Corporate Christmas Eve – Table Manners

The company Wigilia — the traditional opłatek (Christmas wafer) get-together — is becoming an increasingly important part of team-building in 2025 and 2026. It’s not just a chance for some festive bonding, it’s also a moment when the company shows its values and cares about the vibe.

Preparing for the Wigilia — communication and logistics

People should be told about the planned Wigilia well in advance. The invite should say whether the event is just for staff or if families and partners are welcome. Inviting plus-ones usually goes down well — it shows the employer values family life — but of course it depends on the company’s budget.

The Wigilia should be held at the end of the workday or just after — either in a rented venue or at the company premises. If you host it far from the office, arrange transport so people can get home easily afterward.

If you’re providing food, think about the format — a sit-down Wigilia or a buffet. Either way, don’t forget festive table and room decor. Dress code: smart — cocktail or business attire is preferred.

Real-life example: a tech company in 2025 held their Wigilia in a modern coworking space with a family option — adults had a networking program, kids got an animator-run play area. Parents went home saying thanks for thinking about the whole family.

Tomasz, CEO of integracyjne.pl, advises: “Inviting families is a home run in companies with young parents. It shows you get their reality, not just talk about work–life balance. Budget? Better to spend on transport and childcare than on fancy decorations.”

Punctuality and first steps at the Wigilia

Be on time. If it’s in a restaurant, arrive at least 15 minutes early to hang your coat, touch up your hair or makeup.

As a matter of good manners, the boss should kick things off with a short thank-you to the team for their work over the year, maybe sum up the past year and mention plans for the next one.

Real-life example: at a manufacturing company the CEO opened with a short video thanking each department — named shout-outs made people feel especially appreciated. It was under three minutes but hit the mark.

Breaking the opłatek and giving wishes

Should you break opłatek? That’s probably on everyone’s mind. If the event’s format calls for it, people should share the opłatek even if they feel a bit awkward. It really depends on the relationships between colleagues.

When exchanging wishes, keep them appropriate — nothing too intimate or embarrassing.

In 2025/2026 more companies are using hybrid options: for those who want to avoid physical contact, offer an alternative — a toast with juice or a symbolic gesture. Tomasz comments: “In multicultural teams or with remote work, the opłatek isn’t always obvious. Give people a choice — don’t force a tradition that’s not theirs.”

What to definitely avoid

At a company Wigilia steer clear of jokes or topics about politics or religion that could divide people. Don’t make negative remarks about coworkers or bosses, and avoid overly personal matters.

Moderation with food and alcohol is key — overdoing it can be badly received.

Real-life example: one organization had the mood cool off for the rest of the night after a failed political joke. Another company went alcohol-free with great mocktails — everyone left relaxed and happy.

Tomasz warns: “Alcohol at a Wigilia is a minefield. One careless comment over a drink and you’ve got trouble for months. It’s safer to offer quality non‑alcoholic drinks — that’s standard in many companies now.”

Wigilia trends 2025–2026: hybrid and inclusive

In coming years hybrid Wigilia events will dominate — some people in the room, others online with professional streaming and interactive elements. Companies are investing in platforms that let you share the opłatek virtually or play holiday quizzes together.

Inclusivity is also growing: vegan and gluten-free menus as standard, quiet zones for introverts, and simultaneous translation for foreign colleagues. Some organizations do themed Wigilia — for example a “World Wigilia” with dishes from different cultures.

Real-life example: an international corporation in Poland ran a “choose your adventure” Wigilia — people could pick a traditional opłatek, a vegan dinner, or an international buffet. Attendance hit a record.

Ending on a classy note

At the end it’s nice to give staff small holiday gifts and, above all, thank the people who organized the event.

Tomasz sums it up: “A good company Wigilia in 2025/2026 isn’t about a perfect show, it’s about a real get-together. Make people feel important, like the company cares. Even a modest, heartfelt party beats a flashy show with no soul.”