"Compulsory" Christmas parties

[SilverPen]

I'm school SLT

2 Christmas dos have been arranged. One for all staff and one for SLT. Head has made it clear that SLT are expected to attend both.

Total cost of the two events is £90 plus drinks and travel. I can afford it, but it's absolutely not how I'd choose to spend that money.

Is there a way to object without sounding whiny? I understand why she wants everyone there and it is generally a good place to work with a good team spirit, but this feels like an unreasonable demand. I don't really want to give the time on two evenings at a busy time of year either I know she can't make us go, but it feels like it would be a bad move not to iyswim.

How sad. Big diary mix up, you’re double booked and you accepted the other one first. Huge apologies.

And next year, lobby for just one event, that’s early and low key.

Just tell them NO !

You don't need an excuse , if they ask why just say because i don't want to

Third it!

I've always struggled with saying no to these events, then one day I just thought sod it, if I don't want to go I'm not going! It's stressful thinking up excuses etc nobody should pressure anyone to attend social work events. There could be money issues, childcare issues, mental health issues, anything going on in someone's personal life, its unfair to make people feel guilty.