x-mas parties
One of my pet peeves comes up this time of year: the office Christmas party. It's not that I mind gathering with coworkers to celebrate the season, especially if I'm on the clock at the time of the party. But as someone who loves comparative religion and prefers to include all faiths, the idea of workplaces decked out in nativity scenes rubs me the wrong way.
Yes, it's true: I'm one of those sticklers who insist on calling it "the office holiday party." I also insist on wishing everyone "Happy Holidays" and sending cards that say "Season's Greetings."
In spite of this, or because of it, I'm looking forward to this week's episode of "The Office." It's going to be a one-hour special dedicated to the Dunder-Mifflin bunch and their wacky workplace festivities. Entertainment Weekly says there will be not one but two parties thrown at the Scranton branch, thanks to creative differences on the party-planning committee.
That's something I love so much about this show: the way they can take a simple, mundane task like party planning and stretch it into an hour of hilarity.
Last season, the holiday episode was fantastic. Michael (played by Steve Carell) — unhappy with the homemade potholder he received in the Secret Santa gift exchange — took over and declared it "Yankee Swap," forcing his employees to give up their gifts if someone else claimed them. Of course, there was an element of suspense, since Jim (John Krasinski) had put a card expressing his feelings for Pam (Jenna Fischer) inside her present and that present kept circulating among the staff, but it all worked out in the end, and it was a truly funny episode. Possibly one of Season Two's best, but it's so difficult to choose a favorite with the second-best show on TV.
So now I'm waiting on this year's holiday episode, set to air on Thursday at 8 p.m. on NBC. Set your VCRs or, if you're more sophisticated than I am, your TiVos and DVRs.
PS: According to my local listings, tomorrow night's "House" episode is titled "Merry Little Christmas," and I'll bet it's another that shouldn't be missed. 9 p.m. on Fox -- see you there!