Our offices celebrated the holidays with lots of fun activities and contests these past few weeks. From cube decorating contests to beer exchanges, there was plenty of Christmas spirit to go around.
Maple Grove
The Maple Grove team began their annual Holiday Week of Fun with a minimalist Christmas decorating contest where staff brought in one decoration that represented Christmas. Everyone then voted on their favorite decoration.
Adam Nies was the winner with his creative choice of transforming a poorly placed pole into the North Pole!
On Tuesday, the staff participated in Socks and Mugs--a white elephant-like game where participants rolled dice for their chance to select, or steal, their favorite pair of socks and a mug.

Wednesday was the all important beer and cider exchange, a staple amongst the Maple Grove crew.
Chipotle was catered in on Thursday for a Christmas taco feast.
Friday finished up the holiday week of fun with the first ever cookie battle and hot cocoa bar. Contestants brought in their favorite Christmas cookie recipes and everyone got to sample each recipe before voting for their favorite one.


Alex Schmidt's Climate Change Snowmen Oreo Balls clinched first place and the coveted Holiday Week Trophy!

Emmy Baskerville's Kit Kat Holiday Bars took a close second place.
Thief River Falls
The Thief River Falls team held a small party, fueled with beverages and appetizers. The group played a dice game for the chance to win fishing lures and ice fishing rods.

Fargo
The Fargo team hosted the second annual Santa-palooza, an evening of family fun with games, food, and a visit from Jim Frost as Santa. In addition, staff enjoyed several break activities throughout the day in celebration of the holidays, including a Minute-to-Win-It team challenge, cube decorating contest, and beer exchange.
Cube Decoration Awards
Winners:
Griswold - Kristen Lotvedt
Creative - Jayne Olsen
Theme - Janae Hardina




Chuck Rebsch, Kristen Lotvedt, Kristi Stroud, and Randi Askegaard won the Minute to Win It competition.
Bismarck
The Bismarck team celebrated Christmas in a variety of ways. There was the annual cubicle/office decorating contest with Nick Graham and Jared Friedt being named the best decorators. An ugly sweater contest was held with Zachary Hartung being named the winner, hands down with the ugliest sweater. We then continue on with an office potluck, Christmas trivia game and ended with a white elephant gift exchange. The time was spent with great friends/coworkers, good food and lots of laughs.

This year’s Employee of the Year Award was also given out during the festivities. This award is voted on by the employees of the Bismarck/Dickinson offices for the co-worker that they feel exhibits qualities in innovation, teamwork, community services and leadership. This year’s award winner is Ryan David. Congratulations Ryan!!
Minot
The Minot team had a taco bar party with a dice-roll gift exchange game. The gifts were required to be liquid of any kind.

They also held a door decorating contest and Kory Alexander won the competition with his Snoopy house.

Those that didn't participate were unwittingly assisted by the rest of the office.

Merry Christmas from our team to you!