Whether Pi Day, Paralegal Day or Talk Like a Pirate Day, perhaps more offices should celebrate non-traditional holidays that fit their firm’s culture. Celebrating these holidays can make even a Monday feel special and provide a perfect opportunity for quirky observances and special celebrations.
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I work at a somewhat non-traditional law firm. I don’t have billable hour requirements. We come and go as we please. It’s perfectly acceptable to leave in the middle of the day to go to the gym or run an errand. Dogs are welcome in the office. As an eat-what-you-kill employee, I have unlimited vacation (not that I take it). We don’t have a written dress code, though I suspect if we had one, it would be “You must wear clothes.”
Another thing I’ve noticed that makes my firm different from others is that we don’t really celebrate holidays. Of course, most of us don’t work on traditional holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, but we don’t really celebrate them as a firm. We do not send holiday cards on behalf of the firm and, unless our office manager decides to do it, we don’t decorate our lobby for any holiday. It’s not a priority for us. We’re more likely to be focused on client work.
Benefits of Celebrating Fun Holidays
Understanding the Value of Non-Traditional Holidays
Celebrating fun holidays can bring a breath of fresh air into the daily grind of any workplace. How about the joy of indulging in National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day (August 4) or the playful spirit of National Pi Day (March 14). These non-traditional holidays inject a dose of excitement and whimsy into our routines, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. By embracing these unique holidays, we encourage a sense of community among colleagues. Moreover, recognizing and celebrating these special days helps us appreciate the diversity and richness of human experience, making our work environment more inclusive and vibrant.
Enhancing Employee Morale and Engagement
Incorporating fun holidays into the workplace is a surefire way to boost employee morale and engagement. Celebrating special days like National Ugly Christmas Sweater Day (December 15) or National Candy Cane Day (December 26) shows employees that their well-being and happiness are valued. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, reduced stress, and improved teamwork. Fun holidays provide opportunities for employees to bond and connect, promoting a positive and supportive work environment. When employees feel appreciated and engaged, they are more likely to be productive and committed to their work.
Saying Yes to Pi
There is one exception to our non-practice of non-traditional holidays, and that’s Pi Day, which takes place March 14 (3/14, 3.14 …).
Our firm does a substantial amount of intellectual property work, and most of the people in our firm are engineers, scientists, geeks or a combination thereof. A holiday that combines math and dessert is right up our alley. (Note that National Pie Day is January 23.)
Similarly, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, and Friendsgiving, a gathering for friends, often occurs on or around this day.
We Celebrate Pi Day
We don’t just make a run to the grocery store to pick up a pie. Oh, no. We place an order with a proper pie shop where they are made especially for us. Yes, our firm has an official pie shop. Our shop even topped one of our pies this year with the Greek letter “π.”
Creative Ways to Celebrate Pi Day at Your Firm
Pi Day (March 14) is a fantastic opportunity to get creative and have some fun at work. Here are a few ideas to celebrate this special day:
- Host a Pie-Baking Contest: Encourage employees to showcase their baking skills by bringing in homemade pies. Offer prizes for the best-tasting and most creatively decorated pies.
- Math-Themed Trivia Game: Organize a trivia game with questions related to math and Pi. This can be a fun and educational way to celebrate the day.
- Pi(e)-Themed Snacks and Drinks: Provide a variety of pie-themed snacks and beverages for employees to enjoy throughout the day.
- Pi-Themed Scavenger Hunt: Create a scavenger hunt with clues related to Pi and math. This can be a fun team-building activity.
- “Pi Day” Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with math-themed props and accessories. Encourage employees to take fun photos and share them on your firm’s Facebook page.
- Math-Related Jokes and Puns: Invite employees to share their favorite math-related jokes or puns. This can add a touch of humor to the celebration.
Does Your Firm Observe Fun Holidays?
I wondered if other firms celebrate any non-traditional holidays, but was sad to see there don’t appear to be many. One lawyer said their firm celebrates Data Privacy Day (January 28) by eating cookies. Another lawyer reported this isn’t celebrated firmwide, but he celebrates the anniversary of a win in a significant case every year.
In case you are interested, there are law-related holidays, including:
- Handcuff Day (February 20)
- Proofreading Day (March 8) – This is the closest thing I could find to Contracts Day.
- Legal Assistants Day (March 26)
- Law Day (May 1)
- Love Litigating Lawyers Day (August 31)
- Paralegal Day (October 23)
- Love Your Lawyer Day (1st Friday in November)
- Bill of Rights Day (December 15)
- Donut Day (1st Friday in June) – OK, it isn’t a legal holiday, but I figured this is something that everyone would want to celebrate.
And, in case you were wondering, Columnists’ Day is on April 18.
More offices should celebrate holidays that fit their firm’s culture rather than feel obligated to conform to traditional ways of celebrating. Years ago, I sent out over 400 custom-made postcards to celebrate the Future Birthday of Captain Kirk (March 22). That’s something I want to integrate into my annual marketing plan going forward. It’s definitely more memorable than sending a holiday card in December — unless you’re sending me a card for Festivus (December 23).
If you’re interested in non-traditional holidays, I recommend the National Day Calendar, which lists all sorts of random and real holidays. (You can also sign up to get holiday alerts.)
Exploring Unique Holidays to Celebrate
There are countless unique holidays to celebrate throughout the year, each with its own special theme and significance. Here are a few examples to add some variety and excitement to your calendar:
- National Winnie-the-Pooh Day (January 18): Celebrate the beloved bear with themed snacks and activities.
- Galentine’s Day (February 13): A day to celebrate female friendships with fun activities and treats.
- Star Wars Day (May 4): Embrace your inner Jedi with Star Wars-themed decorations and activities.
- National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day (August 4): Indulge in delicious cookies and share your favorite recipes.
- Friendsgiving (Late November): Host a potluck-style meal to celebrate friendship and gratitude.
Encouraging Employee Participation and Suggestions
To make the most of fun holidays, try to encourage employee participation and suggestions. Here are a few ways you can do this:
- Create a Facebook Page or Online Forum: Set up a platform where employees can share their ideas and suggestions for celebrating fun holidays.
- Host a “Holiday Brainstorming” Session: Gather employees to brainstorm and discuss ideas for upcoming holidays.
- Encourage Ownership of Specific Holidays: Allow employees to take charge of planning and organizing specific holidays or events.
- Offer Incentives or Rewards: Recognize and reward employees who come up with creative and engaging ideas for celebrating holidays.
- Appreciate Employee Contributions: Make sure to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts and contributions of employees in planning and celebrating fun holidays.
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