Why have a Christmas party?

This is a question often asked by senior people in a businesses, not just because of the costs but more importantly the impact, good or bad, on employees.

Benefits

So, what is the purpose of the party? What does everyone expect to get out of it? What we see as essential elements are the opportunity to boost morale, say thank you for everyone's efforts during the year, unite people, enhance working relationships, and most importantly to have must needed fun!

Regardless of whether the company is financially supporting the party, for most it is the chance to catch up with the work colleagues, to bond and of course keep up to date with the latest office gossip, sorry, business achievements! Many employers now make the occasion into an awards evening, giving thanks for the loyalty and efforts to all who are attending and to those who have excelled.

Private v shared party

The Christmas party is a much looked forward to annual event, whether it's a big private company event, or a team-based one. Although the private bespoke parties remain popular, companies have moved to giving employees an allowance for a team party, which is ideal when people are not working from the same premises.

Regardless of the style of party it gives guests the chance to forget about their workplace and to simply have fun and what better excuse to let your hair down, get the glitter out and dress up for the occasion. Many groups will start saving for their party quite early in the year, to avoid having to fork out in December, which is always an expensive month.

Most people attend at least one party. There will be the one with work mates, and then there's the one for gym and football buddies, plus, believe or not, we see a lot of enquiries from slimming group!

For some, the thought of a Christmas party is quite horrendous, having to talk to people, get up and dance and look like you are having a great time, so receiving a small gift as a thank you is an ideal alternative, which became popular during lockdown.

Market changes

For us Brits the Christmas party is part of celebrating the Christmas season and having some fun time before the long cold months approach. In the UK we are quite unique with parties taking place from mid-November through to mid-January. The latter ideal for those in retail and hospitality who work during December.

In the past two years we've seen a change in that fewer companies no longer go for the large exclusive parties for everyone to attend, but more for smaller departmental groups. Much was down to the environment at the time when people were working from home and getting together was restricted. We are now seeing the return of the larger private parties. Shared parties though remain the most popular.

Party options

There's such a vast choice of party style so there's a fair chance everyone will find one that suits their needs, budget and of course the date. Fridays and Saturdays are the most popular, and for London Thursdays and Fridays. It's always advisable to book early to avoid disappointment, but we still see enquiries coming into the website in late November and even in December, expecting to get a key Friday or Saturday!

There's no reason for the night to be a five-course dinner with high end entertainment, as a simple meal in a restaurant fits well, and those interested can move to a nightclub to continue partying.

The party venue choices are vast and in general the important elements are good food, a bar available and music to dance to, and transport available for the journey home. It's all down to the type of party you would be looking for, whether this is in a restaurant, pub, hotel, sporting stadium - in fact, any place which has space to party. Several will offer themed nights and all-inclusive drinks nights. Our website is aimed at having something to meet everyone's taste, budget and date.

Conclusion

So, the answer to the question “why have a Christmas party” must surely be Why Not!?

imagine events is based close to Milton Keynes and we are perfectly situated to plan, manage and deliver events across the UK. You can contact us by calling 01908 582367 or send an email to info@imaginepresentations.co.uk to start planning your next event.