Xmas Work Dinner

[Aquarius1234]

How to get through another works do, when you arent friends with anyone outside work.
Knowing the 3 course meal will be rubbish esp the Turkey.
Overall atmosphere will be boring/ dull.
I also cringe at anyone talking group photos.

Just don't go. I get on well with the people I work with so go but only about half the staff go and its fine not everyone likes this sort of stuff. Its there free time so they choose how to spend it

Just don't go!! 🤷🏼‍♀️

Why don't you organise it next year somewhere with better food? Why don't you provide the atmosphere? Or is it easier to bitch ?

I organised a works Christmas do many years ago (food, raffle, live band, disco, decs etc). Absolute nightmare. As it covered such a wide age span people couldn't even let the DJ get on with his job, instead constantly telling him to change the music from one genre to another and so on.

general chit-chat

“what Christmas films are you looking forward to watching” “what’s on the menu for Christmas Dinner?” Etc etc - 2 hours will fly by

Hi @Aquarius1234 I was sad to read that you didn't feel you were allowed to opt out by your employer. As others have said, outside of your contractual hours you can't be compelled to do anything but I understand the pressure/guilt tripping they will try might feel overwhelming. You are allowed to have boundaries.

I think I might develop tactical Covid.

Unless you are going to say why "you have to go" this is a pointless post.

I’m the same. I can’t be arsed with it. I find it all fake. However it’s two hours and my team want me there so I went, smiled and chatted and left once it was over (optional going for drinks in the pub but).

It's simple don't go. I don't go to work nights out. These people are colleagues and I don't want to spend my free time with them

I went and it was fine with all the usual topics of conversation as PP said. Some forced fun chatter by me and then I left as the music started as had a headache anyway. I tried to make a small effort making conversation with people I dont speak to usually.
Got out while I could though. Or you end up stuck will the very end.

I was driving so I'm glad I didn't stay really late. Nearly ran over a fox on way home.

One person annoyed me as they kept taking pics/ videos. A few surprises with how people are out of work. But nothing major different. Same old.
The food was bad though.

Call sick day before and day of. Migraine or similar

I just don't go. Initially it was due to the number of time I'd pay for a meal, then hubby would be late home and I'd miss it. Realised after a couple of years I didn't miss it so stopped going due to childcare issues.

I don’t drink at work dos. I like to be able to leave whenever I want so I drive. I have zero desire to overshare or see photos the next day or whatever. There are a few sound folk at work but my boss is a total snake so I never let my guard down. The thought of meeting her socially makes me shudder and I try to keep out of her way at work even. I’ve never worked anywhere where the do is paid for. It’s always been in your own time and on your own coin. Another reason for not drinking!

Glad it went ok @Aquarius1234 in my experience events I am apprehensive or unexcited about attending often go better than anticipated. It’s nice to have some non-work related chats and can genuinely be good for building a bit of team spirit.

My DH is a business owner and spends his own time organising his company works do. Some people are appreciative but some are noticeably less so! If you don’t want to go then that’s fine but it’s a bit annoying to see people slagging work dos off in general when time, money and effort have gone into them. People who are no-shows on the day (genuine illness aside) are just wasting money & other people’s time - just say you can’t make it!

Having worked in the public sector where no Christmas meal etc was ever on offer unless you paid & arranged for it yourselves I appreciate a paid works do more than ever!

So you had to eat a meal that wasn’t the best food ever…boo hoo.
Stay strong, you’ll be ok

@ChocolateCinderToffee pssssst we did 🎄🥳🍷🤣

I'd say just don't go - they're nearly always grim. A polite "no, thank you" will suffice.

To be fair, it's often the chit chat that is the most excruciating bit. What's the point, if nobody enjoys it?

It wasnt that bad, but I really felt the awkward forced chatter myself. I try and be more friendly. But I can't see anyone going wow Im really gonna be friends with so and so now after they asked me general questions the other night.
I like to people watch and you really notice is the same people sticking next to their mates most the time or the couples at work sitting together unless someone tries to mix it up.
Then I notice a loudy bitchy type trying to be a bit rude and bossy when they've only been there five minutes.

You’ve probably spent more time thinking about it and moaning on here than the couple of hours needed to attend. Just go and get it done with.