On December 12, the office gathered together for a spectacular holiday celebration. OARS’ employees met for a presentation to review the office’s 2023 progressions and accomplishments before eating a well-catered lunch. Staff members dined on Chinese food, a charcuterie spread, homemade desserts and more to commemorate OARS’ year of immense progress.

Following the celebratory lunch, the OARS staff congregated for a Yankee swap, also known as a ‘White Elephant’ or ‘Dirty Santa’ gift exchange, where employees exchanged recycled, thrifted and handmade gifts. The Yankee swap entailed for employees to draw numbers to pick presents from underneath the office’s tinsel Christmas tree, which they could then potentially trade for another staff member’s gift. Though some people wished for a “dramatic” and theft-filled gift swap, most staff members played nice and opted to keep the gift they received instead of stealing from another employee.

OARS concluded the holiday party at a nearby restaurant. The workday was a fantastic way to end a very successful year at OARS.