I know I’m often quick to bemoan these modern times and to look back wistfully on the good old days, but my attempts to stay cheerful have just suffered a particularly severe blow. Why? Well, dear readers, I received a bank's invitation to their holiday party — one that should be filled with mulled wine and cocktails. This is, after all, the one time of the year when we can all cut loose and imbibe with our colleagues and old friends.
But much to my dismay, the list of beverages to be provided at the party only included a short two-hour free flow of house beer, soft drinks and orange juice. Orange juice and house beer? I could not believe my eyes.
To make matters worse, just a few days later, I received an email from one of the party organisers at the bank reminding me to “drink responsibly” over the holidays, to serve as the best possible representation of myself and my associates.
I personally feel I would be a better representative sipping on a classy Manhattan or clinking champagne glasses with friends rather than funnelling house beer like a frat boy to get my two hours’ worth of drinks in. And isn’t the morning hangover after a holiday party a badge of honour, and a sign of a jolly good time?
Of course, I’m not advocating the debauchery we bankers used to get up to. But really, why steal the spirit(s) of Christmas?