What I miss around this time of year

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.