My petty gripe: office parties feel like work because that’s what they are

And don’t get me started on office Secret Santas

As we head into the so-called silly season – that sun-drenched summer of drinks and parties, barbecues and socialising – there’s a shadow looming over the festivities.

The office Christmas party.

Don’t get me wrong: I like a lot of people I work with, but I don’t socialise with them for the rest of the year. So why do I have to do it at Christmas, when I’m already run ragged by all the other social commitments I’ve got?

If I’ve ever socialised with workmates, we’ve usually bitched about work, other workmates and the boss over a few drinks at the pub. It’s cathartic to let off steam when we can’t do it in the office.