · Warmth and Good Food

As dusk fell, the event moved into its most anticipated part—cooking our own Christmas feast. This year, we weren’t just guests—we were the chefs. Representatives from each department put on aprons and stepped into the temporary outdoor kitchen area. The main dish was iron-pot braised goose, accompanied by each department’s specialty: R&D brought aromatic red wine braised beef, Marketing prepared a colorful Christmas salad, and even the Design team carved vegetables into delicate Christmas tree garnishes…

Steam rose from the pot of braised goose as the meat slowly tenderized in the rich broth, accompanied by vermicelli, potatoes, and mushrooms. The broth gradually thickened into a rich, flavorful sauce. Waiting around the stove was almost more enjoyable than the meal itself. Some added firewood, others seasoned, and some simply stood nearby chatting—sharing stories and reflections from the past year.

When all the dishes were finally served, the feast began. There were no assigned seats—everyone moved around freely, sharing food and toasting. The braised goose was quickly finished, the beef won unanimous praise, and even the Christmas salad tasted especially refreshing, mixed as it was with joy. In that moment, titles, departments, and ages faded away. We were just a group of people enjoying good food and good company on a holiday.

Closing · More Than Just a Gathering

This Christmas, we didn’t go to a fancy restaurant or hold a grand party. Yet, in the candied fruit skewers we made ourselves, we tasted the sweetness of childhood. In the team games, we felt the warmth of collaboration. And in the shared meal we cooked and enjoyed together, we savored the richness of human connection.

Perhaps the best team-building isn’t about elaborate plans, but about creating moments where everyone can participate—where we see each other in a different light, amid simple joys and genuine laughter. The meaning of Christmas has never been just about gifts or dinners. It’s in those hands-on moments, those unguarded smiles, and the care and connection that flow naturally in the warmth of shared experience.

May this warmth stay with us as we step into the new year.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!