I have attended a lot of office Christmas parties in my lifetime. Many have been low-key potlucks during everyone's lunch break. Some have been big blow-out fancy affairs that are the equivalent to Adult Prom.
A few parties stick out in my memory. Decades ago, I worked for a company that hired a lot of temps around the holidays. One Christmas, we all brought in our favorite home cooked dishes and the "religious" lady of the office made an announcement to everyone eating that the potluck was only for people who brought in food or who had paid her $4. (You know, like the baby Jesus would have wanted.) The announcement was embarrassing to some of the temps who had seen the enormous spread of food and assumed it was a company function. I remember feeling bad for these poor people and hating my coworker for making a scene. In hindsight, I wish I would have called her out on her gross behavior. At that point in my life she was as old or older than my mother and me making a stink would have felt disrespectful. That moment stuck with me... I have vowed never to be that lady. If there is enough food to feed an army, feed the army, don't horde half of it and shame the people who can't afford to chip in.
Years later, in Florida, I got invited to a formal hoity-toity office party. I was in my twenties and drank like I was at a real (not work) party. As usual, I woke feeling ashamed of my alcohol gluttony. Imagine how happy as I was to find out that after I left the soiree, a colleague who was drunker than me, had full-on made out with another coworker on the dance floor. It was like my loud-talking, obnoxious behavior had been rendered null and void. Sure, I probably slurred a bit and overshared, but I didn't French kiss anyone in front of the boss. That party also taught me a lesson...never be the drunkest one at the party. You can drink, you can have fun, but make sure someone there is more boorish than yourself in attendance.
These days, I work out of my home office. During the days, it is just my cats and me. Once late afternoon rolls around, my human family members start to trickle in. There is no "office" party planned this year. Of course, I am having my family holiday, but that is neither a potluck nor a formal-dress wearing event. (If I am being honest, I doubt the cats would chip in or dress up regardless.)
You never know what the future will hold. I may someday attend another holiday party. I think with age and a little wisdom, I will be sure to share my favorite recipe freely and make sure that I don't drink the wine as freely.
What is your best/worst holiday party? Do you have any party etiquette that you follow? Comment or subscribe below.
Merry Christmas! Happy Hannukah! Sending Happy Kwanza Wishes! Enjoy the holidays!
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