But the question is, should that make the world stop? What about the ones who are still around? Who are slogging their backsides off and putting extra hours so that the wheels of the company, the economy and the country keep rolling! (Well not as dramatic as that but I guess the point is clear).

The times are tough and hence the tone and scale of the celebrations can be smaller (will do the company good by saving costs as well), but party there should be. That is the only way one can relax, recharge and bond for doing their bit the next day and the next year.

And finally, yes, the party should be on only if it is not the tax payer’s money that you are using – like some of the Wall Street types did last year after getting bailouts from the federal government. That is a strict No No.

Yes, your prized talent that worked hard all year long even though your business struggled - your prized talent who could walk any time - in boom or bust.

You can trim the bonuses or the jelly-of-the-month clubs, but don’t cut the holiday gathering.

We’re having an onsite like we usually do that includes a business vision review and other interactive presentations. We’re not flying everyone out this year from our team for other reasons as well as the recession, but we are plugging everyone in virtually so they can participate.

Then for the local folks we’re going bowling. Yep, bowling and then out for a light meal for festive camaraderie and fun.

Who doesn’t want that?