Monday, December 19, 2011

A Merry little Christmas

The legendary office Christmas party. We have all heard tell of them. There has even been movies made around them. They still exist but, in a much more subdued environment. In our politically correct world of today a great deal of the fun has been banned. ( Think Alcohol ) I'm not advocating the abuse of this substance, I'm just sayin'.
After a few drinks it does become a little less awkward. People do tend to loosen up a might.
Forty years ago,back in my youth, the consumption of alcohol played a major part in the Christmas party. Egg nog and Rum usually being the featured beverage.If you were " lactose intolerant " just drink the rum. That was the solution to that problem. Of course I don't recall anyone ever being lactose intolerant back in those days.
The one at the party that didn't get a little " pie eyed " was the one that got talked about. Must be a teetotaler or some kind of religious person. Why else wouldn't a person drink ? The trick was always to not lose control and start having a little too much fun. One had to strive to be a dignified drunk. It was acceptable to be intoxicated as long as you didn't act like it. In today's world you're liable to get an Intervention for Christmas !
Depending on the location of the party the rules might change a little bit. The first ones I attended were held at the place of business. I was working in a grocery store. On the designated day the butcher shop would close early. The butcher blocks were cleaned up and covered with tablecloths.( fresh clean aprons) It was on these that the bar was set up. All the employees that were of legal age were invited to partake. The store was still open for business but the staff just got a little friendlier. The party continued until closing time and sometimes beyond.
Later in life I worked for a company that held their Christmas party at the local golf club. The president of the company was a member and would reserve the ball room. Dinner was served and he would personally buy each employee two drinks. You could buy more at the bar if you wished. No one ever got out of hand at either of these settings that I can recall.
Things have changed over the years that much is for sure. In the big picture it has been a change for the better. An awful lot of people would be driving cars around when they shouldn't have at this time of the year. Well,at any time of the year truth be told. And although I never personally witnessed it, I'm sure a bunch of people made fools out of themselves. Things were said or actions taken that were regretted later on. About the only thing I can say about those parties is, They were a whole lot merrier than the ones I've attended in recent years !
Look, I'm just sayin'

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