by TheJusticeofthePeace @ 23.
Nov. 2010. – 15:31:25
In my other life where I tried
hard to make an honest penny I was the one who authorised the finance and
generally oversaw the arrangements for the small firm`s ubiquitous Christmas
party. So I have no experience whatsoever of the oft derided common or garden
office Christmas party except as chauffeur and “talk to me please” accompaniment
to my wife at her virtually compulsory appearances at various places of
employment around early to mid December.
When I was appointed my bench
was a jolly mixing of personalities but when we left the building that was it.
It is still a mix of jolly and some not so jolly personalities. But in the last
few years there have been Christmas parties from 6.30pm to 8.30pm organised by
the “social committee” on the assigned day. I have not attended any. I am not a
grumpy; I enjoy good company accompanied by the requisite amount of food and a
few ml of the amber liquid. But I generally choose when to avail myself of such
occasions and with whom I wish to share the anecdotal evidence of the events of
the preceding weeks, months or years that might be of interest. Colleagues who
have attended our Christmas parties previously have told me of their general
lack of enthusiasm to attend another. I`m not surprised. Most of us drive to
court. I don`t drink and drive at all. Some colleagues will have the one drink
that will not turn the crystals. With a large bench one`s relationships are
usually no more than semi formal with most, an acquaintanceship with some and
friendly with a few. I will not be changing my habit of declining the
invitation to this year`s event.