In last month’s What Do YOU Think? survey, a whopping 84 percent of you agreed with the statement, “When it comes right down to it, holiday parties are … still good for morale and shouldn’t be eliminated, ever!”

As our reader Katie G. put it: “What better chance to see your co-workers get down to the Funky Chicken after having one too many overly-strong Tequila Sunrises!”

Only 16 percent felt holiday office parties are “a waste of time and money and should be outlawed in all 50 states and Guam.”

Bruce B. was among the nay-sayers: “The same groups sit together, eat together and talk about the other groups. Down with company parties and keep Christmas for what it is for – family and friends.”

But most comments mirrored this from Debra in California: “I truly believe holiday parties are good for morale.  This is a time that upper management can show how much they truly appreciate their associates by giving them something to look forward to, getting them in the spirit of the season, letting them know that they are worth the expenditure, letting all unwind and enjoy each other's company in a pleasant atmosphere. Most importantly, it allows associates to feel special at least once in the whole year of push, push, push.  ‘Tis the season to be jolly and this will uplift spirits and bring associates closer together.”

Responses also showed a definite trend toward downsizing the holiday party due to tighter economic times -- and some of your companies no longer host a holiday event, period.

Offering first-hand insight into the trend was David in New Jersey, a professional in the party equipment rental industry: “From my vantage point, it appears most businesses … are not as willing to have holiday parties as they did before 2001.  There are a number of obvious reasons for that: 

1. In a time when budgets and profits were being squeezed, they learned they could get by without holiday parties, with few complaints.
2. Employees are working so hard, that given the option, they just want to go home to be with their families. 
3. As a nation, we are a more sober, if not a more somber, people.

What we do see is not entirely negative.  More company events are geared toward the family, such as an open house with Santa, or are designed to show appreciation for specific achievements, such as an important anniversary or an awards night. 

Having a party just for the sake of having a party is not likely to engender much goodwill.  Having a party to encourage employees to feel good about the company they work for and the achievements they share can be a powerful tool at building morale and fostering teamwork.” 

Even so, 51 percent of you who responded to last month’s survey indicated that your company still holds a fancy, catered affair where employees, spouses and significant others have an elegant night on the town. Another 44 percent indicated that while there is no “official” company party, each department is allowed to do their own thing.

And the lamest aspect of the holiday office party? Here’s how you responded.

20% - When bosses who’ve ignored us for 11 months suddenly want to get to know us.

25% - Gift exchanges (Secret Santa, White Elephant, etc. ) that force me to buy yet another present, when I don’t have time to shop for people I actually love and care about!

38% - Not getting a holiday bonus, even if it’s a coupon for a frozen turkey.

17% - Seeing Dean from accounting trying to get funky on the dance floor.

 As the previous answers indicated, many of you believe what counts feeling you’re appreciated by your company. Even a scaled-back gathering can be enjoyable, which is what we heard from Anne-Marie: “Our parties used to be an over night stay at a nice hotel with dinner, wine, dancing, etc. Everyone enjoyed it because you were able to enjoy food from places you normally wouldn’t be able to afford to go to. Parents with small children had a chance to have a night to themselves for a change. With the change of the economy we’ve had to forgo the hotel and nice dinner.

Now our party is in our office. Last year the committee created a round of golf throughout our offices and cubicles. It was actually quite fun; the hazards to avoid were just as fun as water and sand (although we had to crawl into small spaces sometimes to 'find' the ball). After that we placed dice and took turns stealing each others quarters. Gift certificates were offered for prizes. Everyone seemed to have just as much fun as they did with the 'old style' party.”

Ditto from Norma on being appreciated by the organization: “I think it’s vital that companies acknowledge employees during the Holidays. If a company feels a party is too much per person they should think about a gift certificate to the grocery store. Who do you know that would not use that?”

This comment came from Cheryl, who misses the company parties of Christmas Past. “I believe that having a company Xmas party is a good idea even in these tough economic times. Our company has chosen for the last two years to not have a Xmas party during non-working hours where you can bring your spouse or a guest like they previously have. They say it's too much of a liability, but most of us believe that it's because at the last one we had, a couple of people misbehaved. We still have a catered-in meal around Xmas time, but we also had that before. It just isn't the same. I feel like (the holiday party) is the only time you really get to spend with coworkers and have a little fun, which is very good for morale and teamwork.”

Finally, an anti-office-party response from Anonymous in Napa was far too funny – and on target – not to share: “Okay, our company does 'Christmas' in a big way. Not Chanukah, Not Kwanza, they don’t even try and say 'holiday party.' Alrighty then. So from Dec. 1 through Dec. 23 we suffer through the traditional department lunch and white elephant or gift exchange (out of pocket of course), company-wide decorating (employees have to purchase or recycle the decorations) and skit contest, the pot-luck (of course, again, out of our pockets), and the three or four company-wide employee charity sponsorships. I guess they assume we are rich...because um, they pay us so much? Or that we are all Scrooges and would never donate to any worthy cause unless they guilt us into it. 

After all of that, THEN we have to do our evening dinner party. This is great for the professional single person who has no plans (or life).  But think of it for a married couple with children. The company puts out about $50 a head for each person’s dinner and the 'luxurious' place we hold it at. The employee puts out $30 for 5 hours of babysitting (2 children at $3 an hour each @ 5 hours. Ever heard of a short company party...NOT!). 

If they are a woman or have a wife they put out between $70 and $200 for a dress. (If they are paying $200 I hope they are wearing it to their spouses party and a Broadway play/opera, also!)

The couple drives to the location. This year, though it’s a beautiful spot, it’s 40 minutes from our home. This would equate to about $45 mileage reimbursement. And after all that you have a choice of chicken, fish or beef, you sit and exchange small talk with people you barely know, or don’t like (being careful to avoid any conversation that would make you, heaven forbid ... AN INDIVIDUAL!) You don’t even get dessert because the place is understaffed and just the first two courses took 3 hours and you don’t see any point in paying MORE money to the babysitter for this lousy deal.

Economical for the employee? NO! Morale booster? NO! Are we going this year? NO!

All this and you get a stainless steel pepper mill as a gift from the company ... ummmm. Okay.”

Well then! For those of you who still have company holiday parties to go to, here are a few tips for making the most of it from experts in workplace communication.

HOLIDAY OFFICE PARTY SURVIVAL TIPS

1. Don’t get drunk.
2. Watch your alcohol intake.
3. No passing out in the bowl of spiked punch.

Obviously, you see a pattern here. Of all the embarrassing office party stories you’ve ever heard (or starred in), ask yourself how many of those antics were fueled by the Budweiser Express or the Tequila Taxi.

Exactly: all of them.

Keep in mind that professionals who get promoted to the corner office rarely spend the office party holed up in the copy room making portraits of their keister on the copy machine. You’re attending a company party, not a frat party.

1. Talking about work is considered bad form, so keep it social.
2. Take the opportunity to make connections with people outside your department and to find common ground.
3. Wear something memorable or festive – but not outrageous. (Rein in the cleavage, and have hubby leave the fake zebra-skin jacket at home.)
4. Be appreciative to whomever planned the event.
5. Try not to be the first to arrive or first to leave.

Beyond that, enjoy!