I keep forgetting to take photos of our annual Crew Christmas Party at home. That’s probably because I am so crazed with food, games, prizes, entertainment, music etc! In the ten years I have maintained this blog, I have only posted two crew parties previously, here and here. But every year they seem to grow bigger and bigger, and a couple of friends and some family bring their crews over as well so the guest list tops 50 people since they are also encouraged to invite and immediate family or close friends if they like. These photos are actually from last year’s celebration, I realized I had never posted them after I got sidetracked by other matters in January 2014…
Of course there are Zubuchons, sent from Cebu and enough so that all families go home with lechon for their niche buena celebrations the following day.
Several kinds of paella…
…and lots of other food as well. Notice the KFC on the buffet table, a special request from crew, who typically take the night off and don’t cook much for the dinner. There are also salads, desserts, noodles, etc. And despite the burgeoning buffet, everything is boxed up and taken home at the end of the evening.
Of course there was dancing…
…that year with teenagers mostly doing the entertainment.
We had games that included crafting an outfit from newspapers and crepe paper…
…which set off a frenzy of activity…
…and amazing results given the three minute time frame!
Some G-rated games included popping balloons on people’s laps as well as a whole host of raffle prizes and surprises.
Chief of Stuff (COS) and I had managed an early morning surgical strike to Divisoria, so on behalf of some guests we got cases and cases of fruit including fuji apples…
…delicious seedless Californian grapes…
…and ginormous oranges. All were packed up and sent home with crew and their guests.
We also had this enormous bags of MSG laden snacks and chips for mostly the kids…
…while other family/friends brought along tins and tins of butter cookies and other goodies to giveaway to all the guests.
Friends always comment that our Christmas tree during our annual Christmas dinners is so incredibly packed with nicely wrapped gifts…
…but few believe it when we say “wait till the end of our Crew Christmas party… the tree looks like a hurricane has hit”. That’s ginger asking “huh, what’s up with that?” as the vast majority of presents head home with all and sundry. This year’s celebration was a little bit more muted as I didn’t get my act together in time to organize better games, but I suspect I will make up for it next year. A few people did end up in the pool for the grand prize however. :) It’s a small gesture during the holidays and all the associated festivities, but honestly, the evening of the Crew Christmas Party is one of our favorites of the entire season.
10 Responses
You are one generous family thus you are very much blessed!!!
“.. a couple of friends and some family bring their crews over as well .. ” Hahaha, I hope they contribute to the food and preparations as well and not just drop off their crew in your house.
ami, they do, that’s part of why the crew go home with so much in tow… :)
I’s always wonderful to read about your Crew parties. Part of the family indeed.
Oh, hello Ginger! :)
How i wish most employers, if not all, are like you, MM. You treat your employees/crews just like they are part of the family. They are very lucky to have you.
Definitely looks like something to look forward to every year! Would you happen to have a vacancy? ;)
oh, and Happy New Year to all! :)
What a feast!!! You certainly outdid yourself, it looks like everyone had an amazing time.
You really are kind and generous to your crew. Morale must be very high among the whole group. I’m sure you enjoy treating them all too. Many blessings!
This certainly looks like an event they look forward to every year. What a gracious employer you are. :)
Too late for Christmas geetings MM so let me just wish you, your family and crew a prosperous 2015 (and beyond)!