Supporting you to deliver a jolly and cheerful Christmas.
The DCA's Christmas Service Standard establishes the key requirements for planning and delivering effective and high-quality festive services.
It provides a clear framework to ensure Christmas events and activities are organised efficiently, meet community needs, and uphold the values of kindness, generosity, and cheerfulness.
We get it: Christmas isn’t always the postcard-perfect scene. The tree might lean way too far to the left, a wrong gift could trigger a meltdown, and there’s always someone who insists on setting the pudding alight with dad's most expensive whiskey.
The Christmas Service Standard is here to help you navigate those moments with a clear, simple framework that keeps your services effective, adaptable, and cheerful—no matter what surprises the season brings.
The criteria
Clear intent
Every Christmas event should have a clearly defined purpose, ensuring all festive activities are aligned with the spirit of the season.Know your user
Tailor activities to the needs and preferences of participants, from classic carolers, to Secret Santa fans. Aim to make each moment engaging for all.Leave no one behind
All events should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or holiday knowledge, ensuring nobody misses out on festive cheer.Do no harm
Decorations, activities and festive treats should be safe for everyone. Avoid precarious decorations, overzealous Christmas cracker pulls, or letting the 'special' eggnog anywhere near unsuspecting children.Monitor your Christmas
Track the joy, participation, and satisfaction levels at each event to ensure Christmas cheer remains high. Keep an eye on the kids' excitement levels and the adults' sobriety, making adjustments as needed.
Meeting the Standard
Strategic planning
Data on compliance with the Christmas Service Standard will indicate areas which require uplift, whether by magical or non-magical means.
Contestability
Assessments will be undertaken to determine if scheduled events have a plan to meet the Christmas Service Standard requirements and are designed to maximise Christmas cheer.
Assurance
Monitoring and assurance from a team of specialised elves will be undertaken to understand if the Christmas service is being delivered in line with the Christmas Service Standard as planned, and to ensure potential avenues for Grinch-like behaviour are minimised.
Operations
Christmas compliance data will drive continuous improvement in the Christmas service. Targeted insights and feedback loops will support strategic planning and prioritisation of improvements and efficient allocation of human, elvish and reindeer resources.
Related standards
The Christmas Service Standard is one of 4 standards that form part of the Christmas Experience Policy. Other standards include:
Spread the Christmas cheer
The Smith Family have been spreading joy and changing lives for nearly 100 years.
Donate this Christmas season through the Smith Family website. Your generosity will give a child in need the chance to share in the excitement by opening their own Christmas toys and books.