Christmas. It's off
The office Christmas party has been cancelled. I wasn’t entirely surprised but it does seem slightly unfair. The mess wasn’t of the ordinary staff’s making and that, for some of us, it is one of the few company funded treats we get. It’s still unclear what, if anything, will be provided in its place.
To quote Insurance Times, an industry publication and aid to restful sleep:
“But what choice did [they] have? The world’s media and the US government ... are scrutinising its every move … [Spending money on corporate entertainment] would be tantamount to inviting a public scandal. And while this may be difficult for the staff to take, particularly those in the UK who are further removed from the troubles in New York, it is sadly a fact of working for the new breed of nationally-owned financial institution. No doubt similar howls of outrage will become common as we head into bonus season at the banks”.
The point is valid and I totally agree with it. And in this climate, each day of Still Employed is a bonus. But I still feel slightly hard done by. I have a party outfit and nowhere to go! It’s taken me eight years, but I finally have something to wear! When we were last on holiday in the US, I went hunting for a Little Black Dress that I could wear along with a gold cardigan, a little evening bag and my black boots. Little Black Dress cost all of $10! (That’s about £4 in real money). Still, it can lurk in the wardrobe for other occasions as, hopefully, there will be other parties to go to. (All I have to do is ensure that I don’t get too porky to wear it! Magic pants can only do so much!)
Apart from that, I’m still not sure what we’re going to be doing at Christmas. Mr T will be working, but I have some leave and we’re hoping to be able to see family over the holidays. Our first Christmas as a Clergy Family … There probably is a correct response to this, but my current one is "Oh crap!"