The Christmas 2017 thread

[Rhiannon]

NS must have been reading my mind when he brought up this topic. I didn't sleep well last night, I lay awake thinking about the absent posters, like Gonnagle, who have played a big part in shaping this forum after the Beeb shut up shop.

Oh bless you. xx

[Rhiannon]

I used to read my nan’s dictionary for fun. Wish it had been kept. Absolutely joy just to immerse myself in words.

I’m trying to think if I still have a ‘best present’. There have been quite a few that I loved at the time, but nothing life changing.

I think the presents that changed me the most were when adult friends gave me gifts. It wasn’t the ‘what’, it was they they wanted to.

[Rhiannon]

Just noticed that Bluehillside appears to be in retirement. 

[Nearly Sane]

Just noticed that Bluehillside appears to be in retirement. 

Yes, the name change happened last week. Let's hope it's a break and then he comes out of retirement 

[Maeght]

Yes, the name change happened last week. Let's hope it's a break and then he comes out of retirement

Name change?

[Nearly Sane]

Name change?

His current board name is 'bluehillside Retd.'

[SusanDoris]

His current board name is 'bluehillside Retd.'

Ah, that's all right then! I too had noticed the absence of his posts.

[Shaker]

Fifty yards is a bit meagre but at least there's a reason to go to Norwich: https://tinyurl.com/yajsr7pj

[Rhiannon]

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/08/metoo-skip-office-parties-sexually-assaulted-christmas

[floo]

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/08/metoo-skip-office-parties-sexually-assaulted-christmas

Christmas office parties sound as if they are best avoided.

[Shaker]

Christmas office parties sound as if they are best avoided.

Yes, though that's because they're parties and not because it's Christmas.

[floo]

Yes, though that's because they're parties and not because it's Christmas.

I have never enjoyed parties, even as a child, unless they are exclusively family affairs.

[Nearly Sane]

I have never enjoyed parties, even as a child, unless they are exclusively family affairs.

Whereas I have never enjoyed parties, even as a child, unless they ate specifically not family affairs.

[floo]

Whereas I have never enjoyed parties, even as a child, unless they ate specifically not family affairs.

Each to their own.

[Sebastian Toe]

I have never enjoyed parties, even as a child, unless they are exclusively family affairs.

Too much music?

[floo]

Too much music?

We never had music, that I remember, at any of the parties I have attended, family or otherwise.

[Sebastian Toe]

We never had music, that I remember, at any of the parties I have attended, family or otherwise.

They weren't parties then. They were meetings!

[floo]

They weren't parties then. They were meetings!

Why do you have to have music at a party?

[Rhiannon]

Christmas office parties sound as if they are best avoided.

The one where we all listened to two clients shagging in the toilets was, um, memorable.

[Shaker]

Why do you have to have music at a party?

It's music. All the go these days.

[Sebastian Toe]

It's music. All the go these days.

It's probably just a fad that will pass in no time!

[Robbie]

https://wtnww.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/dec/08/metoo-skip-office-parties-sexually-assaulted-christmas

That sounds so grim, Rhiannon. I feel very sorry for her.

However not all office parties have that sort of thing going on. At my previous firm my department always hosted an excellent party which was well attended. People generally didn't drink too much because most had to travel home by train or tube.

Where I work now we go out for a Christmas meal which is always very good.

I like parties and dancing.  My parents used to have good ones - my children, nieces and nephews and 2nd cousins have had some marvellous do's.

I don't have any plans for a party this year but have had some invitations which I might attend, I'll see how things go.

[Rhiannon]

That sounds so grim, Rhiannon. I feel very sorry for her.

However not all office parties have that sort of thing going on. At my previous firm my department always hosted an excellent party which was well attended. People generally didn't drink too much because most had to travel home by train or tube.

Where I work now we go out for a Christmas meal which is always very good.

I like parties and dancing.  My parents used to have good ones - my children, nieces and nephews and 2nd cousins have had some marvellous do's.

I don't have any plans for a party this year but have had some invitations which I might attend, I'll see how things go.

It is awful and I've witnessed sexual assaults at office parties, I haven't been to one for years thank goodness, but back in the day people did behave completely differently at Christmas to how they did at other corporate functions which is really weird. No idea if that is still the case.

I think this story is a reminder of how foul people can be in the name of 'having fun', and it doesn't hurt to remember that when someone says that they don't like parties, or Christmas, or Christmas parties, it may very well not be because of the present situation, but because of past events and even past trauma. We are so quick to judge each other without knowing or understanding sometimes.

Btw, I don't like parties (only because I'm something of an introvert) but I do like dancing so I end up shaking my whatsit in the kitchen while I'm cooking.

[Robbie]

People often behave badly if they drink too much, they don't know what they are doing or saying. Often people around them will tell them they've had enough and take charge - I would.

Rhi:- I think this story is a reminder of how foul people can be in the name of 'having fun', and it doesn't hurt to remember that when someone says that they don't like parties, or Christmas, or Christmas parties, it may very well not be because of the present situation, but because of past events and even past trauma. We are so quick to judge each other without knowing or understanding sometimes.

Agreed.

Glad you have a little jig in the kitchen.

[Shaker]

Too much music?

Might lead to dancing*.

*Punchline of an ooooold gag you probably all know anyway.