One of the nice things about working in an office can be the end of year celebrations. I’ve worked in offices where everyone took half a day off and went to a Christmas lunch and where everyone received a Christmas hamper. So now that I’m working at home, I don’t really get the end of year social celebration and I kind of miss it. This year I decided to organise my own office Christmas party. No, it’s not as sad as it may first sound, with me taking myself out to lunch (though I am perfectly happy to do that!). I contacted all the romance writers in my area (there’s about 67) and invited th
em all to a Christmas party.
When I had an idea of numbers, I found a place that would suit – Jamie’s Italian in the CBD. Fourteen people attended and it was a really great night. The food was plentiful – we shared entrees that almost filled us up and then we had a main course and dessert. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone, though the restaurant was really noisy so it was a little difficult to hear.
We all decided we should make it a yearly event, though perhaps next year we’ll try to find somewhere quieter, or maybe meet in a park for a picnic. There was even talk of doing secret Santa, but I think I’ll let someone else organise that!
It’s important to me that I stop every now and then and reflect on my achievements and what I’ve done during the year. My home is my workplace and that means that it’s sometimes difficult to escape work. I’m fortunate that I love what I do, but everyone needs a break now and then and if I don’t make myself take it, then I’m constantly working. It’s why I try my hardest to finish writing by 5pm, and try not to turn the computer on over the weekend. So celebrating my achievements, or just my year is a way of rewarding myself, and taking time out to reflect.
What do you do to celebrate your end of year?
