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Original poster

Office Christmas Meal

89 replies

Noogar · 30/09/2021 17:15

Every year the team go for a meal out. It is getting increasingly expensive. If I don't shell out the £40+ and go this year is it going to cause me issues?

OP posts:
BlackAlys · 30/09/2021 17:22

Just be honest.

"I'd love to join you but I'm going to have to duck out of this year's plans. I just cannot budget for that".

Original poster
Noogar · 30/09/2021 17:28

I'm part time so it's tricky to justify

OP posts:
FawnFrenchieMum · 30/09/2021 17:30

Not tricky at all, I’m sorry I can’t afford that this year.

BigFatLiar · 30/09/2021 17:34

If you don't want to go just say no thank you.

coodawoodashooda · 30/09/2021 17:35

Id love to but im......

TheWeeDonkey · 30/09/2021 17:39

Is this a meal thats organised by the company? I think its really poor form for them to invite staff to functions like this without at least funding part of the meal.

I would come up with a reason because even though its an invite for a lot of companies it is an unspoken rule that you must attend.

AWiseWomanOnceSaidFuckThisShit · 30/09/2021 17:40

Fuck it, just lie

SummersOverSeasideTown · 30/09/2021 17:41

Honestly depends. If you are thinking career wise it can be useful to show your face, meet informally with senior managers.

If it's just a job then make an excuse. I once explained I couldn't go as every Xmas meal I'd previously attended resulted in me shagging the boss and vomiting in the bath tub.

TipseyTorvey · 30/09/2021 17:42

I think covid has given us all a bit of a break from this enforced fun nonsense. Great opportunity to say "would love to but need to watch spending right now, have a lovely time". If companies want you to attend they can cough up, you know they get a tax allowance for Xmas events right?

westcountryboy · 30/09/2021 17:44

If you wouldn't go anyway don't say it's too expensive. That opens up finding cheaper options/the company chipping in.

If you don't want to go, just say you can't make it.

fallhappy1 · 30/09/2021 17:54

You just say you can't go, you don't need to justify it to anyone.

ItsNotMeAnymore · 30/09/2021 17:55

I would just say that you can't make it. If you say you can't afford it then people might think you still want to go.
I wouldn't want to spend £40 on a work
meal

Original poster
Noogar · 30/09/2021 18:31

It's just organised within the team so we're paying for ourselves. I'll just say I can't afford it this year. They can't really argue with that!

OP posts:
Original poster
Noogar · 30/09/2021 18:32

Problem with saying I can't go is they already sent a poll round with the dates. I forgot how expensive it was last year and how much poorer I am this year!

OP posts:
Original poster
Noogar · 30/09/2021 18:32

Problem with saying I can't go is they already sent a poll round with the dates. I forgot how expensive it was last year and how much poorer I am this year!

OP posts:
coodawoodashooda · 30/09/2021 21:57

@TipseyTorvey

I think covid has given us all a bit of a break from this enforced fun nonsense. Great opportunity to say "would love to but need to watch spending right now, have a lovely time". If companies want you to attend they can cough up, you know they get a tax allowance for Xmas events right?
That's a great way of getting out of things.
BashfulClam · 01/10/2021 00:11

I never go to Christmas parties now. I’ve done my share of them. They should organise a cheaper lunch, something like a set menu.

TheSmallAssassin · 01/10/2021 00:20

Can you suggest a poll on venue/menu too? We try to keep it to under £25.

Snowdropsandbluebells · 01/10/2021 00:23

Just say you have something on that weekend or family visiting or whatever. I wouldn't mention money at all.

theleafandnotthetree · 01/10/2021 00:29

@Noogar

It's just organised within the team so we're paying for ourselves. I'll just say I can't afford it this year. They can't really argue with that!
Well they can't argue with it but if you were my colleague I'd be thinking you were a bit tight and joyless, like it's once a year and especially after the dreariness of the last 18 months. So if you don't want to go I really really wouldn't use money as the excuse. By any standards, 40 pounds is not wildly extravagant is it? And I'm a low earner
OddSockReunion · 01/10/2021 02:21

I agree. For a Christmas meal in a restaurant that's £40 - given that you work - it's quite trivial. It equates to 77p per week spread over a year. 🤷🏻‍♀️ If you don't want to go then make an excuse about another commitment. "Oh sorry I totally forgot I am visiting my family that weekend, sorry!" when they agree at date.

coodawoodashooda · 01/10/2021 07:22

Maybe they don't want to see their colleagues on their day off?

Original poster
Noogar · 01/10/2021 07:27

By any standards, 40 pounds is not wildly extravagant is it? And I'm a low earner

Yeah see I'm worried people are going to think I'm tight but I'm just poor!

OP posts:
Original poster
Noogar · 01/10/2021 07:29

@TheSmallAssassin

Can you suggest a poll on venue/menu too? We try to keep it to under £25.
Yes I don’t think the organisers thought about the people with kids and nursery fees
OP posts:
coodawoodashooda · 01/10/2021 08:05

Honestly just tell them.