To think work Xmas parties should start in work hours?

[ByTidyHelper]

Just as the title says really. Our work Xmas party doesn't start til 6:30pm this year in London which is a 1hr commute for me each way. I really think work Xmas parties should start in work hours e.g. 3 or 4pm as this would be so much better for those with families who could attend at the start for a couple of hours and then go home.

I'm probably not going to mine this year just due to the fact it starts in the evening and I cannot be bothered to get back home late and have to figure out what we do with my kids bedtime etc (they are in a phase of meltdown mode unless mummy is putting them to bed so would be tough on my husband to have to deal with this solo).

What do you think? AIBU to expect work Xmas parties to start in work hours?

I’m sorry but that sounds awful and I would definitely turn that down if it was suggested for us.

I can’t think of any team that I have worked with who would want to socialise in the morning and then go back to work

We used to have a lunchtime, alcohol free one where I worked, it was a bring and share lunch, lasted about an hour and the "highlight" was a few staff playing a few tunes on their ukeleles and a secret Santa. Last year it deteriorated into a 30 minute, 3 person, "let's bring jacket potatoes and toppings", no entertainment or secret Santa. I don't work there now. DH had 4 Christmas parties with his different groups and I had to drive him home from them.

I think we had a team brunch once - it's a nice idea and much more accessible for people as long as it's not too early for those who have to do nursery drop offs and the like.

This would be my idea of hell.

I'm very good friends with several of my work colleagues. We're all adults, why should the fact that we work together mean we can't have a few drinks when we socialise outside of work?