I’m not a huge fan of the annual holiday party. I could take it or, more likely, leave it.

In fact, one year I tried to ignore it and hoped it would go away.

It didn’t.

Prior to that year, we had always had an event at my house or at a good restaurant and had everyone from the firm over along with their partners. It was always nice (if you like that sort of thing). Everyone seemed to have a good time.

That year, I thought I could get away without having the party if I just ignored it. The holidays would come and go, and no one would notice. Good plan, right? I thought it would work.

It didn’t.

They noticed.

And the next thing you know, we were in a crappy restaurant (since bulldozed) having our holiday party. It took on a life of its own, and there was nothing I could do to stop it. On top of that, since I was out of the loop, I was unable to use the event in the way I like: to recognize the achievements, accomplishments, and contributions of our team. Of course, I ended up paying for the party anyway, so the whole thing was lose-lose for me.

Oh well, I learned my lesson.

Now, in June, I book a place for the party. We outgrew my house, and we hold the annual event at Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse. We invite everyone and their dates, and the folks working remotely come in for a couple of days (we’re looking forward to seeing our operations guy who has been working from Buenos Aires).

The entire event is carefully structured with an annual award presented along with some other traditions. The evening gets wrapped up with one of those gift exchange games that inevitably brings some amusing moments involving people stealing one another’s gifts.

Afterward, the party continues for some folks. Different groups split off and head for a variety of after-party locations. A good time is had by all.

If you’re going to run a firm, no matter how antisocial you may feel, it’s important to abide by social norms. In our culture, the annual holiday party is one of those requirements. If you haven’t already planned the party, it’s time to get on the stick. Party, party, party!