Christmas parties: Celebration or chaos?

Every day's a Christmas party here, because the Boss (me) is a party animal.

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

I work in Germany and this is common in Holland as well as I have lived there too, the employers give the Christmas party as a thank you to the staff. Food and cakes are supplied with soft drinks, tea or coffee. The notice usually says bring your own bottle if you want alcohol and you know what many do not bring alcohol, except on the engineering sites where the employees are expected to have a beer etc.

Employee parties are usually fun but no drunkeness that is overwhelming or spoils the atmosphere. Is that respect for your fellow workers??? Not saying it might not happen occasionally but I have not seen it.

So why is it in the UK everyone gets pissed???? Why does it end up on the street, in hospitals or is this just the media again picking on the 1 in a 100????

Opinions will vary I am sure.

Ban them, ban them, ban them. There is no excuse for anyone to enjoy themselves in the current economic climate. If I get made redundant my biggest wish will be for everyone else to be as miserable as me.

Also, just because you pay tax all year to fund the NHS dosen't give you the right to get drunk, fall over and have a paramedic take you hospital!!!

Before I worked for myself I found Christmas parties quite tedious.
Perhaps it's the fact I was a field-based engineer and therefore didn't have much contact with anyone else or the office staff. I'd rather be out with my friends

1. At 3:23pm on 17 Dec 2010, Kuradi Vitukari wrote:
Every day's a Christmas party here, because the Boss (me) is a party animal.
________________________________________

How "cool".

"Christmas" has turned into a slow death of the year end from the bling and happiness culture fostered by the media. It wasn't always so but Christmas Day itself is fine if you can avoid kids, long lost relatives and TV. Office Party's ? That is just a Friday Night Vomit Comet job but in the Office - I dont think so.

"At 3:41pm on 17 Dec 2010, Dave wrote:
I closed down the successful company I built from scratch because of Labour's taxes. I understand many companies are queuing up at the exit to leave the UK for a fairer tax regime abroad. Many have left already."

... and Merry Christmas to you too, old bean

i just think it is another excuse to get drunk.. same as xmas and new year its self! just one big reason to get hammered..

pretty lame if you ask me!

i feel sorry for the nhs having to deal with drunks not to mention the police splitting up endless fights!

call me a scrooge all you like but i cant obide this time of year for supermarket adverts practically giving booze away. and folk at new year trying to get me to have a drink. WHAT PART OF "I DONT DRINK" DO PEOPLE NOT UNDERSTAND. roll on 10th of january because everything returns to a normal state!

yours sincerly

SCROOGE

I bet the bankers are going to have a big Christmas bash......with all the public money that we have provided!

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

I thought Christmas was banned?!

Sure I read that in the Daily Fail.....

On a more realistic note I'm hoping for chaos, not for myself, but I always enjoy the spectacle of work colleagues and MD's and people making fools of themselves, makes me happy :) (And gives me some leverage for the coming year heh!).

Chaos - and all the better for it.

Can't be bothered to go to parties, I simply hate Christmas, for me it is the most depressing and sad time of the year, too many painful memories, I just quietly drop out of everything at Christmas, and pray that it will soon end.

At 4:12pm on 17 Dec 2010, SPEEDTHRILLS wrote:
1. At 3:23pm on 17 Dec 2010, Kuradi Vitukari wrote:
Every day's a Christmas party here, because the Boss (me) is a party animal.
________________________________________

How "cool".

"Christmas" has turned into a slow death of the year end from the bling and happiness culture fostered by the media. It wasn't always so but Christmas Day itself is fine if you can avoid kids, long lost relatives and TV. Office Party's ? That is just a Friday Night Vomit Comet job but in the Office - I dont think so.

@SPEEDTHRILLS I think Kuradi Vitukari was quoting David Brent FYI.

Christmas parties.....BAH HUMBUG.

15. At 4:57pm on 17 Dec 2010, paul wrote:
Christmas parties.....BAH HUMBUG.

Totally agree. Just because one of my collegues or managers has had their annual pint, it doesn't make me your best friend. Enjoy your hangover!

NHS, a new protectorate for the modern puritan.

Bah, humbug!

Company Christmas party now no such a thing
we do have a get together but this is fully paid for by our selves.
Now go back a few years to when I first started work to see how it should be.
The year is 1976 at a textile bleacing company.
Full Christmas meal all paid for by the company
Christmas party including gift from farther Christmas for all staff members childred.
Bottle of somthing for all staff members on last day of work.
Dinner dance for staff member and partner free food and one drink from the bar for everyone.
Some staff members go around factory singing Christmas carols and collecting money owner gives mince pies and coffee to all singers and matches money collected which is given to a local charity.
And finish work on 23rd Dec return 3rd jan
unlike now work till 24th dec back on 26th dec work 1st jan.
Happy Christmas one and all.

As Christmas is a Christian holiday and I am not a Christian I won't be attending a Christmas party.

Happy holidays!

Never go to them. The school has them every year - normally in a hotel or a pub. Usually an excuse for excess drinking and extramarital shenanigans (atmosphere in school can be cut with a knife for weeks after). Safer to go to the pub round the corner. Better craic as well. And no transport problems either (no public transport after 5 o'clock where I live.

IMO office Christmas parties are absolutely ghastly and should be avoided like the plague. It was bad enough working with my colleagues without socialising with them as well!

Now that we're retired the husband and I have our own office party. It's a very select do; a table for two at our favourite restaurant, in fact!

I have left a large number of the various company "Christmas" parties early as they began to descend into unbridled drunkenness, debauchery and unfaithfulness. This has nothing to do with Christmas, and far from being parties, they were little more than orgies. The first day back after the holiday is then marked by the managing director or other senior member of staff calling one of the girls into his office to ask her not to mention what happened between them at the party. There are also occasional visits by wives and husbands of staff demanding to see someone they claim indulged in an improper liaison with their spouse at the said party. I also know there have been a few divorces resulting from activities at these parties, which will also result in a very sad and bitter Christmas for some families because of what has happened there. The best Christmas parties are those where there is no alcohol, and time is taken to celebrate what Christmas is really about.

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

14. At 4:52pm on 17 Dec 2010, SteveDave wrote:
At 4:12pm on 17 Dec 2010, SPEEDTHRILLS wrote:
1. At 3:23pm on 17 Dec 2010, Kuradi Vitukari wrote:
Every day's a Christmas party here, because the Boss (me) is a party animal.
________________________________________

How "cool".

"Christmas" has turned into a slow death of the year end from the bling and happiness culture fostered by the media. It wasn't always so but Christmas Day itself is fine if you can avoid kids, long lost relatives and TV. Office Party's ? That is just a Friday Night Vomit Comet job but in the Office - I dont think so.

@SPEEDTHRILLS I think Kuradi Vitukari was quoting David Brent FYI.
________________________________

Oh, Thank you SteveDave, I'll look this chap, Brent, up. And apologies to K V, I've no doubt it was a good joke. Seasons Greetings.

They're usually freebies from the company, designed to appease the lower ranks by pretending that everybody's just one big happy team.

Call me a cynic, but if people had to pay for such a bash, how many would choose to party with their boss or those wretched co-workers that they can at best tolerate throughout the year?

But does any of this enter your mind when the drink kicks in?

And there you are... back in January like a dilligent little puppy for another year!

to mikeriverside #23, i have never whitnessed a christmas party as you have commented even with alcohol served. i am 54 years old, gone to many christmas parties and wouldn't dream of doing or even seeing any of the disqusting things you describe. maybe your lot are not christians but only drunken fools but the vast majority of christians do not act that way.

Christmas parties? Celebration or chaos?
Never mind - "Christmas parties" is politically incorrect.
You must call your "Christmas" parties something other than Christmas.
In other words, you must take the "Christ" out of Christmas.
There is no place for Christ in the office parties.
Do not invite Him.
Don’t even invite anyone whose name may be Christmas, & God forbid watch out for the little lady called Mary Christmas!
Do not sing Christmas carols.
Do not wish (out loud) for a White Christmas.
In fact, the safest political thing to do is to ban all Christmas parties and never mention the name, Christmas again.
Before Christ, December 25th was the birthday of Mithras; so, if you must have a party call it Mithra-mas. At the height of the party you must sacrifice a bull and allow the blood to drip over all the guests.
Economically speaking you’re not likely to save much money; bull seems to be far more expensive than alcohol, especially when it comes with a politician or an investment banker.
May I suggest bonuses vs. Christmas gifts, or maybe just a slab of beef for every pot.
These suggestion will no doubt alleviate the pressure on emergency workers, but the psych wards are going to take a big hit.

Christmas parties are fine as both a thank you and morale boosting exercise. However, drunken behaviour is objectionable, stupid and deservedly career limiting. Having worked overseas I've noticed the legless Christmas party tends to be a British thing and an extension our our binge drinking culture. Dutch, German, French, Scandinavian and US staff don't behave like this. In many respects it's better through reasons of staff behaviour, training & expertise, work ethic and taxation to work overseas.

A close friend of mine runs a very successful business, which employs about twenty full-time staff.
Each year, he hosts a Christmas party at one of the local restaurants and every employee receives an annual bonus, as well. The bonus depends on years of service to the firm, not seniority or level of salary. At £100 per year of employment, it's also very fair, without being excessive.
He has a very loyal and close-knit workforce.

"
6. At 4:12pm on 17 Dec 2010, SPEEDTHRILLS wrote:

1. At 3:23pm on 17 Dec 2010, Kuradi Vitukari wrote:
Every day's a Christmas party here, because the Boss (me) is a party animal.
________________________________________

How "cool".

"Christmas" has turned into a slow death of the year end from the bling and happiness culture fostered by the media. It wasn't always so but Christmas Day itself is fine if you can avoid kids, long lost relatives and TV. Office Party's ? That is just a Friday Night Vomit Comet job but in the Office - I dont think so.
"

You will be visited by three spirits, listen to them Ebenezer.

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

Private Company Christmas parties are fine because that is what they are - PRIVATE. Where I am concerned is when parties are held by the Public Sector workforce, especially those with a duty to serve the public beyond the normal 9 to 5 office hours. In those instances, there must not even be a whiff of perception that the public sector are junketing while the public they serve are facing hardship. Sensitivity, not a strong suite in the public sector's hand, is required more than ever before.

We had our company office party today and had to pay for it ourselves.

Scrooge is alive and well in the 21st centuary.

Humbug.

Wow, we have a debate about Larry King and Christmas parties. The BBC has sunk to a new level of dumbing down. A once great news company has now become as intellectual as a children's magazine. Disgraceful.

We need a new team on the "Have your say" page - since the Tories got into number 10 the censoring of messages has been over the top and the subject matter has been appalling.

32. At 6:57pm on 17 Dec 2010, Kuradi Vitukari wrote:

As always, the BBC HYS lefties fail to take up the "real" issues of the day like these for instance:




If the BBC is full of lefties then why do all my messages criticising Cameron and the Tories get removed ? Why have more and more of my messages been rejected since the Tories got back into power - the change happened almost overnight and NONE of them break the "House Rules".

I think you need to wake up and look at FACTS instead of getting swept along like a sheep. Look at FACTS and not your emotions.

"
36. At 7:22pm on 17 Dec 2010, Icebloo wrote:

32. At 6:57pm on 17 Dec 2010, Kuradi Vitukari wrote:

As always, the BBC HYS lefties fail to take up the "real" issues of the day like these for instance:




If the BBC is full of lefties then why do all my messages criticising Cameron and the Tories get removed ?
"

I don't know, because your comments are too stupid to publish perhaps.

"
33. At 6:59pm on 17 Dec 2010, Alasdair Campbell wrote:

Private Company Christmas parties are fine because that is what they are - PRIVATE. Where I am concerned is when parties are held by the Public Sector workforce, especially those with a duty to serve the public beyond the normal 9 to 5 office hours.
"

Every day's a party the public sector.

there should be a muslim christmas where the profit muhammad can be celebrated as conquerer of christian lands.

I`ve just watched a news report where the police have a metal detectors for knives you walk through before going into town to party.Like mass medication with flouride,i find this over the top policing and in the same vain as the chief constable who wants Dna samples taken at birth.
You can bet that countries like the usa would never allow it.A attack on civil liberties.Innocent untill found guilty in a court of law appears in this country to have been forgotten by the authorities in this country.We know their argument for the use but has big bussiness who sells these things, been pushing like lobbyists that there a good idea?
No wonder the sus laws have caused nothing but trouble and intimidation to the black youth of this country.

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

37. At 7:37pm on 17 Dec 2010, Kuradi Vitukari wrote:

"
36. At 7:22pm on 17 Dec 2010, Icebloo wrote:

32. At 6:57pm on 17 Dec 2010, Kuradi Vitukari wrote:

As always, the BBC HYS lefties fail to take up the "real" issues of the day like these for instance:




If the BBC is full of lefties then why do all my messages criticising Cameron and the Tories get removed ?
"

I don't know, because your comments are too stupid to publish perhaps.


Well your comments are typical of a right winger. You can't think of anything mature to say so you resort to name-calling. You never have any real answers for anything so the only thing you can do is avoid the subject and attack people. Thatcher must be very proud.

35. At 7:19pm on 17 Dec 2010, Icebloo wrote:
Wow, we have a debate about Larry King and Christmas parties. The BBC has sunk to a new level of dumbing down. A once great news company has now become as intellectual as a children's magazine. Disgraceful.

_______________________________________________________

I have to agree! I'm now ashamed I put anything on such a stupid blog but at least I wasn't as stupid and ignorant as #37 Kuradi Vitukari. His post contradicts itself as the moderators actually passed it! LOL!

32. At 6:57pm on 17 Dec 2010, Kuradi Vitukari wrote:

As always, the BBC HYS lefties fail to take up the "real" issues of the day like these for instance: -

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12022613
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12022013
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12014807
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12014555
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12021603

One person's real issue is another person's surreal one. The first three have been decided in the courts and the last two are nothing new.

Humbug!

"Private Company Christmas parties are fine because that is what they are - PRIVATE. Where I am concerned is when parties are held by the Public Sector workforce, especially those with a duty to serve the public beyond the normal 9 to 5 office hours.
"

Every day's a party the public sector."

You'd think that the knowledge that there are about to be a huge number of redundancies in the public sector would be enough to stop this sort of vindicative comment, but apparently not. I hate to break it to you, but we work as hard as you do, and 99% of us don't get a Christmas bonus. I therefore don't feel remotely guilty that I throughly enjoyed my works Christmas lunch this week. Paid by my boss, out of her own pocket, something she has done the while time I've been working for her (4 years).

This comment was removed because the moderators found it broke the house rules. Explain.

Straight after the Halifax had been bailed out to the tune of 3.5 billion pounds they threw a party for their Mortgage Staff that cost £30,00.00. I wonder how the staff of Woolworths (all of whom had just lost their jobs when the company failed owing, by comparison, a mere 380 million) felt looking at that obscene extravagance.
One thing's for certain, there'll be far fewer Christmas Parties this time next year.

#33 What are you babbling on about?!

34. At 7:05pm on 17 Dec 2010, Tarquin Lubeetup wrote:

We had our company office party today and had to pay for it ourselves.
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Tarkers - assume you're private sector judging by your reaction.

9. At 4:33pm on 17 Dec 2010, Trainee Anarchist wrote:

I bet the bankers are going to have a big Christmas bash......with all the public money that we have provided!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Doesn't have to be Xmas - still remember the Barclays execs who chalked up a 44k wine bill on the company - didn't even have to dip in to their hard earned mega bonuses...

Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat. Please place a couple of grand in this old man's hat. If you ain't got a couple of grand, a monkey will do. If you ain't got a monkey. Well @£&$ you and I hope you burn your goose, too!

I don't think you should "party" too much with people at work, if at all. When you start doing that kind of thing, work gets too personal, and that is when trouble starts, ESPECIALLY if you have to can somebody down the road. Best to keep work and play separate. It helps with productivity too.

Our Christ mas meal/party is tonight. I decided to give it a miss, for when I've finished work, I've finished!

Well, I'm a security guard, so I'll be working over Xmas Eve, Xmas Day, and Boxing Day. Me and a couple of the boys I'll be working with will have our own Xmas dinner, and we will have a small drink, but not so we fall asleep and can't do our jobs. That's as far as the "party" goes. However, it's perhaps worth pointing out that we will be paying for everything ourselves: none of it is provided by our employer, despite them being one of the richest in the country.

"Survey by the Chartered Management Institute"
You must be joking, Office party surveys, is this all Chartered Institutions can find to do with their time. Clearly over staffed, probably over paid and I hope in no way funded from the public purse. Surely with the country looking to improve output and to enhance our world trading position a Chartered body representing managers can find something more productive to survey. Talk about Nero fiddling while Rome burned! The Chartered Manager who authorised such a survey would do well to join FIFA.

Let's get the party started!

(So long as there's no karaoke or line-dancing!)

I had my Works Christmas Party yesterday it like many started in the restaurant - not a traditional roast but a Spanish restaurant with Paella, Pasta, Calamari, Salad, Profiteroles, some wine and beer between us. Then just a pub for a couple of pints all round. This was for ten adults all having fun but noone got drunk or embarrassed themselves. I work for a government department and we all paid equally for the meal and drinks no junket, no government costs.

I think this is represents the majority of Christmas parties. It only seems that those under 25 decide to get drunk after eating little food followed by throwing up on the pavement. The moral is be sensible and be careful what you drink.

39. At 7:52pm on 17 Dec 2010, jackinusa wrote:

there should be a muslim christmas where the profit muhammad can be celebrated as conquerer of christian lands.

In the sense that Muslims celebrate the birth of the Prophet Mohammed there is an equivalent of Christmas it is called Mawlid, or Milad.Sunni Muslims observe the Prophet Muhammed's (also known as Mohammed or Muhammad) birthday on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-awwal, while Shi'a Muslims mark it on the 17th of this month. Muhammed is believed to be the last prophet.

I really dislike Christmas office parties. I happen to think my colleagues are very nice people, but that doesn't mean I want to spend my limited 'free-time' with them. I dislike how younger colleagues feel obliged to attend such events, not realising that once the rest get a drink they wouldn't know who was there or not.

I would love a nice glass of wine, but don't drink (for medical reasons) and I hate how people try and get me to take "just a wee one", even though they know it could have serious implications. And, of course, the later the night goes on the more intense they become. Trying to keep a smile on my face and keep saying my coke is just fine gets annoying

Ours was last night and I didn't go due to travel problems. Our company does not pay for anything. Seems like total cost of food , drink and taxis cost each of my colleagues in the range of £150. Best response this morning was "it was ok". Best question I was asked today by my boss was "did you enjoy the meal" - he actually thought he had a conversation with me last night. Guess that only goes to prove my above comment!

I love Christmas, but really think office parties should be avoided at all costs.

In Japan it's apparently common for executives to go out and 'get drunk' so that the can tell the boss what they really think. Quite a few people in this country seem to do the same. Problem here is the boss is so bladdered he won't remember on Monday.

Is it right to celebrate christmas? did jesus peace be upon him or any of his disciples every celebrate it? did any of them put a christmas tree into their homes? did they give each other cards or presents on this day? no! no! so why do something contrary to the teachings of jesus peace be upon him. is it right to say that this is a pagan innovation into the religion if so is it not time to wake up to facts and put right what has been wrong for so many years!The time has come to choose right from wrong!

I remember back in the late '80's I worked in a photographic studio in south London which employed a total of 12 people. One Christmas we had a party & the business owner had a tab at the bar - big mistake! Most of the staff got absolutely off their heads, just knocking it back like there was no tomorrow. I vividly remember the boss saying that it would be the last time, as well as asking me how I managed to remain sober, as I always seemed to have a glass of something in my hand, to which I replied that every other drink I had that night was water. Funny how it was just the lab staff that got pissed, and not the photographers.

I think that after the year we've had, with financial difficulties and many companies finding themselves in a difficult situation, nobody can begrudge us all a few drinks at the office Christmas party.

I didn't know that 'Chrtistmas' parties were still allowed considering we are not allowed to say 'Merry Christmas' in our PC gone mad country!!

You live and learn.

65. At 00:43am on 18 Dec 2010, ziggyboy wrote:

I didn't know that 'Chrtistmas' parties were still allowed considering we are not allowed to say 'Merry Christmas' in our PC gone mad country!!

You live and learn.

According to the 2001 census there are 37.3 million people in England and Wales who state their religion as Christian so I can't see any reason why they shouldn't celebrate Christmas.

But then their idea of 'celebrating' is eating and drinking to excess so maybe the office parties aren't such a good idea after all.

Every place I've worked, world wide, has always had a Christmas party. Only in the UK it seems do the attendees drink themselves comatose. Why?

Nearly two-thirds of UK companies are expected to hold Christmas parties this year according to a survey by the Chartered Management Institute.

Bully for them!

We are ignoring the dross this year, period. Cool Yule!

A manager brought in some cases of lager and bitter as a thank you for the staff. It is still sitting in the fridge as the firms drugs and alcohol policy means anybody so much as touching it gets the sack.

Merry Christmas :-S

"At 3:41pm on 17 Dec 2010, Dave wrote:
I closed down the successful company I built from scratch because of Labour's taxes. I understand many companies are queuing up at the exit to leave the UK for a fairer tax regime abroad. Many have left already."

___________________________________________________________________

Already done it, moved mine to the Philippines. Xmas party for the workers this year is a BBQ on the beach with their wifes and kids.

"
62. At 00:08am on 18 Dec 2010, respondent wrote:

Is it right to celebrate christmas? did jesus peace be upon him or any of his disciples every celebrate it? did any of them put a christmas tree into their homes? did they give each other cards or presents on this day?
"

That's right, the disciples were out committing acts of terror against the Roman Empire.

"
57. At 10:04pm on 17 Dec 2010, Joe wrote:

Let's get the party started!

(So long as there's no karaoke or line-dancing!)
"

But plenty of lap and pole dancers though ;-)

"
44. At 8:15pm on 17 Dec 2010, Red Robbo wrote:

32. At 6:57pm on 17 Dec 2010, Kuradi Vitukari wrote:

As always, the BBC HYS lefties fail to take up the "real" issues of the day like these for instance: -

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12022613
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12022013
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12014807
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12014555
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12021603

One person's real issue is another person's surreal one. The first three have been decided in the courts and the last two are nothing new.
"

But they are all "news".

Bosses didn't bother turning up to ours....cracking leadership

Our christmas party is on 23rd December and the office is closed 24th so no chance of being over the D&A limit in the office next day. There are around 60 of us, not all will attend as some will already be away for christmas (weather permitting). Buffet and a few drinks, nothing lavish and no bonus's or presents, also, not in the office, at a local restaurant.

A merry christmas to you all!

Christmas is the time to have fun?????? The best party for a long time,That I remember was in 1990 in the job club, with over 20 unemployed people all ages' and ethnics'. The drink and food, was suppyied by the staff.{ lovely people} I and the rest of the group, of skinted unemployed people, who were there will never forget their great kindness,!!! . To many of us that was the real meaning of Christmas.

Who cares what anyone thinks of Christmas Parties?
There are reports that Sudanese money has been smuggled into British Banks. Since huge amounts of aid from our tax payers is being paid to the poor people of Sudan I would say this is something worth discussing.
A guy who's criminal behavior (including the hit and run death of a little girl) has landed him into trouble over and over is allowed to live here. They say this is because he would be denied a family life but we would be happy to see (even pay for) his wife and children to go with him when he is deported.
Mr Mugabi is threatening that if sanctions are not removed he will take over part or total ownership of some foreign companies. Worth discussing?
The High Court says that we have to keep admitting not only anyone who can get European citizenship but also anyone else from anywhere who may want to come here. Obviously we could talk about changing some of our laws and also some of our High Court Judges.
Compared to these serious problems that are bothering and outraging the people of this country why does HYS want to talk about parties?

The removal, after one day, of one of my comments proves the point I was making very well indeed.

Because of the UK's hopeless response to a few inches of snow, and the continuous yearly flu epidemics, I know several companies who have cancelled Christmas Parties and replaced them with a 'Summer Ball'. What a good idea, and you can actually wear that very thin party frock, and get home without being snowbound. I have been surprised with the great response from some retailers during the snow, Tesco always seem to deliver, and Amazon have been next day deliveries, except for those items delivered to the wrong addresses. I always take lots of wrongly delivered letters to the Post Office, but others don't seem to bother and just keep the wrongly delivered item. I have to blame the Royal Mail for most of the lost Christmas presents, on the basis of getting at least two wrongly delivered letters per week to my address. Still we can always blame the snow for everything. It is part of British culture.

"
70. At 09:33am on 18 Dec 2010, Paul wrote:

"At 3:41pm on 17 Dec 2010, Dave wrote:
I closed down the successful company I built from scratch because of Labour's taxes. I understand many companies are queuing up at the exit to leave the UK for a fairer tax regime abroad. Many have left already."

___________________________________________________________________

Already done it, moved mine to the Philippines. Xmas party for the workers this year is a BBQ on the beach with their wifes and kids.
"

Smart move. Just was out for Tsunamis.

Surely they've all been banned by the Equality and Diversity Officers.

Might offend some of the immigrants who have invited themselves into our country.

44. At 8:15pm on 17 Dec 2010, Red Robbo wrote:
32. At 6:57pm on 17 Dec 2010, Kuradi Vitukari wrote:

As always, the BBC HYS lefties fail to take up the "real" issues of the day like these for instance: -

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12022613
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12022013
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12014807
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12014555
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12021603
--------------------------------

One person's real issue is another person's surreal one. The first three have been decided in the courts and the last two are nothing new.

-------------------

You miss the point Red Robbo. We were not allowed to discuss any of these important news items because HYS has been dumbed down.

As far as I'm concerned the best thing about Christmas is when it's over.

39. At 7:52pm on 17 Dec 2010, jackinusa wrote:
there should be a muslim christmas where the profit muhammad can be celebrated as conquerer of christian lands.

Can anyone explain to me the purpose of this comment and as to why the BBC chose to publish it. After all, the question relates to Christmas Parties?

Anyway, my office party on Thursday went like this:

- Finish work at 3.00pm, with a glass of Champers and a really good laugh opening our Secret Santa presents.
- A quick Drink at the German Christmas Market (Really good atmosphere)
- Superb 3 course meal at the Jamie Oliver restaurant with drinks of our choice.
- 9.00pm, Jam house, Live music, dancing and moderate drinking followed by a 'keep a receipt for your expenses' taxi drive home.

All in all, a super time. But I am lucky as I do work with a great bunch of people (12 of us).

By contrast, my girlfriends do was appalling, the highlight of which was a married 'family' woman who, well, lets just say she chose to be single and needy for the night (on a number of times apparently) what a disgrace.

Merry Christmas!

Ebenezer Scrooge was right - it's all a load of humbug!

55. At 9:22pm on 17 Dec 2010, Graphis wrote:
Well, I'm a security guard, so I'll be working over Xmas Eve, Xmas Day, and Boxing Day. Me and a couple of the boys I'll be working with will have our own Xmas dinner, and we will have a small drink, but not so we fall asleep and can't do our jobs. That's as far as the "party" goes. However, it's perhaps worth pointing out that we will be paying for everything ourselves: none of it is provided by our employer, despite them being one of the richest in the country

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My sister is a security guard - so yes, I know what you're saying.
The Cinderella employees

I have no work-based Christmas party stories because I do not, on principle, socialise with the people with whom I work.

I get along with them fine in the workplace, but I choose my friends based on shared interests and values not on happening to work in the same place (or for that matter live on the same street).

"
85. At 10:33am on 18 Dec 2010, Mike wrote:

Ebenezer Scrooge was right - it's all a load of humbug!
"

Ebenezer Good

"
87. At 10:47am on 18 Dec 2010, Megan wrote:

I have no work-based Christmas party stories because I do not, on principle, socialise with the people with whom I work.

I get along with them fine in the workplace, but I choose my friends based on shared interests and values not on happening to work in the same place (or for that matter live on the same street).
"

No secret Santa for you then!

82. At 10:18am on 18 Dec 2010, chiptheduck wrote:

44. At 8:15pm on 17 Dec 2010, Red Robbo wrote:
32. At 6:57pm on 17 Dec 2010, Kuradi Vitukari wrote:

As always, the BBC HYS lefties fail to take up the "real" issues of the day like these for instance: -

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12022613
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12022013
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-12014807
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12014555
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-12021603
--------------------------------

One person's real issue is another person's surreal one. The first three have been decided in the courts and the last two are nothing new.

-------------------

You miss the point Red Robbo. We were not allowed to discuss any of these important news items because HYS has been dumbed down.

I think we could probably discuss anything we like. It appears that off topic entries are only removed by the moderators when other posters complain.

As ever, way too much negativity in these comments - most of us agree that ANY EXCUSE FOR A PARTY IS A GOOD ONE..! (and I'm aged 45 - not 25).
Yes I'm OK about some time out with my colleagues, but would rather do so elsewhere than the office - If I were the boss, it would be a decent meal out at some form of dinner-dance place - yes, and I would love to splash a little romance around too... Cheers everyone who agrees !!!

59. At 10:54pm on 17 Dec 2010, andyunlimited wrote:
39. At 7:52pm on 17 Dec 2010, jackinusa wrote:

there should be a muslim christmas where the profit muhammad can be celebrated as conquerer of christian lands.

/////////////////////////////////

In the sense that Muslims celebrate the birth of the Prophet Mohammed there is an equivalent of Christmas it is called Mawlid, or Milad.Sunni Muslims observe the Prophet Muhammed's (also known as Mohammed or Muhammad) birthday on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi' al-awwal, while Shi'a Muslims mark it on the 17th of this month. Muhammed is believed to be the last prophet.

/////////////////////////////////

I sincerely hope that Muhammed was the LAST prophet the world could ill afford another !!

Otherwise merry xmas and may your god go with you.

"
4. At 3:57pm on 17 Dec 2010, Billy wrote:

Ban them, ban them, ban them. There is no excuse for anyone to enjoy themselves in the current economic climate. If I get made redundant my biggest wish will be for everyone else to be as miserable as me.
"

You mean to say someone actually employs you now?

55. At 9:22pm on 17 Dec 2010, Graphis wrote:
Well, I'm a security guard, so I'll be working over Xmas Eve, Xmas Day, and Boxing Day. Me and a couple of the boys I'll be working with will have our own Xmas dinner, and we will have a small drink, but not so we fall asleep and can't do our jobs. That's as far as the "party" goes. However, it's perhaps worth pointing out that we will be paying for everything ourselves: none of it is provided by our employer, despite them being one of the richest in the country
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Of course you'll pay for our own meals - it's the American way - front line staff will never be treated well by private companies regardless of how rich they are.

The politics of Christmas parties - reputational damage, sucking up to the boss or who you think might be the boss next year, realising that your respected colleagues are hen-pecked and married to monsters, staying sober and yet never needing to drink to soften the boredom more...

I've ducked and dived many a Christmas do and never regretted it.

And on balance would rather have the money than the experience of a work's do.

My business runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Despite the complications caused by stupid government, sleeping regulators and irresponsible bankers, my annual Christmas Party will be taking place as usual. We will kick off with a review of operations followed by awards recognising outstanding achievement and contribution.

Any casual observer is likely to note the lack of political correctness during the evening.

Nearly two-thirds of UK companies are expected to hold Christmas parties this year according to a survey by the Chartered Management Institute. Is your firm one of them? Send us your party stories.

In these times of Drakonian cut-backs and paying twice for everything here in the UK, so the mega-wealthy, money-men and the Unacountable Banking Elite can still enjoy their chosen tax-havens and unaffordable lifestyles where ever they may be in the UK, enjoying the crem-de-la-crem of Partridge, Pheasant and pink champaigne, I am sure they will all be thoroughly enjoying themselves at our expense - The subsidised bar and resturant in the Commons and the House of Lords will no doubt be full to overflowing.

Whilst the rest of us all ponder the looming hike to 20%VAT, the extra fuel tax, the no-doubt looming increase in Council Tax and maybe even a surprise emergency interim council tax demand - can't possibly expect the Council Chief Executives to take a pay cut now can we?

There will probably be a lot of headaches after Christmas, but I have doubts as to whether they will all be acohol related - more akin to how can I afford to go to work now - especially with work place parking fees also looming on the horizon on top of high fuel prices - forget about travelling by train, thats only affordable if your amongst the rich anyway.

Probably the best party thing to do is to discus with the family the taking of early retirement - or perhaps if your too young to retire doing what I'm sure many will soon be having to do - looking at the black economy for an extra survivable income.
The working in the Black Economy is supposed to be illegal?
How about the tax avoidance of the mega rich in the UK, is this legal, or illegal, it is certainly grossly immoral.

But whatever, Christmas is a time of extending Goodwill to all Men - Most students and many ordinary people would add to that 'except Klegg and Cameron', of course.

"
95. At 12:46pm on 18 Dec 2010, Trina wrote:

The politics of Christmas parties - reputational damage, sucking up to the boss or who you think might be the boss next year, realising that your respected colleagues are hen-pecked and married to monsters, staying sober and yet never needing to drink to soften the boredom more...

I've ducked and dived many a Christmas do and never regretted it.

And on balance would rather have the money than the experience of a work's do.
"

In other words, no one likes you.

They were ok in the days when you could try and snog a colleague without being branded a pervert (although it was never a problem for the good looking blokes).

1. At 3:23pm on 17 Dec 2010, Kuradi Vitukari wrote:
Every day's a Christmas party here, because the Boss (me) is a party animal.

================================

Got any vacancies, Kuradi?