AIBU to not want to go to my work Christmas party?

Secret Santa is appalling. Loads of crap you don’t want.

I enjoy work parties as my colleagues are nice and we are a small team, but YANBU for not enjoying them and not going. I've also been to some pretty boring ones in other organisations in the past.

I used to come up with excuses in my 20s 30s and early 40s then one day something clicked.....i just started to say nope not going and left it at that. When pushed id say something like its not my thing but i wouldnt concoct some other plan as an excuse. Yes 2 hours a year is my idea of hell. I dont even like them they arent my friends i work with them i humour them i tolerate them.im there for the money i earn doing work they need doing and they pay me for my knowledge. I think many people are under the illusion that there is an expectation to attend and that to not go in some way puts you at a disadvantage or puts you in a bad light......i dont follow that belief at all.

Some people this year are even forking out £100 on hotels for the night! Its work the next day too........id sooner be tucked up at home watching tv not putting on a fake smile with the people who happen to work at the same place as me. Its a job simple. Now its those people whose xmas doos start at lunchtime that I feel sorry for as ypu have no choice on a workday unlike one that kicks off in the evening.....just learn to say No if you donr fancy going and above all dont feel any guilt or shame or pressure to go.

If they start at lunchtime, it isn't so bad. At least can just leave after the working day finishes.

I remember booking theatre tickets and even organising a church Christmas meal that day to avoid them. I remember going to them the last I went to was a mediocre meal. Plus a cab there and back then the music was so loud for the disco I was deaf. Then you have to stay a decent time. In the end I just said no. It got more expensive so I had a good excuse.

I’m the same. I’m so pleased I’m not the only one. Before I had my kids I used to go to them and then one year I drank a bit too much and I made a tit out of myself so I decided not to attend them anymore. then I got a job after having my kids that I really loved and all of my colleagues were great it felt like we were a real team and had each others backs so I gave it another go and I really enjoyed my Christmas do’s especially when it was just going out for a meal and everyone was in the same boat they had to drive home as all of their partners were at home with the kids, then we got a new line manager and she was awful bullying everyone and she drove me out in the end and no-one wanted to attend the Christmas party that year. Then I started a new job and I decided to stop the work Christmas parties all together, especially now I’m working in a school and their not small department parties their for the whole organisation and I only work part time so I don’t know everyone and I have to make small talk and they always land on a Friday night and now on Fridays my husband goes and does Archery after we have dinner for a few hours and as soon as I put the kids to bed, I sit down with a glass of wine, chocolate and a good film and it’s bliss and unless im actually invited to an event I actually want to go to I wouldn’t give it up for anything especially now that I have a full time job. I’m sure you mothers would agree that getting me time is precious and now I use my kids as the get out of jail free card and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.