Well, every year, our company usually throws a fancy Christmas dinner event. That means trying to figure out what to wear, making time in your weekend evening holiday schedule to dash over to the party in the dark and the rain, and try to act "normal" in an awkward social situation (outside of the native office environment), and making conversation and trying to avoid talking about work (ok, what do we talk about besides the weather, etc.? ). This year, times are tighter, and we're a smaller bunch. So instead of an expensive dinner party at a swanky venue, we had a really nice office brunch, and... we all got iPads! It was really spiffy! Being somewhat of an introverted geeky grinch at times (Chris, does that sound familiar? ), it was the perfect Holiday office celebration!

So, care to share what your company does during the holidays?

Right before Christmas last year the company i worked for fired me for standing up against discrimination of a co-worker with MS. i was the manager and hand picked that employee as my assistant because they not only worked harder than everyone else, they never complained about anything or anyone.

Mr. Suit Mutherfucker, the owner said 'no' to my choice insisting on a less than qualified jerkwad and further claimed my pick did not 'fit the image' the company had. Rather than being cool and level headed i let Mr. Suit Mutherffucker know quite frankly his 'image' comment made me entertain thoughts of violence.

After I was terminated the new manager stole from them (over a grand from what i heard) and now a year later they just went out of business from failing multiple health department inspections. Karma is a gift from the other side. I sat outside that place today and drank a coffee- good times. Ghosts of Christmas past?

I applaud you for taking that risk and helping someone who might be disadvantaged by appearances, but is a good employee. Being pretty or "fitting in" isn't everything, nor is it always the best thing. Karma does indeed have a way of coming back and restoring "equilibrium". Good for you!

That's horrible that someone with MS doesn't fit their "image," unless they are aiming for that unique douchebag look...

I am a psychological assistant for a Dr. in Los Angeles, and this was the company's first Christmas party. We had steak and dinner at Dave and Buster's, had a white elephant gift exchange, and we each got $20 in games loaded onto a card. We all dressed casually for the occasion, and much laughs were had all around. If I could, I'd have an ice coffee along side you while your old company crumbled, Kichigai.

cutbacks and everyone still got an ipad, awesome!

ive worked at the same restaurant for 5 years now
no bonus, no party, no gifts
and now its closed until jan 2nd so no income

grinch!

My job had a party at the office. There was a fooseball tournament and karaoke contest (which I won). They also had food and lots of booze (which I had no interest in). They also set up a photo booth for fun holiday pictures.

we have two different events, both arranged by the social club. I work in the public sector so everything is funded by the social club (which is funded by the employees, heh).

First is a Christmas dinner, usually pretty awkward. I was away the weekend it was on this year, so missed out.

Second is a Christmas lunch, which is much more relaxed. Every year we have someone dress up as Santa. They couldn't find anyone this year so I said I would do it on the proviso I could dress like the grinch. It was a blast - I got to yell at my staff, run away with their secret santa gifts, and generally be, well, a grinch.

I work freelance in tv, so for years I never had any "company" parties: thats just the deal.

Luckily the last fews years ive spent a good amount time each year working for this one production company and they throw a pretty nice holiday party for all the office people AND us freelancers! YAY! haha They rent out a really cool bookstore in downtown LA (their office is in the same building), DJ, open bar, grilled cheese station, photo booth, and your basic cheese & dessert platters. Nothing crazy, but free beer & good times

Happy Holidays to everyone, and try not to be "that guy" at the company parties this year

cater in some dry turkey and mashed potatoes that we can eat in our regular 30 minute lunch break. Kudos to them.

We close the office and have lunch for our staff and invited guests. It's a nice, low key event with games for the more adventurous, More people came this year than ever, and I'm told people are always trying to crash it LOL.

The billion dollar company I work for does nothing.

My employer gave out blank Japanese vinyl dolls, sucks.

That's not funny Rich.

I chuckled.....

Our clinic had 2 events, one for all departments (which was more formal), and one for individual departments. They gave everyone gift cards, door prizes, held raffles, gift exchanges, an ugly sweater contest, and food. The less formal christmas party involved lasertag, bowling, more food, and more prizes. It was fun seeing our providers out of their element for once and having fun shooting lasers at other people. I got our medical director a couple of times.

We had a gathering last Thursday after work at a nearby hotel. Open bar, tons of food, karaoke, photobooths, fun-money casino games. Fairly subdued, work friendly good times.
After the party ended at 10, a bunch of us headed to the hotel bar until around 12:30. I got to see some work folks get pretty sloppy, which was good for a laugh or two.

Luckily I really get along well with my co-workers. I work in a very small IT department (5 folks).

Our holiday party was at a local restaurant that specializes in local/farm raised entries and that also has a large beer selection. We even invited a couple of our past co-workers. It was a great time! I got everyone a movie and paired it with an adult beverage. Everyone was really happy with their gift.

After that, the KFHC KREW met up for our (first ever) XXX-mas throw-down! We drank, laughed, and exchanged some AWESOME gifts! The KFHC gift game was strong!!

Sooooooo, basically just another Monday night in Boston

Same here.(maybe not a billion but close enough) After reading these posts i'm very jealous. Damn.

I gave myself more work, cause rents due... But did buy a bottle of Bulliet bourbon

I get 2 holiday parties each year! 1 for my work and 1 for my wife's. Hers is always more fun, even though it is usually at the same place. My work always has a unique theme, this year was a day on the meadow, and was at a horse track. Free food and open bar usually means a fun night 2 weekends in a row. I'm guessing most holiday parties are similar with socially awkward moments but overall fun times.

Yeah but it was on a Thursday. Anytime you can have Monday on Thursday, but get to look forward to Friday instead of Tuesday is ok with me. That hurt my head. Go banana!