Holidays at the fire station aren’t exactly the stuff of Hallmark cards. Between 24-hour shifts, emergency calls, and the occasional engine-room crisis, creating holiday cheer requires grit, ingenuity, and a solid sense of humor. If you and your firefighter crew are stuck at the station this year, don’t just endure the holidays – own them. Here are some hilariously creative ways to inject some festive fun into your firehouse celebrations.
1. The Ladder Decorating Duel
Who needs a Hallmark moment when you can have a full-blown ladder light showdown? Split into teams and see who can string lights on the truck ladder the fastest. No toppling the rig though, your captain doesn’t want to explain to the chief why you needed a tow. Bonus points for themed decorations. Got a snowman motif? A gingerbread firefighter? Let the competition get as wild as your over-caffeinated crew.
2. Tactical Turkey Carving
Knives are for amateurs. Break out the Jaws of Life or other emergency tools to carve the turkey like the tactical pros you are. Sure, it might take a little longer (and maybe a cleanup crew), but this is your chance to turn dinner prep into a dramatic rescue operation. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse for a new station tradition: “We save lives and slice drumsticks with hydraulic precision.”
3. Overcooked Ornament Bake-Off
Turn your kitchen into the site of the most chaotic cookie contest imaginable. Teams of two: one person bakes, the other eats. The goal? Make cookies so ugly and barely edible that they’re practically a crime against pastry. Points are awarded for design creativity, flavor (or lack thereof), and how fast your partner can choke them down. Losers clean the kitchen—because you know it’ll look like a powdered sugar crime scene.
4. DIY Station Stockings
Why bother with stockings when you’ve got boots? Grab some old turnout boots, hang them up, and turn them into makeshift stockings. Fill them with anything from candy to duct tape to prank-worthy surprises. Got a new recruit? Slip in a note: “You’ve been extra good—enjoy your duct tape!” Or not-so-good? A boot full of station chores awaits.
5. The Great Station Tree
Who says firefighters need a perfect Christmas tree? Instead, scour the neighborhood (or the back of the station lot) for the scraggliest tree you can find. Drag it into the station and decorate it with whatever’s lying around—old turnout gloves, duct tape garlands, even a shiny fire extinguisher for a topper. The worse it looks, the better. Ugly tree bragging rights last all season.
6. Holiday Call Sign-Off Contest
Every call has a sign-off; why not make them festive? Sneak in holiday references over the radio without breaking protocol. “Copy that, engine returning… Santa’s sleigh operational.” Whoever pulls off the best seasonal sign-off wins a candy cane. Bonus: it’s a small way to spread some cheer on otherwise routine calls.
7. Firehouse Feast Face-Off
Take potluck to the next level. Each shift or team brings a dish to the holiday spread, but here’s the catch: only one person cooks, and the rest of the team gets to critique (brutally, of course). Think firefighter Gordon Ramsay. The most bizarre or burned dish gets “The Golden Spatula,” which doubles as a trophy and a warning for next year.
8. Christmas Karaoke Catastrophe
Yes, the station has a PA system—and yes, it’s now your karaoke machine. Fire up the holiday classics and let your crew butcher “Jingle Bell Rock” in between calls. Bonus points if you throw in a choreographed routine or attempt Mariah Carey’s high notes. Just make sure the speakers are off if the chief shows up.
9. The “Rookie Wrap”
Grab the rookie (consensually, of course) and turn them into a human Christmas present. Use duct tape, leftover wrapping paper, bows, and whatever else you can find. Snap a photo for the bulletin board. Just make sure they’re unwrapped and ready to roll if a call comes in—no excuses for late response times.
10. The “Code Red” Christmas Morning Call
Forget subtle holiday wake-ups. On Christmas morning, crank the station alarm and declare, “Code Red: Santa’s here!” Rush to the tree (or scraggly duct-taped masterpiece) for a chaotic gift exchange. It’s the firefighter version of tearing down the stairs at home—only with more shouting and possibly turnout gear.
11. Holiday Call Bingo
Create a bingo card with all the classic holiday emergencies: “Turkey fryer fire,” “Christmas light overload,” “Kid stuck in a gift box.” First person to get a bingo wins… well, bragging rights. Just don’t yell “BINGO!” in the middle of a real call—or your captain will find a special way to make you pay.
Make the Firehouse Feel Like Home
Spending the holidays at the station doesn’t have to mean missing out on the fun. With a little creativity, a lot of laughter, and a hefty dose of camaraderie, you and your crew can create memories that rival any traditional family celebration.
And while you’re here, don’t forget to protect your firehouse family for the long haul. CAPF’s long-term disability coverage ensures that even when life throws unexpected challenges your way, you’re covered. Check out CAPF’s plans today and give yourself and your crew the ultimate gift: peace of mind.