[UMadBreaux]

My previous employer had the best Christmas parties I have ever seen. We rented out a restaurant, open bar, and it was fun as hell. We worked our asses off, generally 50+ hours a week, and everyone got a chance to blow off steam together. I got a chance to really know executive management I would have been way too intimidated to ever approach.

Today I work for a different company, and we had one of these events you are talking about. I actually had just as much fun, if not more fun, than the previous lavish parties I was used to. I feel like I have a much more personable relationship to at least a half-hour other people I normally don't interact with on a day-to-day basis.

It's what you make of it. If not showing up for you is working, rock on man. If enjoy an opportunity to get to know everyone I work with and find out what we have in common.