I lasted ten minutes at the office party. I was on the fence about going, had an awkward social encounter almost immediately, so I just left. It was an open bar and free food, but I don't drink and there wasn't food I could eat.

No obligatory gift giving, thankfully... and if I have to chose, I'd take secret santa over white elephant any day. I did two white elephants last year by not bringing gifts and saying I wasn't participating. Both times (neither at work), someone gave me an extra gift and told me to take a number!!!

I also don't like office events. I work with these people all day, don't need to see them outside of work. Parties stress me out in general, even with friends.