Holiday parties were put on hold in 2020 during the first COVID wave, and many companies that planned parties in 2021 had to cancel them as the omicron variant swept the country last holiday season.

This year masking and other precautions have been lifted and people are out and about. That means a cautious return to staff holiday parties too. And since many offices have retained a hybrid work schedule since returning to the office, a holiday party can be a crucial way to help boost moral and reconnect with coworkers.

Small business owners planning holiday fiestas should keep some guidelines in mind. Send out invites early, and spell out clearly the party’s vaccine or testing requirements, if any, to avoid confusion among staff. Make sure the venue is convenient to the office and schedule it for a day most workers are in the office if you are on a hybrid schedule.

Consider smaller, team or department-driven celebrations rather than an all-staff bash. That might make workers feel more comfortable after two years of virtual meetings and limited time in the office.

Budget is key. This year inflation is raging, so everything is going to cost more than it did pre-pandemic. So instead of a full bar consider offering only beer and wine, or hiring a DJ rather than a live band.