Christmas party

[Nimbus1999]

There are 2 Christmas parties at work and I’m not going to either. I already had plans one of the dates (booked months ago before I knew about the Christmas party) but the other one I did intend to go to. My son is sick (vomiting) and now I can’t attend. I am a single parent with no family in area and it’s a 1.5 hour each way trip to work.

I feel so bad. Everyone is going to think I’m miserable and boring. It’s just not easy with limited childcare options (and I’m broke so can’t afford a babysitter plus my child is poorly anyway).

Anyone else not going?

It's totally fine. I didn't go to mine, just because I dont like Christmas and I didn't like the sound of what was planned. I emailed the person organising it straight away saying thanks so much but it's not for me, hope you have a great time. All good

Tell the organiser asap that you can no longer make it. You don't need to give excuses or apologise. And then enjoy the relief!

Don’t worry what people think, I rarely go to Christmas parties, as most people I wouldn’t choose to socialise with. Just say you can’t go and forget about it.

I didn’t go to mine, I’m pregnant and the smell of alcohol and hot food makes me sick.

I never go to mine. They're work events held outside of work hours and my employer doesn't pay overtime for attending them. So no.
Plus, I want to spend my free time with people I choose to have in my life, not a bunch of randomers who just happen to be employed by the same company as me.

I’m not going. Also a single parent with no easy childcare options. And it’s a school night.

I doubt anyone will care, there are always some people there and others not at these things.

OP, no one in their right mind would judge you for staying home with a sick child. Just text the organiser and say you can't make it.
Frankly, I'd be glad of the excuse 😉 Most work parties I've had the stupidity to attend were just people standing around drinking in a noisy room.
By the way, that is a hell of a commute you do. 1.5 hours each way! I hope it's by train so that you get some reading and music time.

I planned our Christmas party and I won't be going to it for no other reason than I can't be bothered.

I know I have a valid reason for not going but I am literally the only one in the team not going and I’m new (ish) too. The majority of the team are young with no real commitments, I’m not sure they appreciate what it’s like being a single Mum to 4!

Right, going to stop stressing about it and make the most of my quiet night at home!

I too have planned the works Xmas do, collected the deposits, and organised venue/food etc. But I wont be going. I believe my colleagues know me well enough that they won't suspect malice/snobbery/avoidance of any sort and they know I will enjoy hearing about any shenanigans. I'm not available but I wish them the best and that's all they need to know,

'I know I have a valid reason for not going but I am literally the only one in the team not going and I’m new (ish) too. The majority of the team are young with no real commitments, I’m not sure they appreciate what it’s like being a single Mum to 4!'

I'm only one of two in our team who didn't go to the Christmas do, and I have no children or other caring responsibilities. Own your decision OP. Most people will barely give you a second thought

Our manager wanted to have our Christmas team meal with another team. One woman in particular is toxic and trying to make me and other people look bad at the moment and she is very aggressive. I have booked annual leave as I am not going to waste time having a meal with a toxic person. A few others aren't going either.