where I work you have to pay for your own Christmas do, the company contribute nothing. if it was free I would consider it, but since you have to pay, to essentially work overtime as Martin says, then no chance. I don't care what I am branded as a result and they know I don't care so they don't bother. Works for me.
I did once work at a place that put on a proper do, 3 course meal, free booze and a turn. One year we had Frank Skinner, he was on for about 3 hours, they couldn't get him off the stage. Never laughed so hard and so long in my life. He over ran so much they were still handing out the awards at one in the morning. There was always a few punch ups outside afterwards, fighting over whose taxi it was mostly, but occasionally over a woman. Those were the days.
Current Lash Up:
TEAC VRDS 701T > Sony TAE1000ESD > Krell KSA50S > JM Labs Focal Electra 926.