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Original poster

Did you have/are you having a work Christmas party?

78 replies

Dasistrichtig · 14/12/2023 15:09

We had a bit of food in the office that we had to eat either at our desks or use our lunch allowance for.
The food itself was nice enough but TBF there wasn't really that much per person, by the time you queued up.
It's not the end of the world but it's a shame there wasn't something a bit more organized. Not saying they had to hire some fancy venue and spend a fortune, but a bit of a party would've been nice, just something to look forward to.
I'm in the public sector though so not sure if it's different in private?

OP posts:
DailyMailHater · 14/12/2023 15:41

We had a do a few Fridays ago for staff and partners at a local “posh” venue, all paid for including taxis too and from event

also had a charity raffle in the office where a party food was laid on.

Birch101 · 14/12/2023 15:42

I have moved from private to public and vast difference, for starters private was during work time and into the evening and all paid for my company/directors, anything public would be in personal time and cost so basically a no to me

DitheringBlidiot · 14/12/2023 15:42

Until covid hit we always had Christmas parties in the office, work would hire in bars and caterers. It was immediately after work and meant people could stay for all of it or some of it.

Now it's always held off site in locations that require transport to get to.
The party is free, but you get 2 drinks and have to pay for the rest and this year they charged £5 for a coach.

My company has made millions this year. I didn't go.

PeachBlossom1234 · 15/12/2023 11:39

I've never been to a Christmas party that was paid for!! Wow, how the other half live! I work for a charity and we went for a nice lunch and drinks afterwards, all paid for by us, our director kindly bought the first round of drinks but after that it was down to us. I think only 3 out of a team of 27 didn't come, and one of the team organised it....we had a fab time!

Bertielong3 · 15/12/2023 11:40

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

MarleyandMarleyWoooo · 15/12/2023 11:42

Sort of? I run a business, along with DH, and I’ve organised a day clay pigeon shooting followed by a pub Christmas dinner and drinks, all paid for. The guys will love it. They’ve also each got a Christmas hamper with their favourite treat type food/drinks in. So not a ‘party’ but a Christmas ‘do’!

NancyJoan · 15/12/2023 12:03

Yes, it's tonight! Three course meal and dancing afterwards. Cost £25, subsidised by employer.

I used to work in publishing, we would get very smart London restaurant lunch followed by cocktails and karaoke, all paid for. I think budgets might be different now though!

MissCalamity · 15/12/2023 12:32

Yes it's today, we are going to a local restaurant at 3pm (so an hour and a half off work, don't need to make up the time)

Meal paid for and drinks provided. Some are going to the local pubs after, some are going home. I will go for a couple as I don't mind socialising with my work colleagues, although I know a couple will probably turn into a lot... 🤢

Mamabear48 · 15/12/2023 13:26

Gosh that sounds like a grinch workplace! We went to Harry Potter world on one of their Christmas work party evenings we could leave at 3pm instead of 5.30 and got a hotel for the night and we are going out for an office Christmas lunch on Thursday.

Original poster
Dasistrichtig · 15/12/2023 13:32

I work in the Civil Service, not sure if that makes a difference!

OP posts:
FunnysInLaJardin · 15/12/2023 13:35

We had a party in a really good local restaurant where we had our own room.

Everything laid on and no expense spared. It was great fun!

I work in a law firm

Partypop · 15/12/2023 13:42

I’ve just started a new job at a small company - was pleasantly surprised as we have a three course meal and drinks, disco at a four star hotel - everything including hotel room all paid for. Previous company which was a large global business, some money (not very much) but had to organise our own thing in our offices.

Mew2 · 15/12/2023 18:32

Again work in public sector... we are going out for dinner- 5pm next week after work.... we are paying (but its important for team morale!!). We have also had a week of Christmas buffet lunches- everyone bought a dish!.... we have also done a big collection for one of the wards, and also secret santa!! It's been so much fun this year

MrsHughesPinny · 15/12/2023 18:36

Also public sector. It seems like Christmas parties tailed off over COVID and never came back.

My experience is that individual teams and/or work friendship groups organise their own things, that’s usually more fun anyway.

Having Simon from Finance drunkenly bore the arse off everyone is never fun. I’d prefer to spend money going out with actual friends.

Obviously there’s a vast difference in the private sector. I’ve been to some very lavish corporate events but that wouldn’t do with tax payer money!

Goldenbear · 15/12/2023 18:40

I work in the public sector and we only had a buffet and secret Santa but my DH has two as one is his company and one is a client. One year they the company had a Christmas cabaret but it wasn't his thing!

SecondHandFurniture · 15/12/2023 18:40

Yes. All 10 of us went for a meal after a meeting, then did an activity (e.g escape room type thing).

I also went to DH's which was a hired venue with free bar and food.

Both private sector.

Lochness1975 · 15/12/2023 18:42

Private sector- went out for a meal and drinks (all paid for) with my team and an overnight stay.

Tanfastic · 15/12/2023 18:42

We went to a show and just a general
Piss up. Was a great night. Unfortunately I have covid now which I first thought was an extended hangover ....🤕

FuckinghellthatsUnbelievable · 15/12/2023 18:45

i have two jobs one public sector and we get nada. One private and they took 32 of us out for a slap up dinner and lashings of booze. I think you’re allowed up to £150 per person as a company expense for a staff celebratory meal.

Pushkinini · 15/12/2023 18:50

Free Christmas party with all booze and food paid for by the company. Small private sector biz. There's only about 20 of us and partners were invited too for a small £10 contribution. It was fun although the hangover the next day wasn't great. We're a small close knit team who pretty much all get on so we always have a laugh.

FreshStartAgain23 · 15/12/2023 18:50

Private. We are a fairly young team so often do a adult themed bowling venue with a bar and games room, but this year we're going to a well known entertainment venue where lots of other companies will be having their parties too, black tie, sit down meal, open bar, acrobats etc. all paid for by work.

Izit · 15/12/2023 18:55

Thankfully, no!

Bridgertonned · 15/12/2023 19:02

Mamabear48 · 15/12/2023 13:26

Gosh that sounds like a grinch workplace! We went to Harry Potter world on one of their Christmas work party evenings we could leave at 3pm instead of 5.30 and got a hotel for the night and we are going out for an office Christmas lunch on Thursday.

Edited

If it's public sector, it's not about being a Grinch, it's not allowed. Public sector means public funds, we're not allowed to spend public funds on staff entertainment, also not allowed to use work time that is again paid for by the same means, on staff shindigs. There are other benefits to working in public sector but this is one of the downsides.

Our Xmas do was going to a carvery after work, we all paid for ourselves. Low key, affordable, and manageable for those with children.

gerteddy · 15/12/2023 20:19

Yes there is a night out arranged and paid for by individuals! Public sector so we get absolutely nothing.

Lunch this year was £50! I thought this was really steep and I never like the food at these type of party events.

I didn't go. As I've no one to pick the kids up as my dh job means he doesn't know if he wld be back before 6pm to get them.

I used to go before the kids but it's too much hassle now, I also don't have so many friends at work as they left. I'd want to get a new outfit and a taxi home wld be about £40 if I cld even get one. So with transport there and drinks on top, potentially ur talking about £130ish. That's without the new outfit. So I've decided I won't be going to any again anytime soon.

I used to work in private sector and all companies I worked for it was a fully paid for party. Sit down meal and free bar. U only had to get yourself home, fab!

lalaloopyhead · 15/12/2023 20:26

Small business, we had our Christmas do last week...timed to accomodation childcare needs and fully paid for. Nice dinner out, copious amount of prosecco and cocktails... onlly a small team of 8 though so overall cost not outrageous. Wouldn't dream of asking anyone to pay and we always have a good time.

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