What I miss around this time of year

[no_hypocrisy]

The "office party" the doctors had for the staff.

We had a small office with three doctors and about 10 staff. I was lucky to be one of them b/c my father was one of the doctors and I worked at the office on and off for about 18 years.

We got dressed up and usually went to The Tuxedo Club, just over the border of NJ/NY.

No longer employer/employees, but rather comrades. Open bar! Fancy hot hors d'oeuvres on trays brought by waiters. Gourmet dishes for the Meal.

Lots of kidding, laughter. Exchange of gifts. (You blindly selected a name from a bag and bought a present.)

Most of the folks who attended have died and I miss them. I've never experienced anything like our office parties since then.

[twodogsbarking]

1. I always went to the company party. It was held at a restaurant.

I would leave my coat in the car and after a drink and some food
go to the restroom and sneak out. Passing this tip on for others
who don't want to spend more time with the people you are forced
to spend time with, all day, day after day after every fucking day.

[SouthernDem4ever]

3. LOL

I never went to company parties, especially where alcohol is served. If had gotten drunk and screwed up, I would have to hear about it every day for the rest of my work life - at least at that company.

[japple]

2. The best holiday parties in my past were when I worked at a state

university and our department had a huge Christmas party just after finals. It was pot luck and we held it at lunch time. We played Dirty Santa which was a riot. Even the grumpy old profs had a good time. I miss that a lot.

[SouthernDem4ever]

4. Dirty Santa?

Sounds like you would have to think twice before sitting on his lap.

[japple]

6. It's a game. Goes by other names, I think, like white elephant

gift exchange. Everyone brings a wrapped gift to exchange. Everyone gets a number and when your number is drawn, you select one of the gifts. After you unwrap it, you can either keep it or take one of the gifts that has already been selected by someone else. Hilarity ensues! It was always a lot of fun.

ETA: https://www.southernliving.com/holidays-occasions/christmas/party/dirty-santa-rules

[SouthernDem4ever]

7. ok thanks

I'll get out of the gutter.

[sinkingfeeling]

5. Sounds so civilized and lovely. I worked for a huge corporation

and we had fun department parties. Every several years, there would be a formal "family dinner" that were fancy and included the entire location.