The company Christmas party invitation has arrived in my inbox

The “please hold the date” email has just come out from the Staff Social Club, giving all the details of this year’s function.

It’s a chilly August day and it seems weird to be talking about Christmas. But I suppose it’s only 20 weeks away.

Well? Are you going to SHARE those details? Dopers can vicariousle enjoy anticipating a big party too, ya know…

It’s nothing very exotic. We always have the Christmas party on a Friday afternoon, about two or three weeks before Christmas. We knock off at noon and take the rest of the day off for drinks, a Christmas luncheon, more drinks, a series of “after parties” etc. This year we’ll be at a harbourside venue, so we’ll be able to relax on the terrace, watching the ships go by.

Your employer’s social secretary sounds like a disorganised slacker - I had invitations to two separate office Xmas parties a couple of weeks ago! :slight_smile: Even more amusingly, I am unable to attend one of them due to a prior engagement. Got to book early to get the best dates at the best venues, these days (especially if space for 50+ people is required).

20 weeks advance notice about a work party sounds to me a lot like someone in authority saying “You WILL attend and you WILL enjoy yourselves. That is an order!”

Actually, it’s probably more related to the ease of booking the venue…

Are you sure it’s not from last year, like some late text messages?

That’s amazing.

I’m still trying to duck next week’s Summer Outing. Volleyball and a BBQ, which really is my idea of hell (the volleyball part).

Quite the contrary. The Christmas party isn’t compulsory. Turnout is usually about 70-75 per cent of staff. Most people are happy to attend, given that it occurs in working hours. Those who don’t come just get the afternoon off.