According to the BBC, 1 in 5 of us workers will be going without our Christmas party this year.  Who to blame?  The credit crunch of course. Who else?

Now, depending on your standpoint on office Christmas parties, (personally, I am no great fan, but I know other people like them), you should really ask yourself why.  Why isn’t your company giving you your Christmas party this year? 

We haven’t had a very good year so the company can’t afford it

If you haven’t had a very good year, it’s understandable you won’t want to waste money.  But cancelling the Christmas party indicates that you think that it is a waste of money, an indulgence, an extravagance you can do without.  Who decided that an exercise in staff morale is more of a waste of money than that piece of press advertising you did which generated 4 leads, or that consultant you paid to tell you how to manage your overheads (er… keep your costs in check… thanks)?

Everyone gets the recession.  Everyone knows that it’s been a difficult year.  But let’s not use it as an excuse. 

We’re making redundancies so it’s inappropriate

How very tactful and considerate!  I’m sure that all the people who have been made redundant will be truly grateful for that.  It’ll be right at the top of their list of concerns.  And the people who have been left behind to do the work of three will appreciate the sentiment. 

Incidentally, what are you doing making people redundant at Christmas time anyway?  Ever heard of financial planning?

 It’s too expensive to have a Christmas party

Unless you work for Microsoft or Virgin, a staff party isn’t about how much free stuff you get or how glamorous the venue.  If you’re over 40, it’s about being given appreciation for the hard work you’ve done.  If you’re under 30, it’s about getting off with the dishy bloke in Marketing.  And if you’re between 30 and 40, it’s generally a good excuse to have a night out away from the kids.  It doesn’t have to be expensive. 

Be honest.  Tell your staff it’s got to be low key.  And ask for some ideas.  You’ll be surprised how many of them are happy to bring their own drink/are in a band/can get a deal at a venue. 

And, if they don’t come up with any ideas, well then it will be their fault, not yours.