Office Christmas Party

I don't work with Kate McKinnon nor Jason Bateman, and there aren't even employees in our office who would resemble their characters from the 2016 over-the-top comedy, Office Christmas Party. That might actually be a good thing for our business, but I could use a little more of the actors' form of entainment most days. Nevertheless, tonight is my office Christmas party where we'll have a nice dinner, have some fun in a team-based trivia game, and certain people will be able to go with something nice thanks to our social committee's silent auction. I doubt we'll have any hostile takeovers nor will we see anyone laid off, so don't expect me to be here tomorrow talking about some epic moment.

The doors open at 5:45, the party will continue until midnight, and I have the responsibility of giving thanks before the meal. This is something I wouldn't normally do, but when the Vice-President asks you personally you have to reassess. Long story short, I am giving a quick, succinct speech about grace and gratitude that I hope will resonate with my colleagues. There are a lot of people who are currently less fortunate than all who will attend tonight, so I hope to put in context just how grateful we should be for having good jobs, good friends, incredible families, and a good meal to share.

There are a few hockey-themed prizes being offered up tonight in that silent auction. In speaking with one member of the social committee, there's a Mark Schiefele jersey that available to be won, and they've also obtained two tickets to the January 8 game between the Jets and Edmonton Oilers. I'm not certain that either of these prizes will be celebrated as much as they should considering how the Jets are floundering, but that's just a footnote on the fun tonight.

According to the schedule, there will be a quiz-style team event where those gathered around the numbered tables will join forces and flex their gray matter in an effort to win prizes as well. I have no idea with whom I'll be sitting nor is there assigned seats or tables, so it should be interesting to see who sits with whom. My guess is that birds of a feather will flock together, but there are some smart people in all positions. This could be a battle of brains tonight!

In saying all this, my attention will not be on hockey tonight. The Jets are in Denver for a game against the Avalanche, the Moose host Rockford tomorrow, there's another pile of snowing currently falling and scheduled to fall all evening, and I'll likely have to clear snow before going to the party tonight. Or, if the drive home is treacherous, I'll clear snow after the party tonight when it's quiet. The only guarantee? I'll have the snowblower out at some point.

Being that it's that time of year, please be responsible if you're attending a party. Don't drink and drive, make sure none of your colleagues do, and find alternate ways home if you do indulge in adult beverages. Your car can always be recovered the next day when you're of clear mind, and that last thing anyone or any family wants during this time of year is tragedy. Be smart, be responsible, and be home for the holidays so everyone can have a merry holiday season!

I'm off to get ready for a party. Enjoy hockey if you're watching games tonight, and I'll dig back into some puck chatter tomorrow!

Until next time, keep your sticks on the ice!