It's that time of the year again, when families and friends come together, and the festivities are in full swing. To help you spread the cheer, Microsoft Teams has rolled out a delightful feature - Christmas-themed backgrounds. Here's how to deck the halls of your virtual workspace with joyful scenes and stunning visuals that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

christmas decorations and candy canes on a blue wooden background
christmas decorations and candy canes on a blue wooden background

Tired of the usual video conferencing backdrop? Make your conversations merrier with a Christmas Microsoft Teams background. This feature allows you to replace your real-world background with a virtual one, giving your calls a touch of holiday magic. So, let's dive into how you can make your virtual workplace jollier than ever with Microsoft Teams' Christmas backgrounds.

a snowy park with benches and trees covered in lights
a snowy park with benches and trees covered in lights

Enabling Christmas Backgrounds on Microsoft Teams

First things first, you need to ensure that your device supports background effects. Microsoft Teams supports virtual background effects on Windows 10 or version 16.11.1 or higher, macOS 10.14 or higher, iOS, or Android. Now, let's get your Christmas cheersetup ready.

a decorated christmas tree sitting in front of a fire place next to a window with red curtains
a decorated christmas tree sitting in front of a fire place next to a window with red curtains

To enable Christmas backgrounds, follow these steps:

On a Computer

merry christmas greeting card with lights and decorations
merry christmas greeting card with lights and decorations

1. Open Microsoft Teams on your computer. Ensure you're using the desktop app and not the web version.

2. Before joining a meeting, select Background effects under the Camera settings in the top right corner.

3. Choose *Add new* next to the Backgrounds section, and then select the Add button next to the Christmas-themed background of your choice.

merry christmas card with ornaments and fir trees
merry christmas card with ornaments and fir trees

On a Mobile Device

1. Open Microsoft Teams on your mobile device.

2. Tap More options (more options icon) during a call, then choose Show background effects.

a christmas tree is in the middle of a room filled with presents and gifts,
a christmas tree is in the middle of a room filled with presents and gifts,

3. Tap the * +* icon to add a new background, and then select the Christmas-themed background of your choice.

Christmas Backgrounds in Microsoft Teams: A World of Possibilities

a living room decorated for christmas with white and silver decorations on the mantle, presents in front of a fireplace
a living room decorated for christmas with white and silver decorations on the mantle, presents in front of a fireplace
Ten Best Christmas Zoom Backgrounds for the Holidays
Ten Best Christmas Zoom Backgrounds for the Holidays
a living room decorated for christmas with lit candles and presents in front of the fireplace
a living room decorated for christmas with lit candles and presents in front of the fireplace
a living room decorated with christmas lights and presents
a living room decorated with christmas lights and presents
Christmas Background Cozy Shelves | Zoom Virtual Backgrounds | Backdrop | Office Background | Microsoft Teams | Facebook | Google Meet
Christmas Background Cozy Shelves | Zoom Virtual Backgrounds | Backdrop | Office Background | Microsoft Teams | Facebook | Google Meet
a merry christmas card with a tree on it
a merry christmas card with a tree on it
christmas decorations on a red background with lights and baubles around the edges, top view
christmas decorations on a red background with lights and baubles around the edges, top view

Once you've enabled the feature, a world of Christmas-themed backgrounds unfolds before you. From snowy landscapes to decorated trees, cozy fireplaces to colorful light displays, there's a festive scene for every mood. Here are some of the enchanting possibilities:

Snowy Winter Wonderlands

Transport yourself to a tranquil snow globe world with the soft falling snow, twinkling fairy lights, and a rustic cabin backdrop. Or, choose the *Snowy Mountain* scene for a breathtaking view of a snowy peak at sunset.

Add a touch of whimsy with the *Frozen Pond* background, featuring a charming little house and a frozen-over pond where you can virtually skate along with your call participants.

Christmas Tree and Holiday Decor

Make your virtual workspace the talk of the town with a stunning Christmas tree backdrop. The *Decorated Tree* option showcases a beautifully adorned tree with presents piled beneath, while the *DIY Tree* background lets you share your personal touch with a stylish, minimalist decor.

For a more traditional look, opt for the *Christmas Tree with Presents* background, featuring a classic green tree and a bounty of wrapped gifts. Or, go for the *Holiday Wreath* backdrop to hang a festive touch on your virtual door.

Tips for Using Christmas Backgrounds Effectively

While Christmas backgrounds can add a lot of fun to your video calls, it's essential to use them judiciously. Here are some tips to make the most of this feature:

Choose a Contrasting Background

Opt for backgrounds that contrast with your clothing to avoid looking like a floating head.

}*Snowy scenes* can be perfect for white tops, while green backdrops pair well with red clothing for a classic Christmas contrast.

Be Aware of Lighting and Framing

Arrange your lighting and camera angle so that your face is well-lit and in the frame.

Test your setup before joining a call to ensure that your background doesn't cut off your head or make it difficult for others to see you.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to spread holiday cheer on your virtual workplace. So, go ahead and try out the different Microsoft Teams Christmas backgrounds, and happy holidays!