When the holiday season rolls around, the spirit of the season doesn’t have to stay at home. Forensic professionals work some of the toughest shifts in public service—and they deserve a little holiday magic too.
That’s exactly what we saw during the 2024 Reindeer Games. For ten days, forensic teams across the country took on daily challenges, including a festive office decorating contest that revealed some truly creative transformations.
From caution tape wreaths to body bags under the Christmas tree, we saw what happens when forensic teams lean into fun—and we also learned how meaningful a little tinsel can be.
In this post, we’re sharing:
- Holiday decoration ideas inspired by real forensic teams
- Ways to bring holiday cheer to your crime lab or cubicle
- Research-backed reasons to decorate (spoiler: it’s great for morale)
Let’s dive in.
Why Decorating Matters in High-Stress Fields Like Forensics
Sure, decorating can be fun. But for forensic teams working through long hours, emotionally heavy scenes, and tight budgets—it can also be an important act of self-care and connection.
According Forbes and MindTales, decorations can:
- Boost morale and well-being: A cheerful environment can lift spirits and help reduce stress.
- Increase productivity: A visually engaging space can help break the monotony and spark creativity.
- Strengthen team cohesion: Decorating together encourages collaboration, laughter, and bonding.
- Reflect workplace culture: A decorated space shows employees they’re valued—and creates opportunities to celebrate diversity and inclusion.
Forensic-Themed Decoration Ideas
All of these ideas come directly from the creative minds of Reindeer Games participants. We hope they inspire your own twist on festive fun!
1. Cubicle & Desk Decor
- Snowflakes made from crime scene markers
- Add mini trees, holiday lights, or a festive desktop wallpaper
- Dress the outward facing sections with wrapping paper or fake snow
2. Decorate Your Office Door
- Office door turned into a crime scene
- Wanted Poster for “Gingerbread Murder”
- Headshots of your Forensic crew
3. Set up a Christmas Tree (with a Forensic Twist)
- Decorate with personalized fingerprint ornaments or patches
- Place wrapped presents or body bags under the tree
- Set up the tree for all to see in an office window or hallway
Don’t have a tree? You can always decorate a skeleton!
4. Forensic-Style Wreaths
- Wreaths made of caution tape and evidence tape seem to be the most popular!
- Another idea: Make garland made from blown-up nitrile gloves
5. Hang Up Stockings
- Stockings for each team member with their name and forensic specialty written on them
- Hang along the cubicles, on a wall, or outside your office door
6. Glass Surfaces & Windows
- String lights around the window
- Decorate with window clings, window markers, or fake snow
7. Whiteboards & Bulletin Boards
- Pin holiday cards or letters to Santa
- Decorate your holiday schedule with fun colors and holiday magnets
- Have a countdown to the holiday (bonus points if you mix in some team appreciation notes!)
8. Don’t Forget the Breakroom, Hallways & Common Areas!
- String holiday lights along the door frames and ceilings
- Use your imagination! Lab cabinets and drawers, the kitchen fridge, the breakroom television – sky’s the limit!
🎁 Bonus: Ways to Decorate Your Office That Might Get You Fired
Let’s be honest—some teams went above and beyond with their holiday spirit. One group even told us:
“Boss said we could participate, so we did… and now his present is his office!”
And they weren’t kidding.
They wrapped everything in his office. The desk chair. The computer. The keyboard. The drawers. The cabinets. Even the television got a festive makeover.
Would we recommend this method? Depends on your boss.
Would we love to see more of it? Absolutely.
So consider this your official disclaimer: Proceed with these holiday decorations at your own risk.
Decorating Together: A Simple Way to Build Forensic Team Morale
One of the most surprising outcomes from the Reindeer Games? Just how powerful something as simple as decorating a workspace can be.
Teams reported feeling more connected, energized, and even lighter—if only for a moment—after taking time to transform their shared spaces. Swapping fingerprint powder for glitter or caution tape for garland may not solve every challenge you’re facing in the lab, but it does give your team a chance to exhale and connect.
Want to recreate that kind of energy in your own unit?
Set aside a day to decorate together. Throw on some music, bring in snacks, and let people get creative with their workspaces, doorways, or even bulletin boards. Consider adding a little friendly competition with categories like “Most Forensic-Themed,” “Best Use of Evidence Tape,” or “Most Likely to Get Us on a Watchlist.”
You can also pair the decorating fun with a meaningful activity—like starting a gratitude wall, writing letters of appreciation to other departments, or even organizing a small gift exchange.
Pro tip: The act of decorating together often matters more than the result. Don’t overthink it—just make space for joy.
Tips for Keeping Decorations Inclusive (and Meaningful)
Inclusivity doesn’t mean dialing down the fun. It means widening the lens.
Encourage team members to bring in décor that reflects their own cultural or personal traditions—not just Christmas-specific items. Including winter themes like snowflakes, stars, or a warm fireplace can create a welcoming vibe for everyone.
The takeaway? Decorating can be festive and inclusive. It’s a chance to remind your team that everyone’s background matters—and everyone belongs.
Want to Join the Fun in 2025?
We’ll be bringing back the Reindeer Games this December—and trust us, you don’t want to miss it.
Want decorating ideas, morale-boosting challenges, and a front-row seat to everything forensic and festive?
Join our email list below and you’ll be the first to know when Reindeer Games 2025 opens for registration—plus get exclusive content, freebies, and stories from forensic professionals who get it.
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Let the festive forensics begin!
