December 3, 2008 12:35 PM

Win an office party
Posted by Jesse Nunesat 12:35 PM

It's a tough time for yuletide joy in offices around the country.

You may have read the stories of how companies have been cutting back -- and in many cases eliminating -- their annual holiday parties. Now, while some companies have been canceling the celebrations for legitimate financial reasons, others are cutting back simply because it may look bad to party in such gloomy economic times.

But fret not, jolly cube-dwellers. The adult beverage company Kahlua is sponsoring a "Holiday Party Bailout Grant" contest where a lucky company can win $10,000 toward on office party. The contest, which started this past Monday, is only available to businesses in Massachusetts, Texas, Colorado, Georgia, and Illinois. You have to be 21 (obviously) to apply, and have to work for a small business of under 50 people. Here is the judging criteria for entries, from the contest website (Note: You must be 21 to enter the site):

Creativity of written responses - Take creative liberty with this application and feel free to blow us away with your originality and skills.

Persuasiveness of need - Does the mere thought of not having a holiday party send a cold shiver down your spine? Is the company holiday party the only party you're invited to all year? In other words, tell us why you need a holiday party more than any other company in your state.

The embodiment of Kahlua's spirit of exploring curiosity - We are looking for companies that explore the curiosity and needs of their employees by encouraging such things as further education, fun in the workplace, participation in the community, creating and maintaining a work environment that is open to new ideas or celebrating everyday accomplishments.

The website says the contest for submission is Sunday, Dec. 7, and the winner will be notified by Dec. 12. So, hey, if you work for a small business in Mass. and had your company party canceled this year, it could be worth a shot.

That is, unless, you hate holiday parties. Grinch.