Welcome To The City of Birmingham’s Dashing Through December Website
Here, you will find holiday activities for city employees from December 5- December 21, 2022. You will also find a detailed holiday guide that will give you more information on how to participate in contests and more.
Please click here to view the holiday guide.
Dashing Through December at the City of Birmingham
Human Resources is spreading holiday cheer in December with different events for employees via the “Dashing Through December’’ initiative. From Dec. 5 – Dec. 21, something special is planned for each day. Contact HR at hrspecialprojects@birminghamal.gov with questions.
Happy holidays!
Week One Events
Dec. 5 – 21 – You’ve Been Elfed
Santa’s helpers will be hard at work, dropping off little surprises at offices. Stay on the lookout because some employees will get “elfed.’’ Ho, ho, ho! If you’ve been elfed, pass the holiday cheer to the next person. The fun continues through Dec. 21.
Once you’ve been elfed, you can “Elf Yourself” and star in a personalized video with your face on dancing elves and share your dancing skills. Go to www.elfyourself.com for instructions.
Dec. 6 – Holiday Wreath Building Get into the holiday spirit by making your own wreath. Step-by-step instructions can be found here.
Dec. 7 – Selfies with Santa
Santa is taking some time off during the busiest month to visit City Hall. Grab your mobile phone and snap a selfie with Santa as he visits different departments in City Hall from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.
Dec. 8 – Holiday Gourmet Bar
Share holiday desserts and hot chocolate with coworkers.
Dec. 9 – Holiday Battle Royale Door Decorating Contest
Show off your festive holiday spirit and help spread cheer by decorating your department door. Official entry required. There will be a first, second and third place. Winners will receive an award and a year of bragging rights!
See the Dashing Through December Guide for the entry form and contest rules. The deadline to enter is Dec. 7th by 5 p.m.
Notifications must be emailed to HR Special Projects at hrspecialprojects@birminghamal.gov.
The contest is for department entrance door decorations only, including windows and areas surrounding the door frame.
People may only be used for the holiday spirit portion of the contest.
One contest entry per department.
Departments must have doors decorated by 5 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 8th.
Judging will take place 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 9th.
Winners will be announced on Monday, Dec. 12th.
Judging criteria must communicate your department’s holiday theme. Judging will be based on the following criteria:
- Holiday Theme – Any, including movies or songs
- Visual Impact – Attractiveness
- Creativity – Use of ideas and originality
- Craftsmanship – Construction
- Bonus Points: Holiday Spirit – Special effects, costumes, festive styling, song (no more than 90 seconds), staff participation.
Prize: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awards will be given for the ultimate prize of HOLIDAY DECORATING & SPIRIT BRAGGING RIGHTS!!!
Note: Department teams will only be allowed to be present with judges during the review of door. There will be no interaction with judges other than displaying your department’s holiday spirit.
See the Dashing Through December Guide for the entry form and contest rules.
Entry notifications must include:
Department name:
Theme:
Floor:
Location of Door:
Point of Contact:
Contact Email:
Contact Number:
Entry forms must be emailed to HR Special Projects: hrspecialprojects@birminghamal.gov. See your Payroll Coordinator for contest rules. Deadline to enter is Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 5 p.m.
Week Two Events
Dec. 12 – Gingerbread House Contest
Show off your gingerbread and team building skills by competing in a friendly gingerbread building competition against coworkers in your department.
Dec. 13 – Holiday Traditions Around the World
Don’t be shy! Share holiday traditions with coworkers. Learn how holiday traditions are celebrated in different cultures around the world.
Dec. 14 – Walk It Out Talk It Out
With winter upon us, we want to encourage employees to get outside the office and be active. Consider asking a coworker out for a 15-minute walk. While walking, share a few holiday icebreakers below:
- Share one vivid Christmas memory, good or bad.
- Name three words that best describe Christmas for you.
- What’s the best gift you’ve ever given someone?
- Would you rather have three feet of snow for Christmas, or no snow at all?
- What holiday movie or special do you watch over and over again?
- What’s your favorite place to eat?
- What was Christmas like when you were growing up?
- What one thing are you most grateful for this holiday season?
Dec. 15 – DPW & Public Safety Appreciation
Let’s spread the joy of giving and express our thanks and gratitude to our 911 Dispatchers, Fire, Police and Public Works workers for all they do. Consider donating sweet treats, coffee, sodas, bottled water, etc.
Dec. 16 – Ugly Sweater Day
Join us as we deck the halls with ugly sweaters. Come to work in your festive, ugly sweater.
*Ugly Sweater Day only applies to employees not required to wear uniforms as part of their work assignment.
Week Three Events
Dec. 19 – Recognize Hanukkah
Learn more about Hanukkah and how it is observed.
Dec. 20 – Caroling in City Hall
Gather your department’s best singers or actors and sing holiday carols throughout City Hall. Not a singer? No problem – enjoy the show! No designated time for this pop-up show. Just be ready in case a group appears in your area.
Dec. 21 – Lunch & Learn: Kwanzaa
Join us as we lunch & learn with the Social Justice and Racial Equity Department to learn more about the principles of Kwanzaa. No food will be provided, please bring your own lunch.
Register for the Lunch & Learn here.
Location: Linn-Henley Library Auditorium
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
