It's the most wonderful time of the year, right? When everyone is eyeing their calendars, counting down the minutes until they can switch on their 'Out Of Office' mode— and forget how much they embarrassed themselves at the Christmas Party.
Every workplace has its festive cast of characters. From the lovably cynical Grinch to that one colleague who dives headfirst into the Christmas spirit—everyone has a role. So, take 5 minutes, make a brew, and ease the Christmas Do hangover with this list of holiday film characters in the workplace. Discover who’s who in your office—and what to get them if you have them for Secret Santa.
Buddy the Elf - The Over-Enthusiast
Spreadin' the cheer, singing loud for all to hear – that's the Buddy the Elf of your office. Christmas becomes their defining personality trait on December 1st; any chance they get they’re wearing something Christmassy, they have syrup-covered spaghetti for lunch and they’re belting out Michael Bublé on their daily commute.
In the office, The Eternal Optimist always has a smile first thing Monday morning. You wonder where they get it from. No matter the situation, they maintain a positive outlook, are always on the lookout for work nights out, and yes, they’ll be the one that organises Secret Santa.
They’re the person who starts counting down the days to Christmas in June, and from then they’re posting how many Fridays there are until Christmas—their tree is up the day after Halloween as well.
Got them in your Secret Santa? Get them anything that says Live, Laugh, Love.
John McClane - The Office Action Hero
With the office under siege by looming deadlines and overbearing management, who steps up to the plate? The John McClane of your workplace, of course! They don’t need a machine gun, just a "Yippee-ki-yay" attitude, as they navigate the tight spaces of negotiating with those up above to take the pressure off at this time of year.
They probably have a massive disregard for the proper use of fire safety equipment, mind. Will they look good in a vest? Maybe. But, they’ll be the first to welcome you to the Christmas party, pal.
The perfect Christmas present for them? A pair of shoes, obviously.
Kevin McCallister - The Office Prankster
In every office, there's a Kevin McCallister quietly plotting when to strike next. Armed with a strategic mind that rivals Kevin's battle against the Wet Bandits, this employee will always have a prank up their sleeve.
Stapler missing? That’s them. Mouse not working? Definitely them. Your lunch missing? Absolutely. Whatever you do, don’t let him organise any team building exercises, or leave them by themselves for an extended period.
Got them in your Secret Santa? Get them responsible parents.
Kate McCallister - The Master of Crisis Management
Kate McCallister, the motherly figure who can handle any crisis with grace, is likely found in your workplace. Whether it's a project meltdown or an office-wide panic, this colleague possesses the calm, reassuring demeanor of Kate, steering the team through challenges with a touch of maternal magic.
Who is it in your office? She (or he) will be that one who will own up to their mistakes, and will always be the first one to roll their sleeves up to sort things out.
Get them a guide to the perfect staycation, just in case they forget the kids.
The Grinch - The Office Pessimist
In every office, there's a Grinch. Turning their nose up at anything festive, scoffing at the office Christmas tree and refusing to do the Secret Santa.
Known for their sarcastic remarks, this office Grinch scoffs at motivational speeches, or any attempts to boost morale. They hate change, often saying ‘This isn’t how we used to do things here,’ as they mope about the office. They probably love the colour green as well.
They’ll help themselves to the Quality Street tin though, and sometimes, as if by some Christmas miracle, they steadily come round and end up in a Santa hat, draped with tinsel, while dad dancing on a table at the Christmas party.
You’re in for some bad luck if you’ve pulled them for Secret Santa. Get them a stress ball, it’s a difficult time of year for them.
Mr. Poppy - The Office Cheerleader
Is there a colleague who channels the spirit of Mr. Poppy from Nativity!? Like Buddy the Elf, always bubbling with energy, this giant child injects infectious enthusiasm into any project.
They might not be the brightest bulb on the tree, and in all honesty, you’re not sure how they got the job in the first place, but their positivity is the glue that holds the office family together, making work feel like a perpetual Christmas play (whether that’s a good thing is up to you).
If you get them in the Secret Santa though, maybe a trip to the barbers?
Hans Gruber - The Office Schemer
Last but not least, lurking in the shadows of office politics, there's a Hans Gruber. This employee, much like the antagonist from Die Hard, is always scheming and planning something—usually another way of avoiding work.
Timing is everything. They’re out the door on the dot and would have a helicopter primed and ready if it would get them home any sooner. They’re a master at delegating it to others. They know just what to say to keep the small talk going so they can avoid work for another minute or two.
They’re calm, cool and calculated. This cunning strategist has a mind for office heists. Instead of raiding vaults, they’re getting first dibs on any office treats. They’ll have the perfect seat in any meeting, away from prying eyes so they can browse the net or scroll on their phone undisturbed, offering up a nod now and then to avoid suspicion. They know when to make a tactical brew, or the opportune moment to head to the loo.
And what to get them for Christmas? Cash.
Which One Are You, Then?
So, which one are you, and who else do you have in your office? A Gruber? A Poppy? A Kate? Be sure to send this along and let them know, too. At the very least, this has been a minute or two to spread a bit of Christmas cheer and has got you smiling one way or another.
Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!
And before you start, Die Hard is a Christmas film—See why here.
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