In December, people will ask you to deliver Christmas speeches. You will be joining one Christmas party to another. You can prepare your impromptu speeches ahead of time.
Purposes of Christmas Speeches
I will give you examples of Christmas speeches for different occasions and audiences. But before that, let’s talk about the purpose of Christmas speeches.
Celebration of Love and Togetherness.
At its core, Christmas is a festival that celebrates the bond of family and friends. The season emphasizes togetherness, warmth, and the joy of being with loved ones.
We start hearing Christmas songs in September. We Filipinos joked about it being the time of Jose Mari Chan, the singer best known for his Christmas songs. Most of his songs are about spending Christmas together with your family.
Reflection and Gratitude.
The end of the year is a time for reflection on the past year—its challenges, its joys, and its lessons. It’s a time to express gratitude for the blessings and the support received.
No matter what happens to your business, people do expect you to be grateful. We can learn from both good and bad. We are thankful for the experiences. And we look to the next year with hope.
Hope and Renewal.
We say, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year”. The Filipino version is more hopeful. It goes, “Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon”. Manigong is a Tagalog word that means prosperous or bountiful.
Christmas speeches often touch upon hope for the future. We hope for new beginnings and we pray for better days ahead. A one-line on hope and renewal will make your speech an expression of faith.
Generosity and Kindness.
We exchange gifts. We show kindness and compassion. This is the story of Christmas. The idea of spreading cheer and making someone’s day brighter is important.
In our speeches, we honor people.
This is an opportunity to delight people who are always present but never given attention.
I remember a TV commercial that showed how every employee wrote only one person’s name to win the raffle draw. The janitor deserves the grand prize.
Do remember the invisible people in your Christmas speech. Make them shine. Everyone will remember this.
The Story of Christmas
There is the tendency of some companies to make the culture more American. This is a common mistake of young American entrepreneurs here in the Philippines.
They say “Happy Holidays” because they don’t want to favor one religion. But the Philippines celebrate religions. That’s why we have too many holidays.
Do not be afraid to talk about the Christmas story. You don’t have to delve into the religious aspects of Christmas. But you can talk about the significance of the story in our lives.
Leaders use stories in their speeches. Surely, The story of Christmas is one of the best ways to connect with your Filipino audiences.
Doing so is not a show of disrespect to others. It is a way of enriching our diverse cultures.
Unity and Community
Christmas is a time when communities come together. We set aside differences to celebrate in unity.
Parents do see Christmas as an opportunity to reunite siblings. And I have seen its magic many times. The spirit of Christmas allows people to open their hearts and forgive.
Consider this when you compose your speeches. When you are speaking at a family or community gathering, find a way to mention unity and forgiveness.
You don’t need to know who has a problem with whom. But trust me, this works.
Personal Anecdotes and Memories.
Make your speech heartfelt and relatable. Tell personal stories or memories related to Christmas. This helps forge a deeper connection with the audience.
I have my favorite Christmas story. And when there are opportunities to share them, I do.
The workplace also gives us many memorable stories. And bringing back these stories the minds of our co-workers show shared experiences.
How to Craft Your Christmas Speech
Crafting a Christmas speech is no different from other speeches. You begin with understanding your target audience. Know what they want to hear from you.
Audience-first speeches serve to make people listen. They cannot unhear them because they also have this conversation inside their heads.
This will help you clarify your core message. Your core message drives a point. It tells you what you want your audience to think, feel, and do after your speech.
I have given you earlier some of the purposes of a Christmas speech. You can use one or two of them to help you clarify your core message.
The core message comes with a promise. The audience wants to know what’s in it for them, and how they can use your message.
You can drive that by telling stories, anecdotes, and dialogues. Use humor. When you have a serious message, use more humor.
Finally, help your audience decide. Make a call to action. And make sure your action is doable. This will help them win at once.
You can make them take action while you are delivering your Christmas speech. What’s important is that you tell your audience what they can do.
Examples of Christmas Speeches
Here are some examples of Christmas Speeches. You may use each as an inspiration in crafting your own.
OFW Christmas
Christmas has always been a special time for us. It’s a season filled with love, joy, and the warmth of togetherness.
But I understand, for many of us, this year might be different.
With distance between us, with some of our beloved family members away from home, the festive lights may seem a bit dimmer, and the carols a touch quieter.
However, let’s not forget what truly binds us together. It’s not the physical gifts under the tree or even the shared meals. It’s the bond of our hearts, the memories, and the unshakeable foundation of our family.
To our brave OFWs who sacrifice so much to provide for us, know that your spirit is felt here at home.
Every festive decoration, every carol sung, and every prayer whispered carries a piece of you.
Distance is but a number. Our hearts know no boundaries, no miles. And so, this Christmas, let’s celebrate not just the moments we share face-to-face, but the love that keeps us connected, always and forever.
Let’s cherish our shared memories, laugh at our old stories, and dream of the days we’ll be together again.
Because the true essence of Christmas, and the true strength of our family, aren’t defined by proximity. It’s defined by love.
Always remember, no matter where we are in the world, our family bond remains unbreakable. Merry Christmas to all, near or far. We are, and will always be, together in heart.
CEO Speech
First, a big Merry Christmas to all of you!
I want to start by saying a massive ‘Thank You.’ Our company did really well this year, and it’s all because of your hard work. Every team in our company pulled together, and we did more than we ever hoped for.
I’ve got some exciting news. Next year, we’re going to introduce some new products. I think you’ll all be proud of what we’re about to offer.
And because you’ve all worked so hard, I have a surprise. After tonight’s party, everyone will get a special bonus. It’s my way of saying ‘Thanks’ for all your effort.
But I want to share something important. Yes, work is vital. We all work hard, and that’s great. But let’s not forget about our families, our friends, and the other things that make us happy. We don’t just live to work; we work so we can enjoy our lives.
So, this Christmas, spend time with those you love. Have fun, laugh, and enjoy the special moments.
I hope next year we can do even better at work, but always remember to take time for the other important things in life.
Thank you, everyone, for making this year great. Merry Christmas and let’s look forward to more good times together!
