It's our 'do' today.

I am attempting to muster enthusiasm. Enthusiasm is hiding in the wardrobe and shouting 'bugger this for a game of soldiers' when not sucking its thumb and fondling a comfort blanket.

Last year I had another party to attend, ensuring an early escape. Early escape again for me this year, I think.

Anyway, I can predict I will miss nowt.

This office is relatively well behaved.

There will be excessive drinking by certain parties. There will be 'words' and I have had a strong word with myself re keeping my big mouth shut and NOT saying what I think. But I can't see any serious scandal.

Not like those parties of old.

Ah, the good old journo days. Days when morality was something to preach not practice (no changes there either, I suspect). Which partially explains the Christmas party clean-up bill once came close to exceeding the cost of the buffet and most of the damage to the curtains was caused by a member of the subs' bench using them as a launch aid onto the dance floor.

So, with nothing more than slurring to look forward to I plan to be out by 7pm.

This year I have the season finale of CSI Miami waiting for me at home.

This may be a sad reflection of my myopic loyalties and imploding social life but I don't care. Me. Horatio. That sofa. 9pm. That's final.