I have passed up parties in the past because I couldn't bring something. They really don't understand sometimes. Honestly, I think employers should pay for the Christmas party. We did a Thanksgiving potluck but it was entirely voluntary. I didn't even bring food. We needed cups for punch, so I spent $2 and brought those. I think there's always a cheap alternative, like bringing chips or rolls. At our Holiday party at another employer, they would have it catered, but we brought whatever drinks we wanted. That was always fun because people loved bringing their favorite alcohol beverage.

I think also, a batch of cookies or brownies is not very expensive to make. I know so many people live paycheck to paycheck, so I'm not saying this to say people have to participate, but just that it doesn't have to be very expensive.