Teddy Bear Holiday Party

MYFOXNY.COM - The number of office holiday parties has gone the way of the economy: down.

Employers feel they cannot justify spending money on a party while laying off employees. But alternatives are popping up across the country to help keep workers in the spirit of the season.

For example, Redemption Bar on Manhattan's Upper East Side threw a party for those who didn't have one at their workplace.

Invitations were sent out by e-mail blast to their customer data base. Anyone who showed up with a business card got a free cocktail.

Another alternative, a charity party. At the accounting firm KPMG, employees made teddy bears that will be given to local charities.  CEO John Veihmeyer says the party was not a cost cutting measure but a way to make a difference this season.