Work Christmas Party
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I've been invited to a meal with work at Christmas, it's my first year there but I don't like half the food its limited menu and its £55. I could do something for my whole family for that money so don't want to go. Will my absence be frowned upon
You’re being sensible and I’m sure your colleagues will understand. Often these work do’s are overpriced for mass produced meals.
You could always maybe say something like you have your partners Christmas party already on that day or something to do with the kids so its more of a polite excuse?
That’s an outrageous amount of money to be expected to be paid. Maybe I’ve been lucky but I’ve never been asked to pay money to attend a Xmas party.
If you’re worried then maybe have a word with your manager? You could suggest just having a cheap lunch with just your team?
Not everyone attends Xmas parties. 2 or 3 in our little workforce never come, we don't think any less of them. Just say sorry can't make it this year.
Lynibis I don't often see other staff normally. Hope they as understanding as you
Imnotcheap if you don't see them normally, even more reason not to go and they will have forgotten about it by the time you do see any of them lol.
I must admit I am not a party person and hate loud music, showing off and drunks. However our boss takes us out for an Xmas meal each year (covid aside when we all got a gift pack) and he pays, including a first round of drinks and wine on the table. If it was an actual party I wouldn't go, nor would I go if it cost more than £35ish.
However, when I worked in an office we had to pay and again it was a dinner so I did tend to go as it was nice to socialise outside of work.
Lynibis if it was cheaper I'd probably make the effort but it appears overpriced to me
I'd be the same. It's very expensive, especially considering how much everything is costing right now. I think the previous advice on making an excuse is a good idea, no one will mind just say you have other commitments.
Midnightflower think I will do that. I could take the 5 of us out for that and probably like food more too
Imnotcheap £55 is very expensive, I use to work in restaurants and my partners is a chef. I've just looked at his Christmas menu and it's £34.95 for 3 courses on off peak days and £39.95 at peak, both include a cocktail and I wouldn't consider them a cheap place.
Be honest, say I don't like the menu and I am going out with friends or family on that day. Hopefully they will all understand.
jam45 if it was considerably cheaper I would think about it but very expensive, no one else seems to mind the cost
I would just be upfront. Say as much as I'd like to come I'd rather spend the money towards my kids for Christmas. Not sure anyone wouldn't understand that especially right now & if they do mind just say tough
I'm in a similar position I dont want to go to mine either, I think with the cost of living crisis I think lots of people will be in a similar position.
Nowadays it really wouldn't be frowned upon to just say no, because you don't like the food that is on offer and £55 when you are trying to save as much as possible, given the current climate. My wife is the same with her work that the place that she hardly ever goes because she doesn't like the food/meal choice and doesn't want sit there watching everyone else eating. Don't feel pressured into going when you don't want to.
It's a personal choice whether you go to these events. It's not just the £55. You've got your drink money for that night, transport, an outfit etc. It all mounts up in the end. I've never went to any of ours if it's been a party night as personally I think there a waste of money 
I quite agree that does seem a lot of money and I certainly wouldn't pay that. I have opted out of going to work Christmas meals previously but have joined them for a drink after the meal.
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That’s quite pricey. We went to lunch the other day and tried to hustle the guy to do us a deal if we had our Xmas do there too. Anything more than £20 is quite pricey if it’s coming out of your own pocket
Imnotcheap we said we’d return with more of us (like a gang! Lol) to see if he would throw a round of drinks in. Defo no harm in trying
I never went to any of my work Christmas parties. I told them the truth that it was too expensive and I would rather spend that kind of money on doing something with my family. My husband won't be going to his Christmas party this year as he would rather spend that kind of money on dinner with his family.
If you're honest and decline politely I'm sure they'd completely understand especially with the current situation 
Howmuch if completely honest me too. I don't know any staff really, would probably feel bored/lonely half the time. Most times I've felt lonely its been in a crowd
Imnotcheap One person at a time is best for me, maybe a couple if I know them well.
I couldn’t think of anything worse than a works Christmas party ! I certainly wouldn’t pay to go !!! I hate any sort of ‘gathering’ of a large amount of people. I’m not a misery and I am quite a people person but anything with more than a few people and I’m an anxious nervous wreck ! I wish I wasn’t this way but I am. I would 100% politely decline and use any feasible excuse I could think of.
It’s always best to tell the truth, explain exactly what you have said in your question. If someone is not happy, tuff, it will be forgotten about in the New Year.
eyeballkerry I would have to steer clear of saying too tired to go too though. Honestly don't think I'd be missed
£55 is very expensive, with the cost of living at the moment. You may not be the only one who may not attend.
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