We do an "open house" in all our offices (staying open late one evening) with Christmas music playing and cookies and fruit and a variety of goodies - coffee, water, hot cocoa, sometimes hot cider.  We also give every volunteer that attends a box of Esther Price chocolates from the CEO, a smaller gift from us, and a 20% off an item in the Gift Shop coupon.  They are sent a Christmas card to their home.  We have done this for 20+ years.   

Because the winter holidays are so busy, we have our holiday celebration in early November and theme it around giving thanks for our volunteers. We host an open house in a large conference/ event space in the hospital and bring in a caterer with seasonal food. The volunteers receive a small gift (about $1 cost/item) and have the chance to mingle with each other, the staff from their areas, and hospital leadership. We've had very good feedback about the event and great attendance.

We did not have a Christmas party last year and the volunteers missed it.  This year we are having lunch in our auditorium.  I have asked them to bring a potential recruit for something different and to see what happens.  I also have planned a selfie shoot for fun.  We will have different props and a large picture frame to do the selfies with.  We may sing some, play and a few games and remember those who have a tough time at Christmas.  They are welcome to dress up but if they don't we will have the props. 

The last few years have changed somewhat.  We used to dress up a wagon for Santa and the volunteers would bring gifts for Christmas Day.  That has gradually turned into a "blanket" for each patient Christmas Day so they no longer have to bring an item.