The holiday season brings a special opportunity to celebrate the heartbeat of Summit County’s business community – our dedicated employees and the vibrant businesses they help build.Â
At the Summit County Chamber of Commerce, we’re committed to empowering local businesses with resources and ideas to help them thrive, and we understand that meaningful celebration can sometimes feel challenging to get right.
Many business owners tell us they want to show authentic appreciation for their teams but aren’t sure where to start.Â
Should they stick with traditional holiday bonuses? Plan an elaborate party? Give individual gifts?Â
With busy schedules and budget considerations, finding the perfect way to honor both your business achievements and your employees’ contributions can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve compiled this guide of creative and meaningful ways to celebrate during this special season. Get ready to get inspired to make this a special holiday for your most important asset – your people!
1. Create a “Summit Success Bonus” ProgramÂ
Rather than a standard holiday bonus, consider creating a personalized bonus structure that celebrates both individual and team achievements from the past year.Â
This could include performance incentives, special project completion bonuses, or customer service excellence rewards. Tying end-of-year rewards to specific accomplishments makes the celebration more meaningful and reinforces your company’s values.
2. Gift the Greatest Luxury: TimeÂ
In our busy mountain community, time is perhaps the most valuable gift you can offer.Â
Consider surprising your team with extra paid time off during the holiday season. This could be structured as “Holiday Flex Days” to be used in December or January, allowing employees to extend their time with family or hit the slopes on a perfect powder day.Â
It may seem small, but this gesture shows you value work-life balance and trust your team to manage their time.
3. Curate Local Experience Packages
Partner with other Summit County businesses to create unique local experience packages. Think snowmobile tours, spa treatments at local resorts, cooking classes with local chefs, or private ski lessons.Â
These experiences celebrate your employees and strengthen our local business community through partnership. Plus, they create memorable moments that employees will associate with your company’s culture of appreciation.
4. Host a “Give Back Together” Day
Transform traditional holiday celebrations into meaningful community impact by organizing a team volunteer day.Â
Work with local organizations like the Family & Intercultural Resource Center or Summit Foundation to find a project that resonates with your team. Follow the volunteer activity with a catered lunch from a local restaurant, combining team bonding with community service.
5. Launch a Professional Growth Gift Program
Offer professional development grants as a holiday gift to show investment in your team’s future. These grants could include funding for industry certifications, leadership training, or skill-building workshops.Â
For example, a retail business might sponsor advanced customer service training, while a tech company could fund coding bootcamps. Include a celebratory lunch to announce the opportunities and let employees share their professional dreams for the coming year.
6. Create a “Winter Wellness Package”
In our high-altitude environment, winter wellness is crucial. Partner with local wellness providers to create custom packages for your team. Â
Add in some high-quality winter skincare products from local boutiques to help employees combat the dry mountain air – it’s the little things that show you are thinkign about their well-being.
7. Host a Mountain Family Celebration
Break from the traditional office party format by planning a family-inclusive mountain celebration.Â
Rent a cozy lodge venue and organize activities for all ages – from cookie decorating stations to professional family photos with a mountain backdrop. Include activities like sledding or snowman-building contests that get everyone involved.
8. Design a “Taste of Summit” Experience
Celebrate with a curated dining experience that supports local restaurants. Create custom gift packages with gift cards to several local eateries, from casual lunch spots to fine dining establishments.Â
Include a “Summit County Dining Passport” with recommendations and perhaps special offers you’ve arranged with restaurant partners. This not only treats your employees but also drives business to our local restaurants during their crucial winter season.
9. Elevate Your Company SwagÂ
Move beyond basic branded items and invest in high-quality, locally sourced custom gear that your team will actually want to use.Â
Partner with local artisans or mountain outfitters to create unique items like custom-designed ski buffs, locally crafted leather goods, or premium mountain-ready outerwear with subtle company branding. These gifts show pride in your business and our mountain lifestyle.
10. Present “Peak Performer” AwardsÂ
Create a special awards ceremony that goes beyond typical recognition. Design unique categories that celebrate both professional excellence and company culture contributions.Â
Have custom awards made by local artists and present them during a celebratory dinner at a scenic Summit County venue. Include meaningful prizes like premium ski passes or summer golf memberships.
11. Organize a “Skills & Thrills” Workshop DayÂ
Transform a regular workday into an engaging learning festival. Bring in local experts for mini-workshops on professional and lifestyle skills—from advanced Excel techniques to avalanche safety.Â
Mix practical professional development with fun mountain lifestyle education. End the day with a celebratory happy hour where team members can share what they learned.
12. Book a “Summit Adventure Day”Â
Why not charter a private mountain adventure for your team? This could be a guided backcountry ski tour, a snowcat expedition, or a series of team challenges at local adventure centers.Â
Partner with local outfitters to create a safe, memorable experience that pushes comfort zones and builds team bonds. Follow up with a fireside celebration dinner.
13. Invest in Professional Team Photography
Hire a local photographer for a combination of professional headshots and candid team photos.Â
This gives employees updated professional images they can use while creating beautiful marketing content for your business. Include fun group shots that capture your company culture and consider adding a photo booth at your holiday gathering for more casual shots.
14. Create a “Shop Local” SpreeÂ
Design a local shopping experience that lets employees choose their own gifts while supporting Summit County businesses.Â
Provide gift cards or vouchers specifically for use at local retailers, perhaps organizing a special shopping event where participating stores offer exclusive discounts to your team. This celebrates your employees while strengthening local business relationships.
15. Personalize the AppreciationÂ
End the year with a thoughtful combination of recognition and rewards.Â
Have leadership write personalized letters of appreciation highlighting specific contributions, pair these with customized gift boxes featuring items chosen for each employee’s interests – whether that’s local coffee beans, ski gear, or art supplies.
Let The Chamber Help You Make This Holiday One To Remember
As we wrap up another remarkable year in Summit County’s business community, remember that celebrating your team isn’t just about the gifts or events – it’s about fostering a culture of appreciation that extends beyond the holiday season.Â
But remember: these ideas are just starting points! We encourage you to adapt and combine them to match your company’s unique culture and resources.
The Summit County Chamber of Commerce is here to help connect you with local vendors, venues, and resources to bring your celebration plans to life. Share your own creative celebration ideas with us, and join our business community events to network with other local leaders who are committed to building strong, supportive workplace cultures.
Ready to start planning your holiday celebration? Contact our Chamber team to learn how you can get your business involved in what’s happening in and around Summit County this holiday season.
Together, we can make this holiday season a true celebration of Summit County’s extraordinary business community and the people who make it thrive.
