OK, I don't know who all these lucky people are, getting their party treats so early, but in the first seven days of December, Moving Venue Caterers, one of the UK's leading catering companies had already

Based on those figures, their Christmas party revellers will have quaffed by the end of December

Have you been indulging in a little online shopping at your desk during December? According to a survey by British web security firm ScanSafe, we've nearly all been at it, getting those gifts for our nearest and dearest. Some of us, according to the report, spend up to one whole day internet shopping while at work!! I bet our bosses are delighted about that!

People in the office are apparently the biggest online spenders, doing their research offline over the weekend, coming in Monday morning, logging on – credit card in hand – and shopping 'till they drop! One third of office workers admitted to planning a little electronic gift shopping. (Unfortunately, say ScanSafe, security while online couldn't be further from shoppers' thoughts - so companies beware!)

And what about our festive spirit? Are we getting in the swing of Christmas fun and frivolity, or is it all just a burden? The Chartered Management Institute's annual Christmas survey shows that attitudes have changed over the past 12 months.

A year ago, many people were saying that Christmas at work was "a chore", but now the majority claim to enjoy the company of their colleagues. Now, says the CMI, the Scrooge mentality at work has been banished to Christmas Past.

Fewer than 1 in 5 managers believe Christmas celebrations are "a chore". The figure is in sharp contrast to Christmas 2004, when only 16 per cent suggested they enjoyed the office festivities.

The CMI also discovered that parties are on the up. The number of organisations hosting end-of-year bashes is climbing after a two-year dip. Some 74 per cent of organisations will be having office parties of some description, up from 59% in 2004.

This year, three-quarters will send a card to colleagues (52% in 2004) and 18% plan to exchange presents (11 per cent, last year).

Over half admit they will give a card to their boss and 1 in 4 will send seasons greetings to suppliers.

And it seems a heart still beats in the corporate body: 1 in 3 organisations donate money to charity at Christmas and 78% of those quizzed believe that Christmas has become too commercial.

Most people – 70 per cent – say festivities boost morale or are a chance to recognise hard work (51 per cent) and thank staff (63 per cent).

And finally, the Chartered Institute of Management asked managers to identify their favourite Christmas songs:

1. Silent Night
2. Slade's Merry Xmas Everybody
3. The Pogues and Kirsty MacColl singing Fairytale of New York