I saw one of my favourite accounts share this image and smiled in blissful relief that yes, I am a freelancer, and yes this is my idea of an ideal Christmas party.
So how have I gone from being a-lets-make-sure-this-night-never-ends party go-er to someone who thinks a sickly victorian-esque girl lying in a darkened room with a single flickering candle looks like a great time?
It’s probably the years of therapy that has given me a stronger sense of self and a better understanding of what I actually enjoy.
I thought I thrived off big teams, hilarious escalating nights out and huge hangovers.
But this year I didn’t feel sad that I didn’t have a ‘Big Christmas Party’ section blocked out in my diary. I was actually relieved that…
I didn’t have to buy a Secret Santa present for someone to open and then leave on the table after lunch.
I didn’t have to buy or wear a scratchy Christmas jumper.
I didn’t have any tickly tinsel foisted around my neck.
I didn’t have morning-after dread of wondering who I spoke to, for how long and about what?!
Bah humbug!
Don’t worry I haven’t let the season pass without some celebrations. I set aside eight hours, the equivalent of one working day to do nice things throughout December.
I made a wreath for my front door.
I topped up my regular donation to the foodbank.
I designed and wrote my Christmas cards.
I’ve enjoyed many a Gail’s mince pie.
I’ve had a solo breakfast with my book.
I exchanged a few messages with other freelancers about their own solo work parties, and my favourite being “I had mine last night, slept 11 hours.”
Work Christmas parties are intended to celebrate the season and the employees efforts throughout the working year. I definitely feel I’ve done that, AND I have been spared the paper hats and any bad chat from Colin in accounts. Glorious. Just glorious.