The office Christmas party is often one big holiday bore. An event most employees feel obligated to attend but few enjoy. It's time to break the crappy celebration cycle! With a little creativity and imagination your office Christmas party can be an event that the company staff looks forward to each year.

Let's start with some newer planning ideas. If your company is a small to mid-sized operation a shared party is a great option. Like minded or complimentary companies share the venue and expense. A shared Christmas party will inject that "new and different" element to your affair. Guest will meet new people, and make professional connections; the companies will share in the expenses making it a "win-win" event for everyone. Shared parties can be organized by party planning agencies who have experience in knowing which types of companies mix well. If your company party is being planned in-house, another option for organizing a shared party is to team up with vendors or clients that your company members enact with regularly.

Themes can go a long way to set the mood for party fun. The right theme spells fun but the wrong theme can be a party killer! Your party theme should fit the profile of your company and staff. Are most of your staff in their 20's and 30's? A party atmosphere with emphasis on music, dancing and drinking fits the bill. If the majority of your company is in their 30's and 40's or older a celebration focused on a wonderful dining experience followed by light music and dancing is a good option. Maybe your staff is very family oriented? An event that includes children with family-type games and activities would be a nice option. Consider two smaller type celebrations - a breakfast with Santa for the families and an evening of music and dancing for everyone.

Christmas parties don't have to stick to holiday-type themes. Getting a little creative with different themes can make for a great night. There are a number of great party themes that will set a fun and festive party mood without the old worn out red and green decor. Some super theme ideas are:

- Rio Carnival
- Las Vegas Casino
- Futuristic Fantasy
- 20s Speakeasy
- Murder Mystery
- 60's, 70's or 80's
- Scavenger Hunt
- Indoor Sports Party
- Talent Show

There are hundreds of great party ideas with activities and events that follow the theme perfectly to get the party started and keep it going until last call. Professional party planners can help you choose a great party theme for your crowd and coordinate activities, refreshments and events for the celebration.

Another option to ensure office Christmas party success is to let your staff choose their own party. Giving your staff members party options to vote on is a great way to boost attendance and guarantee a great time. Put out a survey with party options and let your staff vote for the type of party preferred by the majority.

Whatever theme and venue is selected there are a number of activities that can