LINCOLNSHIRE, Ill. – For many employees, holiday cheer will be found in parties not bonuses this year. A new Hewitt Associates study finds that 65% of U.S. organizations will not offer a holiday bonus this year. Reasons for cutting holiday bonuses ranged from cost (58%) and entitlement issues (32%), to the development of pay-for-performance plans (29%). Of the 35% of companies that will offer a holiday bonus program this year, 28% plan to provide cash bonuses, 28% will give retailer gift certificates and 23% will reward employees with a gift of food. These organizations said they continue to award holiday bonuses as a way to show appreciation, uphold tradition and boost morale. Another holiday tradition – company parties – is making a comeback with some 68% of companies planning to host some form of a holiday party this year.