Help!!!! - Detroit, MI

Hmm... as someone that tries hard to see things from all sides; aside from the economy and the tightness of finances, is there a reason you feel you cannot participate? Perhaps the office feels that if you participate, it may help you feel better about the holiday in general and raise your spirits for everyone included (such as your family and yourself)? I am not sure they are trying to be selfish. I hope that if you are 'walking out' is is on the meeting and not your job as that is a bit more dramatic than what they are trying to provide. It sounds as if you are in a fun place to work (and I only work from my home).

Last year, I could not get into the spirit of the holiday, barely put out the decorations, and I was guilt-ridden as I have a small child that thankfully does not remember! This year, I am determined not to be that way, even if the money is not there. You can still have a holiday without the money. And you can tell that to your boss/ manager. Communication is always key in life.

You are in charge of your life, but I honestly do not see any harm in celebrating and having a little fun with everyone to raise your spirits. You may be against it now, as it was a awful last year, but you may also be surprised and it is the disasters we sometimes fondly remember and laugh about, and that is always the best medicine.

If you really can't handle sitting around socalizing with co-workers and eating food and having a few drinks and not working while still getting paid, then fake getting sick and go home. Don't make a big deal about it, just tell them your feeling really sick, play it up a bit like your gonna puke so you don't look like a total scrooge, and go home. But I gotta say, I don't understand why you wouldn't want to party with co-workers, but then again, it's none of my business now is it? You do what you want and don't let anyone tell you what to do. Have a great day!

That is tough. If you are set on not staying I would just say you either have work to finish or errands to run.

I am sure the party planners are coming from a good place and did not want to have a party without those who did want a party. It is so difficult to please everyone in the office - I know because I have to help plan our office events. Some people just work through it and others love it.

Good luck.

Sorry, but I think you are being a scrooge. What about all the others who want to have a Christmas party? Just go and try to have a good time. At least you get to have some food and socialize instead of doing work. I welcome holiday parties.

Merry Christmas!!

2 years ago my Dad's girlfriend of 20 some years did the same. He ex husband, daughters father had been murdered, the daughter was crushed emotionally with the whole nasty proceedings. And she just couldn't find it in her to celebrate. So maybe tell the truth. I don't think it's fair to trick you into a party. But what ever you do, do it nicely.
Thats my 2 cents. Good luck. A. H

It depends...

If by "walking out" you mean creating a scene and acting like a bratty child who is angry that people are trying to make her do something she doesn't want to do, then I'd say no, not a good idea....especially not at work.

On the other hand, if you mean smiling politely, staying 5-10 minutes and maybe having a cookie or at least talking to a coworker briefly, and then quietly ducking out or making a polite excuse to leave...then sure. There's no reason you should be forced to party if you really don't want to. Just make sure you handle it like a polite, tactful adult. It's hard to tell from your post if the words "walking out" meant making an angry scene or just leaving quietly.

I think it's very wrong to trick you into attending a party. That being said, it might be best for the work atmosphere if you "make an appearence", say hello to everyone, perhaps eat a cookie or a snack and then politely excuse yourself after 10 or so minutes. You shouldn't be made to attend a party that you don't want to. But at the same time, you may want to just give in for a very short period of time to keep the peace at work.