DEAR MISS MANNERS: We are sending out electronic invites to our office Christmas party and would like to express that the invitation is for employees only, not guests.
How do we say that politely? Also, we do not want the invitation to be forwarded to other guests.
GENTLE READER: Then hold it during office hours.
In that case, a special invitation is hardly needed, and everyone is present anyway. But once you place it during the employees’ time off, Miss Manners assures you that you will counter legitimate resentment if you define “happy holidays” as extra hours spent away from spouses, partners and children.