Works Christmas do

Aquamarine1029 · 27/08/2024 19:50

Have a catered lunch at work and call it a day.

violetsparkle · 27/08/2024 19:55

Heartattack41 · 27/08/2024 19:49

What do you all do to accommodate every one for a works Christmas do? Only 15 or so if us but some are Muslim so don't drink or gamble , need halal food etc. One is in a wheelchair and needs accessibility, one is grumpy and refuses everything. Just after some fresh ideas that I can put to everyone.

I know it's really tempting to try and think of something fun and fresh but really all you need is a restaurant that does a Christmas menu and offers suitable options for those vegetarians or people with religious dietary requirements. It also has to meet the accessibility needs.

The person who doesn't drink doesn't need to drink. The person who hates everything can just sit quietly and eat their paid for meal and enjoy finding something to moan about. If its a 9-5 job then have it at lunch time and give everyone the rest of the day off.

LordEmsworth · 27/08/2024 19:58

Presumably Muslims don't celebrate Christmas, so not sure why you would invite them to a Christmas party. And someone who refuses anything, doesn't want to be there, so shouldn't be an issue.

If you want to have a meal out, presumably a curry house would be ok, and most will have wheelchair access. If you want an activity, lots of places do crafts, like wreath making. Or an afternoon tea could easily be halal.

candlewhickgreen · 27/08/2024 20:11

It's difficult because we don't know where you are or what available but some ideas:

The Great British bakery off is a corporate activity that can host groups in Bake Off fashion. You will be split into teams and given a couple of recipes to follow and once the bakes are out of the office the results are judged. They provide meals and drinks.

How about a murder mystery evening? It's a three course meal, where actors take to the stage between each course acting out a murder.

Swingers is a private crazy golf course. You can hire the venue and they supply street food and drinks. They have a DJ after the game is over.

Steam dreams is a rail company that offers different packages which provides food and takes you to different places.

City Treasure Hunts is an organised treasure hunt which can be tailored to include a restaurant afterwards.

How about a Karaoke venue? You can hire a room and get drinks and nibbles.

Escape room or comedy show - they sometimes have food or you could go afterwards.

Starlightstarbright3 · 27/08/2024 20:16

Ours we had a couple of suggestions , people voted - decision made . Not everyone is coming .. you definitely won’t please everyone - wheelchair access yes consider , so long as vegetarian meal available that is covered , miserable women who you say won’t like anything then don’t worry .

Rocknrollstar · 27/08/2024 20:48

How about a small get together in the office and leave it at that? Let’s be honest. Most people hate work Xmas do’s.

Aquamarine1029 · 27/08/2024 20:51

Most people hate work Xmas do’s.

Exactly. I don't know anyone who likes the kind held out of the office after working hours.

Fupoffyagrasshole · 27/08/2024 20:53

I work with loads of Muslim woman and they all love the Christmas party! Just because it’s not a holiday they celebrate doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be invited or that they wouldn’t like to attend!!

we just do a casual meal in a local pub usually and then people can go out after somewhere else If they like

although one year we did go to one of those organised events in a Hilton and it was really fun

another year we all went bowling and had pizzas!

MorrisZapp · 27/08/2024 20:56

My work do is legendary and I make a five hour train journey for it. Exceptional food and drink all on the company, travel and hotel costs included for those who need it. Proper three course posh lunch followed by melt in the mouth mince pies, coffee and port.

Then speeches and the pub, bosses card behind the bar.

It's the social highlight of my calendar!

AllThePotatoesAreSinging · 27/08/2024 20:59

LordEmsworth · 27/08/2024 19:58

Presumably Muslims don't celebrate Christmas, so not sure why you would invite them to a Christmas party. And someone who refuses anything, doesn't want to be there, so shouldn't be an issue.

If you want to have a meal out, presumably a curry house would be ok, and most will have wheelchair access. If you want an activity, lots of places do crafts, like wreath making. Or an afternoon tea could easily be halal.

Because not doing so based on the fact they are Muslim is grounds for tribunal. And shitty behaviour in general. Everyone is entitled to attend a work’s Christmas meal/party whatever.

Yes I do work in HR. Yes I have dealt with more than my fair share of Christmas party grievances.

Mum2jenny · 27/08/2024 21:00

Just avoid if at all possible

Elbone · 27/08/2024 21:19

We always just went for a meal. Three course, pre ordered, everyone who wants to come put down a deposit. Simple

Twinkletwinklelil · 27/08/2024 21:26

We did a meal and an activity the last 2 years. Also a mixed group in terms of religion/ethnicity but we would never exclude based on that!

meal at an Italian restaurant and then flight club or something - people can come to one or both

autienotnaughty · 27/08/2024 21:42

Meal out in a local pub. Person who organises chooses venue

Hoolihan · 27/08/2024 21:46

Nice lunch and the afternoon off.

Starlightstarbright3 · 27/08/2024 21:47

LordEmsworth · 27/08/2024 19:58

Presumably Muslims don't celebrate Christmas, so not sure why you would invite them to a Christmas party. And someone who refuses anything, doesn't want to be there, so shouldn't be an issue.

If you want to have a meal out, presumably a curry house would be ok, and most will have wheelchair access. If you want an activity, lots of places do crafts, like wreath making. Or an afternoon tea could easily be halal.

I am shocked you would exclude a group of staff based on their religion .

If someone chooses not to come is very different to not inviting them

Cece92 · 27/08/2024 22:02

Why would Muslims not be invited?? My best friend at work is Muslim and LOVES a party it's our excuse to get away from the kids for a few hours. We have had loads of work weddings recently and we have went to them all together. She doesn't drink and there is veggie food but tbh she doesn't expect there to be halal food but will happily eat veggie food. Hard to please everyone my work assigns £30 per head and our area basically takes everyone's money for a big night out and none of my team have ever went to them. Not my cup of tea nor anyone else's. We would prefer a team dinner but they refuse to give us our £30 per head where as before in my old department they would do that. Xx

OMGitsnotgood · 27/08/2024 22:33

My Muslim colleagues also attended our Christmas party. I cannot believe that anyone thinks it's ok not to invite everyone.

LordEmsworth · 28/08/2024 09:24

AllThePotatoesAreSinging · 27/08/2024 20:59

Because not doing so based on the fact they are Muslim is grounds for tribunal. And shitty behaviour in general. Everyone is entitled to attend a work’s Christmas meal/party whatever.

Yes I do work in HR. Yes I have dealt with more than my fair share of Christmas party grievances.

Edited

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Alternatively, don't call it a Christmas party. As some Muslims would be offended at that.

Interesting that you assume I was suggesting excluding anyone from a work event, rather than pointing out that it exclusionary to call it a Christmas party rather than "work night out" which happens at around the same time as a religious festival.

candlewhickgreen · 28/08/2024 09:25

LordEmsworth · 28/08/2024 09:24

Alternatively, don't call it a Christmas party. As some Muslims would be offended at that.

Interesting that you assume I was suggesting excluding anyone from a work event, rather than pointing out that it exclusionary to call it a Christmas party rather than "work night out" which happens at around the same time as a religious festival.

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Alternatively, don't call it a Christmas party. As some Muslims would be offended at that.

Why?

LordEmsworth · 28/08/2024 09:28

Starlightstarbright3 · 27/08/2024 21:47

I am shocked you would exclude a group of staff based on their religion .

If someone chooses not to come is very different to not inviting them

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Again, I'm not suggesting that at all. I am suggesting that there are, in fact, locations which could cater for people regardless of their religion or disability. Did you not read my post, where I make those suggestions?

But some Muslims would not attend a "Christmas party" and may well be upset that there is one, and exclude themselves from it. That's not "choosing not to come", any more than wheelchair who "chooses not to come" to a venue that's upstairs with no access is actually making a choice.

Edingril · 28/08/2024 09:28

LordEmsworth · 28/08/2024 09:24

Alternatively, don't call it a Christmas party. As some Muslims would be offended at that.

Interesting that you assume I was suggesting excluding anyone from a work event, rather than pointing out that it exclusionary to call it a Christmas party rather than "work night out" which happens at around the same time as a religious festival.

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Has an actual Muslim ever been offended by a Christmas party?

Shock horror some even buy cards and even more shocking omg a present where will it end...

LordEmsworth · 28/08/2024 09:33

candlewhickgreen · 28/08/2024 09:25

Alternatively, don't call it a Christmas party. As some Muslims would be offended at that.

Why?

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Because they are being invited to celebrate a festival connected to a religion they don't believe in, maybe?

I have worked in teams where we have explicitly been told that Muslim colleagues - plural, not just one - were upset that we were talking about a "Christmas" do and possibly at a venue with "Christmas" dinner, crackers etc. I didn't think to challenge them I am afraid, I just went along and had a non-Christmassy night out. I didn't bother pointing out that there's nothing inherently religious about a Christmas cracker. I work for a big corporate where there is no mention of "Christmas", it's "holidays" - for exactly this reason. I am genuinely surprised if I am the only person who's come across this.

candlewhickgreen · 28/08/2024 09:38

LordEmsworth · 28/08/2024 09:33

Because they are being invited to celebrate a festival connected to a religion they don't believe in, maybe?

I have worked in teams where we have explicitly been told that Muslim colleagues - plural, not just one - were upset that we were talking about a "Christmas" do and possibly at a venue with "Christmas" dinner, crackers etc. I didn't think to challenge them I am afraid, I just went along and had a non-Christmassy night out. I didn't bother pointing out that there's nothing inherently religious about a Christmas cracker. I work for a big corporate where there is no mention of "Christmas", it's "holidays" - for exactly this reason. I am genuinely surprised if I am the only person who's come across this.

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For many people, Christmas is a cultural tradition that doesn't revolve around religion. The UK is a Christian country and our festivals are Christian.

I wouldn't be offended by the word Eid or being invited to an Eid celebration (I'd be delighted). People are individuals, irrespective of religion, and can make their own decisions on what events to join.

LordEmsworth · 28/08/2024 09:46

candlewhickgreen · 28/08/2024 09:38

For many people, Christmas is a cultural tradition that doesn't revolve around religion. The UK is a Christian country and our festivals are Christian.

I wouldn't be offended by the word Eid or being invited to an Eid celebration (I'd be delighted). People are individuals, irrespective of religion, and can make their own decisions on what events to join.

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Genuinely, this is the policy where I work, in order not to exclude people who are not Christian and would consider themselves excluded from a Christian celebration. Regardless of the religiosity or not of that celebration.

The fact that you would not be offended, does not mean that other people would not be. And I really, really hope that if someone says to you "I won't come to the Christmas party because I don't believe in it", you won't respond by saying "but this is a Christian country!" 🙄

I am genuinely astonished that it's only my workplace where we don't have a Christmas party.