Office Party of One?

Even the shyest writer might start to feel a little blue this time of year. It’s often said that writing is a lonely profession and if you’re like me, and you don’t have an additional profession, you might be feeling a little left out of the holiday hullabaloo.

I realize some of you could care less about office parties. I can understand that if you really don’t like the people you work with. But, I’ll just go ahead and say it, I like my own company. I think I’m a hoot and a half, and I have fun on my own. But frankly, organizing a Christmas party for one? Well, it leaves a little something to be desired.

Sure, I could deck out the office with tinsel and dollar store festive whatnot’s, but it doesn’t really fit in with the rest of my house. I do have to live here. Sure, I could bake some goodies and hire a caterer, but all that food for just me? Well, you can guess what would happen. Soon, we’d be widening doorways and searching ebay for a cheap scooter chair.

Then there’s the presentation from the boss to the staff: “You’ve really worked hard, and I appreciate all you do.” The presentation from the staff to the boss: “Boss, you’re the best. I’d work for you even if you paid me.” Then, there’s the gift exchange: “Oh, I wonder what it is. How did you know? You really shouldn’t have”. The games: Try to guess what’s in this box. Workplace trivia. And, though it doesn’t surprise you- you win every game.

The conversation at the party isn’t what it could be. You’re not really sure what to ask yourself. And, truth be told, you’ve heard all this before.

The minute hand on the clock creeps slower than a sloth, and you wonder whether this party would have been more fun if the boss had sprung for some alcohol.

And no, you don’t normally drink.

Then come the goodbyes. No one says, “I can’t believe it’s been so long since I’ve seen you. I hope we see each other again before the next party.”

All in all, an office party for one, just isn’t that fun. Sure, the music is good, you picked it. But the company? Predictable and yawn-inducing.

So, this is my lament for the lonely profession I claim. By the way, the office Christmas parties for stay-at-home-moms are even worse.

For the rest of you, who share this lament, raise your cuppa hot cocoa with me and let us say together, “Bah Humbug!”

Maybe next year we can coordinate a virtual Christmas party.

Wouldn’t that be a hoot?!

With gracious thanks to Sara H. who unknowingly let me borrow her picture from the FW conference that I played with for today’s post.