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

[TwoTimTams]

Work in a large government organisation. Colleagues are fine, some I know reasonably well, others I haven’t said more than hello to once or twice.

Our work Christmas party is at one of our other locations a 1 hour drive away. Work is paying. I don’t want to go, it’s outside my normal work hours as an early dinner. I will be there anyway due to having to attend a team event earlier that day but I don’t want to stay for the party. I dislike social situations particularly in a work environment, and while I don’t mind going out to the odd quick lunch with my workmates the politics of a work Christmas party are tedious and I can’t be arsed with it.

But people seem to love their work Christmas parties, I figure I must be weird and in the minority otherwise we wouldn’t be having them. Does everyone else actually LIKE their work Christmas party?

AIBU - I’m being boring and work Christmas parties are a social calendar highlight in permanent marker

YANBU - work Christmas parties are a form of torture, so yeah nah, washing my hair instead

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.