AIBU not going to my work Xmas Party

[CookieDough2017]

I made the decision not to go to my work Christmas party this year because I want to spend my evening with DD1. I only get 30 mins with her in the morning before my MIL comes to collect her so I can get my train for work. I wouldn’t say it’s spending time with her as I’m rushing around the house to get her fed and changed. I know if I went I would miss her so much and wouldn’t enjoy myself. I went to my work Christmas party last year when I was on mat leave, I got to 10 o clock and I could feel myself filling up with tears because I missed my DD.

When the other mums ask why I’m not attending and I explain my reason they look at me as if I’m odd? Childless people understand my reasons for not attending which makes no sense.

Am I weird?

As a mum of two I think yes a bit strange
It’s one night once a year.

Not U at all. My reason for not going to the Christmas do is literally 'No'.

As above. Don’t go if you don’t want to, whatever the reason.

I guess lots of parents relish the opportunity for a break and a chance to let their hair down so maybe don't understand why you wouldn't want to.

Do you go out at other times?

Not going to your works Christmas party is no big deal. I've not gone to mine this year but I have lots of other opportunities to go out and socialise so it wasn't a big deal.

Erm, assuming your Xmas party is an evening thing, would your DD not just be asleep anyway?

It is one night of the year. If you don’t want to go just say that instead of coming up with a silly excuse.

Is that the only evening you get to spend with her? If so then I totally get why you wouldn't want to give up your one evening a week with her. If you're going to see her some/many other nights, it does seem a little odd to be crying about missing her, but you really don't need a reason not to go.

I have a work party tomorrow eve. I plan to stay for an hour or so and then will slope out without anyone noticing, not because I miss my kids but because I miss my sofa and TV

I used to to feel the same. I felt as if I barley spent any time with my LO and missed him so much when I went to work. Plus I spent enough of my time with work colleagues and didn’t really care about Xmas party so didn’t go.
BUT I would never admit missing my baby as a reason for not attending something!

Once a year?

Full time working mum of 2 here. not going to any of the office christmas things (quiz, party, drinks). no way i’m sacrificing an evening with my kids.

I didn't go to my work Xmas do. I said I wasn't going and got pestered until I said yes, then didn't go anyway. It's not compulsory, and I didn't really want to pay for an expensive dinner, especially not from Wetherspoons.

No, I'm not going but I'm not at all sociable and find these things really hard work. You can just say it's not your thing.

'Don’t go if you don’t want to, whatever the reason.'

This. I'm not going to mine because I really don't fancy it. I didn't give a reason

I went last week and spent the evening listening to a colleague explain in great detail how HR messed up his wages last month ..... there’s only a couple of people at work I really enjoy spending time with.

I think they are just pretending to understand. It’s one night?!

Just say you don’t fancy it, no need for drama. Some people like a night out and don’t get many so the Christmas do is a highlight. Or like me who is working both of my wards do’s due to childcare would love to have gone. I work 12 hour shifts so don’t see my kids in the mornings or evenings as they are in bed. But I make up for it on days off.

I never go to mine. Honestly, people do not actually care and will not notice you missing. It’s not like they are going to discuss it all year and worry themselves to death!

I saw having children as a blessed release for me in this sort of situation. It gave me the ideal excuse not to go to office Christmas shit - namely "no babysitter", even if that wasn't true. I was never a party animal anyway.

If you don't want to go then just don't. Enjoy your evening with your child.

Don't go if you don't want to go. I wouldn't give it a second thought.

I usually go to all dos but now since I was off sick for 10 weeks I don't feel part of the place anymore so I can't be bothered to spend time with people.
I am spending time with the people that matter to me. Even if it is one night! It is 30 miles from home and an hour's drive too so na not going!