Jili
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Jun 26, 2014 1:26:48 GMT
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Post by Jili on Dec 10, 2014 2:03:42 GMT
My dh's company did the first two years he worked there-- party hall, formal dress, open bar, the whole nine yards. I went with him. It was fun to dress up but a bit awkward since I didn't know anyone there. Since that time, they've cut it from the budget and now they just feed the employees a catered turkey lunch between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
I work for a school district, so if there is a party, every person pays their own way. Most years we've had one in January, but I don't think it's happened at all the past few years. No one really brings their spouse (even though they can) because no one wants to pay in the first place, let alone pay for two people.
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Post by ntsf on Dec 10, 2014 2:32:56 GMT
no party...super large it company...I am self employed..so no party there either.
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Post by mama2three on Dec 10, 2014 2:39:41 GMT
Yes, but it's just in a meeting room at the university at 5 pm on a Friday. Too difficult for me and most working spouses to get to at that time. Nothing special, and no cost to employees. It typically has massive trays of cookies, cheese & crackers and veggies. Santa gives gifts to the kids. Usually is lot of students crash the party and eat everything in sight - except the veggies. Those are always left over according to dh's secretary who organizes it.
My work has a party that spouses are invited to. Some years it has been at a fancy country club or other nice venue with a sit down dinner. Santa, aka the CEO would hand out to employees gifts of gift cards to local restaurants or wine. The last few years it has just been a cocktail hour at a local hotel, but the "light dinner" food is usually fantastic, although everyone struggles trying to hold a drink and a little plate and fork at the same time, and consequently doesn't eat much! Most people just go solo as it is right after work on a Friday.
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Post by holly on Dec 10, 2014 2:52:43 GMT
When DH first started about 5 years ago the owners had a party at a restaurant with spouses. It's evolved into a potluck with a gift exchange no spouses. They are making more money now than they ever have. He doesn't get a Christmas bonus or gift from the bosses/owners., never has. It's a bit mind boggling because they generally are very generous people, just not always to their employees.
I work there part time so I will be attending the potluck.
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smartypants71
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Location: Houston, TX
Jun 25, 2014 22:47:49 GMT
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Post by smartypants71 on Dec 10, 2014 2:57:16 GMT
My company just had our party last Friday where +1's were invited. It was a huge cocktail-attire party w/buffet, dj, photobooth, etc. I was really impressed at how nice the party was (this is my first year with the company). SO started a new job this week, so he may have missed his party. I really don't know.
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TheOtherMeg
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Jun 25, 2014 20:58:14 GMT
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Post by TheOtherMeg on Dec 10, 2014 3:01:08 GMT
Yes, and for many years I had small children at home and a good reason to bail. There was also the chance we'd have an out-of-town hockey game that would necessitate me taking kids on the road while DH stayed home and went to the party.
The kids are old enough to leave home alone now. It's almost worth having another one so I could miss holiday parties with strangers.
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Post by Linda on Dec 10, 2014 3:02:44 GMT
DH's company party is employee plus one - catered meal, prize drawing for the employees, music/dancing, free beer. He's been with the company for 10 years and there are several coworkers that he worked with at his prior company as well so I know many of the coworkers/spouses from his department and one of Annabelle's classmate's mum works for the same company and this year one of Simon's managers came as a plus one...so there's always people I know at least a bit.
We're part of the 'old' crowd and usually leave early along with the other 'old' folks while the young and young at heart stay and party
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Post by eebud on Dec 10, 2014 3:13:33 GMT
DH's company used to have a big party with spouses included. That stopped. They had one year with a daytime party with spouses and kids. A lot of people didn't like that. They preferred the night out party. Now, they cater a lunch in. No family.
Only one person on the account I support is even in my state. So, no party for me. I think the primary account location does something but it is more of a pot luck thing with only employees. It is a lunch.
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mallie
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Jul 3, 2014 18:13:13 GMT
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Post by mallie on Dec 10, 2014 3:29:32 GMT
My husband's agency has a fairly casual party and spouses are welcome, but I seldom go because, frankly, his colleagues are deadly boring and he gets no points for me attending. My work has a party, but no spouses are welcome besides the big boss's husband.
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Deleted
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Jun 2, 2024 5:27:40 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2014 3:31:33 GMT
No, he's a low level federal government employee. They usually have lunch at a restaurant for their work party.
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Anita
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Jun 27, 2014 2:38:58 GMT
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Post by Anita on Dec 10, 2014 3:34:45 GMT
DH works for the federal government, and they don't do parties in his office. My office throws a great holiday bash and spouses are invited.
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Post by pretzels on Dec 10, 2014 3:43:19 GMT
Absolutely! DH's work Christmas party was this past Friday. It was at a local hotel. It was great. Good food, drinks, dancing and casino tables. At the end of the night, you traded in your chips for door prize tickets. The door prizes ranged from iPods to huge TVs. I love my DH's employer. They really treat their employees well. DH is a manager, and he will take his staff out to eat for Christmas, as will I at my place of business. I won't attend that luncheon, nor will DH attend mine. We had our college-wide potluck today.
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Post by maryland on Dec 10, 2014 4:51:35 GMT
His former company did, but not his current one. They are an Israeli company with my husband's US office. So no Christmas party for his company. The US office is small, so they couldn't even justify having one.
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tiffanytwisted
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you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
Posts: 4,538
Jun 26, 2014 15:57:39 GMT
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Dec 10, 2014 4:52:04 GMT
Funny you should start this thread since we just talked about this very thing this weekend. Yes, the party does include spouses. However, it's in Detroit where the headquarters is and we live in NJ, so it's not logical for me to go.
What we talked about was how a few of his coworkers who are local don't bring their spouses, but bring 2 ex-employees. My husband & I find this more than a little odd. I mean, once you quit, aren't you kind of gone? Why would you even want to go? And why would the higher ups even allow it? One of the guys who's doing the bringing got another employee to bring his wife so he could bring one of the former employees. Seems weird.
Sounds like a fun nite out for you. Enjoy!
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kate
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Jun 26, 2014 3:30:05 GMT
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Post by kate on Dec 10, 2014 5:02:17 GMT
DH doesn't have a holiday party. My school does one for faculty (fancy cocktails and lunch on the last day of school, usually at a posh location), but spouses are not included. I wish they were, since I adore some of the other couples at school!
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Post by epeanymous on Dec 10, 2014 5:03:42 GMT
We work at the same place. Problem solved.
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gina
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Jun 26, 2014 1:59:16 GMT
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Post by gina on Dec 10, 2014 5:45:57 GMT
Well, a little different here. My husband is an FDNY firefighter so its actually a family Christmas party, complete with Santa sliding down the pole hole at his firehouse.
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Post by smokeynspike on Dec 10, 2014 5:45:57 GMT
Yes, and I always go (unless I am out of town). They are a fun excuse to get dressed up and go out with my husband, even if I don't know a ton of people. His company has taken to having it at a hotel resort too so we stay at least one night. I am excited because it is this Saturday. I got my dress tonight and came home to show it to DH. Before I could even pull it out, he said "I hope you got something in red because I want to wear my red tie" and I had! Great minds think alike. LOL
Melissa
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Post by peano on Dec 10, 2014 5:47:27 GMT
DH's company has a dinner with open bar at alternating restaurants in Westchester County, NY, where his office is located.
Some years I go, some I don't, depending on my mood. Since DH is second in command, I kind of feel like I have to work harder than I ordinarily would at a regular party chatting up the other employees. It can be hard work for an introvert, but over the years, I've attended so many of their Christmas parties and their big summer parties, that I've developed enough of a relationship with several people that it makes it easier.
Also, it's kind of a PIA for DH, because he has to drive to work in Westchester County, then drive home to Connecticut to pick me up, then drive back to Westchester County. This year I am going because I'm in the mood to get dressed up and socialize this year.
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ReneeH20
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Jun 28, 2014 16:00:48 GMT
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Post by ReneeH20 on Dec 10, 2014 7:03:14 GMT
DH's work used to have the most amazing holiday parties: formal dress up events, good food, open bar, dancing, professional photographer (free photo). They were always held in super nice places. It was a good time. Too bad those days are over. They get nothing now and organize a potluck amongst themselves.
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Post by ExpatBackHome on Dec 10, 2014 7:38:31 GMT
They previously did but stopped including spouses about 6 years ago.
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anniebygaslight
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Jun 28, 2014 14:08:19 GMT
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Post by anniebygaslight on Dec 10, 2014 7:43:30 GMT
Yes, and so do I. We both go to both events. It was tricky last year as the dates clashed, so that was the only time we have ever been to our respective events alone.
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Post by lisacharlotte on Dec 10, 2014 13:05:42 GMT
My employer always had a big event for employees +1 at the new year. Full meal and open bar and gifts/prizes (big prizes). This year we are in severe cost savings, no party. DH company throws a big fancy party (free) at one of the downtown Dallas hotels for employees at the main plant. DH is in a field office in a different state so nothing. The field office organizes a dinner but we have to pay.
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Deleted
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Jun 2, 2024 5:27:40 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2014 13:09:07 GMT
Yes, it's at a very posh hotel just outside Cork. Coaches are laid on for everybody, food and drink is included, there are free casino tables, karaoke, ice cream trucks, chocolate fountains. It's a really good night apart from having to listen to at least 45 minutes of speeches about World of Warcraft statistics and Blizzards yearly achievements.
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Post by mama2three on Dec 10, 2014 13:15:14 GMT
Funny you should start this thread since we just talked about this very thing this weekend. Yes, the party does include spouses. However, it's in Detroit where the headquarters is and we live in NJ, so it's not logical for me to go. What we talked about was how a few of his coworkers who are local don't bring their spouses, but bring 2 ex-employees. My husband & I find this more than a little odd. I mean, once you quit, aren't you kind of gone? Why would you even want to go? And why would the higher ups even allow it? One of the guys who's doing the bringing got another employee to bring his wife so he could bring one of the former employees. Seems weird. Sounds like a fun nite out for you. Enjoy! That does seem odd, but if they allow it and just say employee plus guest, I guess it's ok. People leave companies for a lot of reasons, not just to take a job with a competitor, so I can understand wanting to stay in touch. At work we often talk about former coworkers and wonder what they're doing. It would be great to see some of those who moved away, but I think they would probably feel out of place at this point especially at a formal holiday party given the turnover over the years. There are only about a dozen people in my large office who were there when I started 20 yrs ago. Recently a former employee returned to work part time after 8 yrs in another profession. She said she only recognized a handful of people after that time. I would think it would be awkward for a former employee at a formal event but it would be one way to easily reconnect with a lot of people in one place.
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tiffanytwisted
Pearl Clutcher
you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave
Posts: 4,538
Jun 26, 2014 15:57:39 GMT
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Post by tiffanytwisted on Dec 10, 2014 13:41:05 GMT
Funny you should start this thread since we just talked about this very thing this weekend. Yes, the party does include spouses. However, it's in Detroit where the headquarters is and we live in NJ, so it's not logical for me to go. What we talked about was how a few of his coworkers who are local don't bring their spouses, but bring 2 ex-employees. My husband & I find this more than a little odd. I mean, once you quit, aren't you kind of gone? Why would you even want to go? And why would the higher ups even allow it? One of the guys who's doing the bringing got another employee to bring his wife so he could bring one of the former employees. Seems weird. Sounds like a fun nite out for you. Enjoy! That does seem odd, but if they allow it and just say employee plus guest, I guess it's ok. People leave companies for a lot of reasons, not just to take a job with a competitor, so I can understand wanting to stay in touch. At work we often talk about former coworkers and wonder what they're doing. It would be great to see some of those who moved away, but I think they would probably feel out of place at this point especially at a formal holiday party given the turnover over the years. There are only about a dozen people in my large office who were there when I started 20 yrs ago. Recently a former employee returned to work part time after 8 yrs in another profession. She said she only recognized a handful of people after that time. I would think it would be awkward for a former employee at a formal event but it would be one way to easily reconnect with a lot of people in one place. I completely agree about wanting to stay in touch, but the company party just doesn't seem to be the appropriate place. Plus, according to my husband, his department is getting together on their own one night and these 2 are invited to that. I didn't want to include that tidbit in my original post in case no one mentioned my little spiel - didn't want to ramble on. (Thanx for responding, btw!) I would imagine when the company said you could bring one guest they didn't intend for you to pawn your spouse on another employee so you can bring a former one, kwim? But then again, I'm not in the business world, so what do I know?
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Post by peano on Dec 10, 2014 13:44:33 GMT
Yes, it's at a very posh hotel just outside Cork. Coaches are laid on for everybody, food and drink is included, there are free casino tables, karaoke, ice cream trucks, chocolate fountains. It's a really good night apart from having to listen to at least 45 minutes of speeches about World of Warcraft statistics and Blizzards yearly achievements. What does "coaches are laid on for everybody" mean?
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Post by jenb72 on Dec 10, 2014 13:49:37 GMT
I'm actually the one with the spouses/ SOs invited work Christmas party and my SO goes every year I do (we didn't attend this year - it was last weekend). It's actually held at my CEO's house (a very large place at a local country club). It was probably a little awkward for him the first year because he only knew a few people from days he stopped by my office and he didn't know anyone well, but he's outgoing and social, so that didn't last long.
SO has an annual "regional meeting" every year (it was in October) where his techs and some of their spouses come up to GA from FL for the weekend and there is one night where they all go out to dinner. I attend that with him. Again, it was awkward the first year because I didn't know anyone other than his secretary and his boss, but everyone was really nice and it turned out to be fun. I like going back each year to catch up with the people I met since that's the only time I ever see them.
Jen
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Deleted
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Jun 2, 2024 5:27:40 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Dec 10, 2014 13:57:15 GMT
Yes, it's at a very posh hotel just outside Cork. Coaches are laid on for everybody, food and drink is included, there are free casino tables, karaoke, ice cream trucks, chocolate fountains. It's a really good night apart from having to listen to at least 45 minutes of speeches about World of Warcraft statistics and Blizzards yearly achievements. What does "coaches are laid on for everybody" mean? Coaches pick everyone up from points across the city and drive us all to the venue. It discourages anyone driving.
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Post by gorgeouskid on Dec 10, 2014 14:01:42 GMT
Nope. I've never even met a coworker of DH. He's been at his job six years.
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