Holiday work parties: Did you mutter bah humbug and call in sick the day of the party? Or did you relish celebrating with your colleagues?    

My fondest memory was of celebrating with my KCPT public television family. We decorated the studio, brought in potluck dishes, and enjoyed the afternoon feast. No spiked punch. No brazen behavior.

In other words, this private party was rated G.    

We gathered around the piano and sang carols. Our talented colleague played the piano in grand fashion for the impromptu choir of co-workers. At that moment, I felt like I was in the our family’s living room with Mom playing the piano and Dad singing slightly off key and a measure ahead.  

My coworkers were a friendly family who took pride in their work. Quirky characters but genuine and kind. Picture a diverse cast featuring Orson Welles as the staunch news producer demanding perfection. Morgan Freeman could have played the good-natured tall cameraman with the deep voice. And Will Ferrell would have portrayed the goofy guy who was in charge of something “important,” but I wasn’t sure what.

The point was that everyone respected one another no matter their job or tenure. On-air talent or lowly copywriters like me were all treated well at KCPT. Turnover was low, and morale was high. These capable co-workers weren’t there for the money. I based this assumption on my paycheck. Yep, I was close to qualifying for food stamps. But this was the 1980s and I was ecstatic to have landed a broadcast job. My first real job.

Overall, KCPT was a nurturing atmosphere, and I grew my experience by volunteering for the station’s auctions and fundraisers. The fundraisers were frenzied fun. A different kind of party.

I stayed at the station a couple of years before leaving for a commercial station chasing the promise of more opportunity and more money. As I recall, I applied for a position in the promotion department but instead I was offered a role in the traffic department. No, the job didn’t mean wearing a neon vest and directing cars. I served on a team that booked commercials ranging from car dealers to P&G products. Although my co-workers were collegial and respectful, the bond was like that of distant cousins, instead of the close-knit family I knew and loved at the public television station.

Commercial television was different.  

First, the on-air talent, reporters, and salespeople who generated revenue had the most power, respect, and influence. Ranking second in power were the “advertisers.” I was disheartened to hear the rumors of advertisers threatening to pull their ads if the station aired negative stories about their businesses.

What about the annual party? The station held its year-end event in a fancy hotel, renting the rotating top floor, which provided a panoramic view with spectacular scenery. Oh, I felt like I was at a Hollywood party mingling with the station’s stars with winsome smiles. An open bar, delicious food, and a band made for a showy party. Plus, there was a raffle drawing. Yes, I won the prized shiny jacket with the station’s call letters.    

Guess what my bonus was: an 18-pound turkey! The managers handed us the frozen turkeys, rather than dropping them from a plane. (Just for laughs, here’s my favorite sitcom clip:  WKRP historic turkey drop.)  

I appreciated the turkey, party, and cost of living salary increase. Yet, something was missing for me: the comradery among colleagues. The party lacked the laughter, warmth, and fun of sharing a simple potluck lunch under the glow of studio lights.