Atlantic Media Company owner David Bradley is really getting into the Christmas spirit this year. He has invited all NJ staffers who received the buyout to the annual Christmas party.

And there is a wave of stunned amusement in the ranks. One ex-employee remarked, “Well, it was a little unusual but I think it was a nice gesture.” The individual said anyone who had taken the buyout had received an invitation, which means some 40 to 50 people.

The former employee said, “No, I don’t think I’m going to go.”

The invitation wasn’t formal. It was a note of appreciation that said, “If you’d like to come to the Christmas party please give us a call.” Bradley’s annual Christmas party is typically held at a hotel — word has it there’s not enough room in the conference room to fit all those warm bodies.

Atlantic Media Company’s VP, Head of Corporate and Strategic Communications Linda Douglass had this to say about Bradley’s invitations to those who received the buyouts: “It’s an invitation to people who worked together for many years to celebrate the holidays with old friends.”