Christmas Party Cancellations Hit Canada

Company Christmas parties are getting scaled back across Canada, but are not facing the widespread cancellations reported in the United States and Britain. The Toronto Star reports that some companies are opting for Potluck over Posh this holiday season, in their article Christmas bashes feel the Grinch pinch.
Hamilton-based company Dofasco is going ahead with it's annual bash for 5,500 at the Copps Coliseum.

"Our employees deserve this," says Dofasco spokesperson Larry Meyer. "It's one of those iconic things that we take a very hard look at before making any decisions around not having it, but we're going ahead with it this year."

Many companies are choosing to scale back rather than cancel the party.

Of course, the drinks at even the most lavish affairs this year may be sparkling wine cocktails instead of champagne. And you're more likely to be lining up at the buffet than sitting down to a $200-per-person, three-course gourmet meal with free-flowing booze and a professional photographer to capture your glam gala moment.

Other employees are just saying "no" to office party cancellations.

"When Toronto-based Skyservice Airlines announced last month that it was cancelling its costly dinner-dance for about 800 people at the Mississauga Convention Centre, employees stepped in to organize their own big bash, house parties and potluck get-togethers."

Way to go, Canada!

So how about it, rest of the World? Don't let your company cancel the office Christmas party! Try these cost-cutting ideas and use funny employee awards to bring some much-need laughter into the workplace.