Lengthy, way back, my workforce introduced a Christmas occasion. I informed my supervisor that, since I wasn’t Christian, I declined to attend. They wished to cowl enterprise firstly, so — to their credit score — they promptly rebranded it to an end-of-year occasion that didn’t give attention to Christmas decorations nor have Christmas music.
(A couple of people wore Christmas sweaters or a Santa hat; that was effective.)
This labored nice till our group grew and mixed with one other and grew once more. Now, immediately, it’s again to a “vacation” occasion with Christmas music. If I complain, essentially the most that may change is that That One Adam Sandler Hannukah Tune might be added to the playlist.
(I’m not Jewish.) This 12 months provides a “vacation outfit” contest as effectively.
Which suggests I gained’t be attending. That’s effective; it’s gone from a potluck to catering as effectively, and I don’t eat indoors in public buildings since we’re nonetheless in a pandemic. However I’d put up with the awkwardness of watching different folks eat (and paying for the privilege of doing so, although I’d be allowed to construct myself a go-plate from the unfold) if the “vacation” branding weren’t so patently a euphemism for Christmas. As team-building, it … isn’t.
I actually, actually appreciated when my smaller workforce cared sufficient to make me really feel included by making it a year-end occasion. That felt good. This had me switching my in-office day in order that, gee darn, I gained’t be there the day of the workforce “vacation” occasion.