Season's meetings | What HR leaders can learn from Christmas films (2025 edition)

’Tis the season for mince pies, awkward Secret Santa gifts, and curling up with festive favourites on the sofa. But if you look past the tinsel and snow, Christmas films are full of workplace wisdom. From managing misfits to avoiding full-blown holiday meltdowns, these classics offer surprisingly sharp lessons for people leaders.

Here’s what HR professionals can take away from some of the best-loved (and some underappreciated) Christmas movies.

Home Alone – Crisis planning matters

Yes, we’re still talking about Home Alone. But this year, forget the headcount lesson. Let’s talk contingency planning. When things go wrong  - and they will - how quickly can your team respond? The McCallisters had no plan for unexpected disruption, and it left them scrambling. HR leaders need robust protocols for absence management, emergencies, and yes - even the Christmas party going off the rails.

HR takeaway: Don’t leave your people or processes vulnerable. Risk management isn’t just for the legal team.