Office Christmas partys - any changes to yours this year?

[urban.one]

Lots of doom and gloom around this year. Paul Vickers was quoted in the news yesterday that his group is getting many cancellations of office partys this year, many on very short notice. He also stated that party budgets were smaller and the events much less extravagent.

So the question is, any changes at your office? Was your party cancelled or scaled down? Did you have an open bar all night last year and this year youre getting two free drinks tickets at the start and then its a cash bar?

At my company, no changes that I can see but ours is a never very extravagent like a night in Banff like some other firms. We get a good venue with a good meal and drinks all night with decent entertainment and prizes and it ends there.

And does your office call it a "Christmas Party" or is it Holiday Party or something along those lines?

[CaptainReboot]

We had our Christmas Party on Friday. It's my first one at this company since I changed jobs earlier in the year.

From what I heard, it was the same party as last year's, no real changes to it. About 1300 people were at it, so it's never open bar, just 2 drink tickets per person. I do know of some people that still went to Banff for theirs, as well as some who had their's cancelled altogether, and would only get a Christmas lunch.

We also have a department dinner coming up as well. Our dinner was called the Year End Thank You, but the company party was called a Christmas party.

[The Cosworth]

My wife is helping out at the Encana childs party tomorrow, so I think they are doing okay.

Our party is the same as last year, the old company I was at, it sounds like their party out in the mountains is still going ahead.

I think we will see a change next year not this year.

[topmade]

No changes to ours, had the adult and childrens one already back in November. Adult party was open bar and free taxi vouchers for the trip home if you got drunk. Last year we got two taxi vouchers, one to get there and one to get home, but this year was just one to get home, but I don't think it had anything to do with the budgeting. Childrens was the same $50 gifts for all kids. But wifes company had theirs in Banff and they were offered free rooms that accomodate 4 people but if you wanted your own you would have to pay $75? It's a mature environment and everyone is either married or has a bf/gf, so I found it kind of wierd to have have 4 people rooms.

[Jeremiah]

2 Years ago, we had a catered dinner at the zoo.

this year we had a potluck in the office.

also, the company isnt giving us anything to give to our loyal customers. Its all out of pocket.

[The Cosworth]

Originally posted by Jeremiah
2 Years ago, we had a catered dinner at the zoo.

this year we had a potluck in the office.

also, the company isnt giving us anything to give to our loyal customers. Its all out of pocket.


what industry

[CubicleGeek]

Just started this year at my job, but it seems like the same from what I heard from my coworkers - open bar before dinner, wine during, and cash bar after. Only place I've worked at that gives you up to four taxi vouchers - one for you and your guest to go there and home, assuming you don't live together.

[mac_82]

The company I work for is owned by 2 parent companies.

One Christmas party was canceled all together. At the other one, the usual open bar was scaled back to a open bar for 3 hours, and then it turned into a cash bar. Not sure if it made a difference or not though, since it just encouraged people to binge drink and go home early.

[LadyLuck]

Our christmas party is in Banff every year and they even cover our hotel rooms for the night.
Open bar all night, free dinner, gift exchange then we head to a bar nearby.

This year it changed a bit, we all got free lift passes and our guests as well to Sunshine the next morning after the christmas party :D

Not sure how thats going to work with a hangover tho.

[hampstor]

It's now a potluck at the office...

[TYMSMNY]

Investment Industry - scaled down a little,.

2007 Christmas - Clients, Family, Friends, Employees @ River Cafe
2008 Christmas - Employees only @ Olives Restaurant

Open bar of course. :D

[89coupe]

Our's is usually 2nights in Banff at either the Rimrock or Banff Springs Hotel. This year it was in town. Definitely scaled down.

I've never been to a Christmas party that didn't have open bar, food, and free taxi's.

[jonnycat]

Originally posted by LadyLuck
Our christmas party is in Banff every year and they even cover our hotel rooms for the night.
Open bar all night, free dinner, gift exchange then we head to a bar nearby.

This year it changed a bit, we all got free lift passes and our guests as well to Sunshine the next morning after the christmas party :D

Not sure how thats going to work with a hangover tho.

^ Best Party ever.


We had to change venues, this year with all the new employees.
$2 bar
Free Wine
Taxi Vouchers
Presents

The best part of our X-mas party's is a salesman and his wife who get trashed every year, cause drama, destruction and the occassional boob appearance on the dance floor.

[urban.one]

Free taxi's arent as much of a perk as they are covering the company's butt in terms of legal liability. If you get drunk at a Company function and then drive home and crash, the host (ie. the company) can be liable.

[googe]

ours was flat-out canceled.

[Carl64]

Same as last year... Lots of booze and food and some entertainment. Free shuttle bus driving people around(small town). And please urban.one; change your avatar.

[3g4u]

Ours is the same as last year, Nice restaurant, free booze, prizes, secret santa, and free cab rides home. The only thing that has changed is this year we decided to open the office for 3 days between x-mas and new years.

[a social dsease]

We had ours in Canmore a couple weeks ago. It was decent, buffet dinner, 3 drink tickets then cash bar, and your own hotel room to go pass out in.
The 3 drink tickets thing is kinda lame, but when the person holding the roll is wasted, its not too hard to get extras :D
Also had several bottles of wine at each table (free) so you could load up on that if you used all your tickets and didn't want to buy drinks. What killed me was going to the Drake after, I thought it would be a good idea to buy shots for all my superiors, spent close to $100 :(

[Jlude]

New company, but it was nice.

From what I was told, it's the exact same as last year.

Dinner, drinks and prizes in a banquet room downtown @ the Fairmont.

[Davetronz]

We don't do a Christmas party at my company. Instead we get a non-denominational party in May.

[adidas]

Correct me if im wrong but it seems like most of you are cheap asses!

"Only 2 drink tickets" "Cash bar" "Free drinks only for 3 hrs"

Are you guys really that poor or what? All of you wanna get wasted/loaded but cry when its time to pay!

It dont make much sense to me! Maybe buy a bottle before your party and get drunk before you head down there!

[Weapon_R]

Ours is at Royal India Restaurant this year. Never been there but the venue changes every year. Food, drinks etc are on them for the evening but I don't think they've cut back because of the economy :dunno:

[TYMSMNY]

Originally posted by adidas
Correct me if im wrong but it seems like most of you are cheap asses!

"Only 2 drink tickets" "Cash bar" "Free drinks only for 3 hrs"

Are you guys really that poor or what? All of you wanna get wasted/loaded but cry when its time to pay!

It dont make much sense to me! Maybe buy a bottle before your party and get drunk before you head down there!

Wouldn't you want to enjoy a party/evening without having to worry about carrying enough cash? Plus open bar just makes it that much better.

You don't need to act like a baller.

[adidas]

Originally posted by TYMSMNY


Wouldn't you want to enjoy a party/evening without having to worry about carrying enough cash? Plus open bar just makes it that much better.

You don't need to act like a baller.

Of course, but the way everyone makes it sound is that they are "happy" that its open bar like they cant afford a few 6-7 dollar drinks! Makes it seem like everyone is complaining when they need to pay for a drinks when they wanna get hammered instead of enjoy and have a few drinks!

I guess i have a different view point and am not the type of person that drinks until there is no end! Instead ill drink a few and still enjoy the moment!

And no need to act like a baller since most the ppl that you work with know how much you make! So no point in blowing money on Dom P when youre a janitor!

[badatusrnames]

Originally posted by Davetronz
We don't do a Christmas party at my company. Instead we get a non-denominational party in May.

Sounds exciting.

If you ask me, Christmas can also be celebrated in the non-denominational sense, as a cultural holiday that has its origins in religious tradition. I have plenty of non christian friends that celebrate it that way. They do the gift giving, food, drink, Christmas tree, family togetherness thing, etc.

[TYMSMNY]

Originally posted by adidas


Of course, but the way everyone makes it sound is that they are "happy" that its open bar like they cant afford a few 6-7 dollar drinks! Makes it seem like everyone is complaining when they need to pay for a drinks when they wanna get hammered instead of enjoy and have a few drinks!

I guess i have a different view point and am not the type of person that drinks until there is no end! Instead ill drink a few and still enjoy the moment!

And no need to act like a baller since most the ppl that you work with know how much you make! So no point in blowing money on Dom P when youre a janitor!

LOL... not in my industry. Everyones a BSD. Big Swinging' Dick.

I agree with you. have a couple, enjoy the night, stay classy. No point in getting super hammered and making a fool out of yourself. Do that at home.

[Tik-Tok]

Well, we've only ever had one Xmas party at my work in 6 years, so we'll be doing the same as ever, nothing.

We have however saved $4500 in our social fund (for 8 people), so we really should use that sometime soon. I keep suggesting hookers and blow, but no ones taking me seriously :dunno:

[Davetronz]

Originally posted by badatusrnames


Sounds exciting.

If you ask me, Christmas can also be celebrated in the non-denominational sense, as a cultural holiday that has its origins in religious tradition. I have plenty of non christian friends that celebrate it that way. They do the gift giving, food, drink, Christmas tree, family togetherness thing, etc.
Oh trust me, I'm not thrilled.
Since both my fiance and I both work for the same company, we get no corporate Christmas parties whatsoever.

[TurboD]

laid off in october from my job along with the majority of the company and currently working at a small shop.
no christmas party

but the job i was laid off from last year the "christmas party" was lunch buffet for 2 hours at singapore sams on 32nd and one beer, then back to work.
(sams got a bunch of health shut downs recently from mice and garbage near produce that was just delivered.
graphic design/sign industry

thoes of you with open bar and free meals and gifts dont know how lucky you are

[1997GSR]

our company canceled the xmas parties in favour of small team lunches back in may. last years xmas party at the convention center was epic (minus kaylan porter as musical guest).

this year (tuesday) we are going for dim sum.

[Redlyne_mr2]

Ours is bigger and better this year. They had to move us to a larger section at the Palliser.

[Pihsiak]

3 parties 3 nights at the Hyatt. 3 drinks each and 4 bottles a table.
prime rib buffet, and a reduced rate at the Hyatt. I wasn't complaining, went two nights lol

entertainment was the same, the live band the Mocking Shadows. Great band, i hear they're doing a new years thing. might just see if they still have tix

[Kinjou]

My company pretty much did the same; party at the Hyatt and cab ride home.

Last year they had Lifehouse as the musical guest; this year we had Collective Soul

[2002civic]

same from what i heard

department dinner at the keg
dealership luncheon
palliser banquet in early january for entire company

[sputnik]

Originally posted by 1997GSR
our company canceled the xmas parties in favour of small team lunches back in may. last years xmas party at the convention center was epic (minus kaylan porter as musical guest).

this year (tuesday) we are going for dim sum.

I take it you work for EnCana.

Our team is going out for steaks next Friday.

[Unknown303]

Kananaskis for me! Paid hotel, cocktail party, dinner and a dance thing after.

[SR240SX]

My company is so damn cheap, Pisses me off. Cost me $30 myself to go to the party, Then another $30 for a date, $12 for parking over night, And we get a free cab ride BUT...Only if it's not too far. Also no free drinks, But they are 2 bucks a pop so..

[kaput]

.

[Unknown303]

Originally posted by kaput


At the Delta Lodge? I just did that last week. Its buffet breakfast and dinner so go hungry.

That would be the one. I must say in the midst of this recession I've never been busier.

[cityhunter2501]

went to 2 xmas party
- mid november - 3 days stay at delta lodge hotel
- last week, dinner and open bar at hotel arts

[dj_rice]

Ours is at Mariott Edmonton in River Cree Casino

Free buffet dinner/cocktail, cash toonie bar and special hotel room rates for employees and also giving out $25 to you and your guest to spend in the casino


Last year I heard they took people out to Jasper and paid for hotel rooms and everything so yes it has been scaled down due to a smaller budget only due to the fact they're building a brand new dealership in 2009

[1997GSR]

Originally posted by dj_rice
Ours is at Mariott Edmonton in River Cree Casino

Free buffet dinner/cocktail, cash toonie bar and special hotel room rates for employees


Last year I heard they took people out to Jasper and paid for hotel rooms and everything so yes it has been scaled down due to a smaller budget only due to the fact they're building a brand new dealership in 2009

is lude girl ur date? :devil:

[dj_rice]

Originally posted by 1997GSR


is lude girl ur date? :devil:


:facepalm:


No, your mom is

[JRSC00LUDE]

Originally posted by LadyLuck

This year it changed a bit, we all got free lift passes and our guests as well to Sunshine the next morning after the christmas party :D



You haven't even invited me yet. :confused:

[HybridTheory]

I know that the company that I worked for last year scaled back. Instead of having a party at night, they made theirs during the day. Also, it wasn't a Christmas party anymore, it was an "Afternoon Cocktail" reception. I know they got 2 free drink tickets. I'm pretty sure they got more when I was there last year.

I'm at a different company now. My Christmas party is next Friday afternoon and it's at the Palliser. I'm used to having a Christmas party at night but I guess I can't complain since I get to miss work. I'm not sure how many drink tickets we get free. We also get a Christmas potluck next Thursday.

But wow, some of you guys are lucky with all the perks you get for your Christmas parties.

[theken]

our christmas party is the same as it was last year, however, i work at lafarge and a company has decided they want 7500m3 of concrete the weekend of our christmas party, so none of the drivers, batchers, or quality control people can go to the party. Fuckers

[natejj]

Instead of ordering pizza and pop, this year our manager took us out for dinner and gave us $20 each. Couldn't be spent on liquor though. Sigh, love those unions.

[theken]

Originally posted by natejj
Instead of ordering pizza and pop, this year our manager took us out for dinner and gave us $20 each. Couldn't be spent on liquor though. Sigh, love those unions.
what? do you work at Wendy's or something

[jdmakkord]

Airline industry(the profitable Airline :) )
Huge party 1800+ people. Telus convention centre, great food, great entertainment, cash bar(as usual). Better than last years.

[jwslam]

BUMP FROM THE DEAD

We've cut all department parties but the Corporate one still stands.

[403ep3]

Ours is cancelled

[killramos]

I have heard rumors that we booked the same venue as last but no other word since.

[lasimmon]

We only ever did a drunken lunch/afternoon. Don't know if we are or not this year though.

[Sugarphreak]

...

[BavarianBeast]

Still at the Westin, no changes at all.

[pheoxs]

We previously had our christmas party at a hotel in Canmore with a nice dinner / music and dance and stuff (We had to pay a part of it, I think like 120$ per couple or something) but this year we were told there isn't enough money for it.

We'll likely be doing a potluck in the office instead

[Mitsu3000gt]

No changes to ours (which tells me we probably had to pay a year in advance and can't get a refund :rofl: :rofl: )

[cyra1ax]

Ours is cancelled. :guns:

[nykz]

No changes yet, but I work for a company that isn't entirely affected by the oil prices.

[Masked Bandit]

No changes here but we're pretty small. Total party budget is less than $1,000...lol.

[birdman86]

I was told the other day no changes. Telus Convention Center, just gonna be a bit less crowded this time around.

[gkAeris]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-downturn-christmas-parties-fewer-1.3295680

looks like a lot of event planners are getting hit

[Masked Bandit]

Originally posted by Masked Bandit
No changes here but we're pretty small. Total party budget is less than $1,000...lol.

Sigh, need to edit my own situation. Our only real change is that we're doing it in January simply due to lack of availability in December. The budget has been blown up a bit but we're proceeding as planned.

[Cos]

.

[RX_EVOLV]

Originally posted by Masked Bandit
No changes here but we're pretty small. Total party budget is less than $1,000...lol.

I can top that. it's going to be a pot luck at my house lol. But we are a small, 6 person operation. Last year it was lunch at Nash, which wasn't that exciting. This year we will at least have an excuse to drive whiskies all night.

[killramos]

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/calgary-downturn-christmas-parties-fewer-1.3295680

Interesting timing.

As for a note i got my final rsvp with request for allergies etc. and if I am bringing a guest for my corporate party today. :dunno:

[Kirbs17]

No change to ours. Same as last year.

[Tik-Tok]

We were told to reduce our party costs by 50%

So we're cutting the blow with baking soda, and having to split hookers between 2 people.

[stevieo]

So you're making crack instead?

[Tik-Tok]

Originally posted by stevieo
So you're making crack instead?

And getting Cowboys waitresses :rofl:

[stevieo]

Originally posted by Tik-Tok


And getting Cowboys waitresses :rofl:

Might be able to cut more than 50% of the budget then.

[Maxt]

My company is moving the party from Smugglers inn to Spicy hut this year.

[drtoohotty1]

Ours was cancelled this year along with anything that may be interpreted as fun...

[KO22]

45% cut, still at BMO, last year was absolutely insane though, budget must of been millions. Better still have the free booze though

[bjstare]

Wife's company is still holding theirs (rents out a small fancy restaurant). Mine's cancelled. Was a huge event at the BMO centre with tons of food, live band, etc.

[Chemengsait]

Originally posted by drtoohotty1
Ours was cancelled this year along with anything that may be interpreted as fun...

I'm in the same situation lol

[redblack]

Mines in the office cafeteria in the afternoon.

[TurboMedic]

What? You guys have christmas parties? We don't, not even money towards one....but we're the big bad public sector. My bonus is I don't have to work christmas this year, first time in 7 years my schedule lines up

[ExtraSlow]

You have a pretty big chip on your shoulder about this public vs private thing. Gotta learn to relax bro.

[Brent.ff]

Girlfriends is moved from Hotel Arts (was open bar two Xmas ago), now a $20 cover to get in at some shitty restaurant downtown...

[89coupe]

No change for my Wifes party, Telus Convention center, Open Bar, Live Band, and Dinner. They have had zero layoffs and their company is going strong.

Going to my first Real Estate Party, should be a gooder, at Pinebrook Golf and Country Club.

:bigpimp:

[lasimmon]

My gf's is also at Telus convention center, with a band, and open bar and dinner.

Mine is still on the fence. Probably just end up my boss and I going for some food and scotch.

[mazdavirgin]

:dunno: Christmas is cancelled as per my company.

[jwslam]

Originally posted by mazdavirgin
:dunno: Christmas is cancelled as per my company.
Maybe your company is new and isn't obligated to honor Christmas :nut: :nut: :rofl: :rofl:
http://forums.beyond.ca/st/395353/seeking-clarification-about-rememberance-day/

[TurboMedic]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
You have a pretty big chip on your shoulder about this public vs private thing. Gotta learn to relax bro.

sure thing man. Cause, its never the other way around right? :rolleyes: Is it carried over from other threads? Sure. Is it relevant in this one? Yah. People are concerned about employment, layoffs are prevalent, cash flow is down, but people still talk about christmas parties? Its just so foreign to me that this employment bonus goes on while that happens. Shows a disregard and a disconnect with reality

"better still be free booze" Hahaha

[HiTempguy1]

Originally posted by TurboMedic


sure thing man. Cause, its never the other way around right? :rolleyes: Is it carried over from other threads? Sure. Is it relevant in this one? Yah. People are concerned about employment, layoffs are prevalent, cash flow is down, but people still talk about christmas parties? Its just so foreign to me that this employment bonus goes on while that happens. Shows a disregard and a disconnect with reality

"better still be free booze" Hahaha

Came in here to say exactly this. For some reason people don't understand the concept that sure, public employee spending can result in higher taxes, but the ludicrous benefits/bonuses of private company employees also raises prices on the services/goods they buy :nut:

It's just typical Beyond, mental gymnastics to suit an agenda. Its ok though, we don't get our employee appreciation day (always seems to fall during days I am traveling for the company anyways, I'd rather the OT) this year. We will get our catered potluck though, fun times stuffing ~500 socially akward engineers, phds and scientists all into tables together :rofl:

[sabad66]

^ What's a catered potluck?

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by sabad66
^ What's a catered potluck?

I would assume take out from multiple restaurants and cuisines.

Real home made pot luck with ~500 socially akward engineers, phds and scientists probably won't go well. And pot luck with over 30 people usually is a shit show.

[pheoxs]

Originally posted by Xtrema


I would assume take out from multiple restaurants and cuisines.

Real home made pot luck with ~500 socially akward engineers, phds and scientists probably won't go well. And pot luck with over 30 people usually is a shit show.

We're doing a potluck with 50 people consisting of engineers, IT, and sales people ... gonna be a clusterfuck

[Sugarphreak]

...

[jwslam]

Originally posted by jwslam
We've cut all department parties but the Corporate one still stands.
Corporate party was quite disappointing compared to years previous. Was dead by 830pm and drinks were $7!!!

Ended up having a department party anyways where everyone chipped in for pizza & booze.

[killramos]

Party was the same as it always was. A bit worse attended overall. Good was great. Drinks were free. No one stuck around though.

The tone was pretty well set by the CEO not bothering to show up...

[Darell_n]

For the 2nd year in a row I was working out of town for the Christmas party. I sent my two apprentices back to party it up and my boss came out to help me finish the job over the weekend.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Originally posted by drtoohotty1
Ours was cancelled this year along with anything that may be interpreted as fun...

Hah, same here. Shitcanned the Christmas party and then invited teams to have a get-together at a local restaurant, but you'd have to pay for your own food.

[Xtrema]

Had one as planned this year, 1st time in company's existence that next year isn't booked yet.

[theken]

our drinks were $8.50, pop was $4.50, door prizes were limited but still good, non O&G

[Boat]

Large producer in IT, usually our party was on a Friday, it was a Thursday and was a late afternoon lunch. Two tickets instead of 3. No SO's allowed. I would say the budget was probably cut almost in half. Still a good time though!

[bjstare]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak
Also, it seems sad that I am using beyond after a night of drinking.

It is.

[austic]

Ours is the same as last year.

Night at the Rimrock, dinner at Primrose then open bar in the lounge. Small private company

[lasimmon]

Boozy lunch is a go. Woo!