Kara Kennedy

The office Christmas party is back with a vengeance

Covid restrictions are gone – and inhibitions will soon follow

  • From Spectator Life
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I’m bad at Christmas. I hate turkey, wrapping presents and the idea of forced, planned fun. My family – mostly – shares the same view. Extra shifts are picked up and presents are sent with time to spare to avoid actually having to see each other. Fortunately, even if I’m no fan of Christmas itself, there is one saving grace: the office Christmas party.

No other work event can compare. Leaving drinks are strained, after-work drinks are pedestrian and inviting colleagues to things like birthdays often just feels wrong. The office Christmas party is the opportunity for a night of true debauchery before you all head off for the festive break, leaving just enough time to live down anything embarrassing you might have done.

A very unofficial survey of friends confirms my suspicions about the uniquely rambunctious nature of these events. ‘What’s the maddest thing that’s happened at your Christmas party?’ I asked.

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