On December 28th, 2007 I was invited by a friend to a her company’s New Year’s Party. Back in Canada these corporate celebrations are called X.mas parties. Here in Ukraine New Year is celebrated to a much larger extent. X.mas trees are referred to as New Year trees; gifts are New Year gifts.

Two buses left the company premises at 16.00 and after a 45 minute drive to the outskirts of Kiev we arrived. About 70 staff members attended, the owner of the business wore a Santa Claus outfit, upon arrival all attendees got to pick a party hat, snacks and drinks were served. 12 large tables were elaborately set up, with many salads and of course much to drink, ranging from Vodka to Champagne. The tables were large and only six place-settings were set up; this allowed all to face the dance-floor which also doubled as a stage. An M/C was there, he also acted as a DJ. Much of the music was old stand-bys, and much of the evening was planned by the M/C. The various departments of the corporation put on a little show, toasting or joking about the company. Prizes were presented to staff-members for outstanding achievement including a corporate certificate of merit.

The venue was very nice, located just outside of Kiev in a beautiful setting, the building was a log structure, surrounded by many mature cedars. The banquet hall well appointed; with corporate banners displayed, x.mas and New Year themes decorations throughout the banquet hall. At 22.00 buses were on stand-by to take guest back into the city, at midnight another bus came to pick up the remaining guests.

It was a wonderful evening and very different to what I had experienced back home.