Whether you dread it, look forward to it, or plan it yourself, it comes every year like clockwork: the annual office Christmas party. Even though the office party is supposed to be a time to relax, chat with your colleagues, and have a good time, it's also a time to keep yourself a little reined-in. Because even though you work hard and deserve the chance to really let loose, there are some things you should never do at an office party... and others that you should.
So before you strap on your reindeer antlers and stop by the liquor store for a bottle of whiskey for the office eggnog, it's a smart idea to think about some of the following dos and don'ts, and plan your behavior accordingly. Or you may well regret it come Monday.
Office Christmas Party "Dos"
Do... attend. Even if you don't want to. For most of us, the idea of spending an evening in the office (even with a drink in our hand) on a Friday evening is about as inviting as a dog bite. But it's important to make an appearance and make the rounds. After all, if you can't commit yourself to attending a Christmas party, what does that say to the boss about your commitment to the company?
Do... remember you're at work. Just because the office is decorated in tinsel and filled with the sound of merrymaking instead of ringing phones doesn't change the fact that you're at work. It's important to keep your behavior above-board... because you may have to face most of these people in a boardroom after the holidays.
Do... work the room. You don't want to be a wallflower at the office Christmas party. Walk around and talk to people outside your department. You never know... you could make a new friend. And an important new contact in the company.
Do... pretend you're having a good time. The company and the person organizing the party put a lot into this occasion; they want to see people enjoying themselves. So even if you'd rather get a root canal than chat with the receptionist, do it and pretend to like it. Hey, it's only one night.
Do... thank your boss and the party organizer. Worked your way across the room, made some new contacts, and ready to leave? Don't forget to thank the people who paid for and organized the party.
Office Christmas Party "Don'ts"
Don't... drink too much. This should come as a warning label on every office party invitation ever sent. Don't drink too much! While a drink or four might take the edge off of spending an evening making chitchat with people you don't even like during the week, it won't be worth it when those same people are laughing about your behavior come Monday morning. Have a drink or two, but don't overdo it.
Don't... sex it up. All parties are not created equal. Though you normally wear a short and slinky skirt and sky-high heels to your neighbor's annual Christmas bash, you don't want to wear the same thing to the office party. It's fine to look festive, but don't forget where you are!
Don't... spill your secrets. Something about the festive, casual atmosphere of the office Christmas party invites more intimate talk that you normally enter into at work. Watch that you don't say more about your personal life than you want people to know. If you've been internet dating a couple of Danish twin brother porn stars, for instance, you probably want to keep it to yourself. Just as you would during the week.
Don't... flirt. At least, don't flirt too much. If you let the casual feel of a holiday party tempt you into overtly flirting with the sexy accounting assistant you've had your eye on, you can bet that people will be whispering about it at work on Monday.
Don't... be the first or last to leave. The key to attending the office Christmas party is putting in just the right amount of face time. It's best if people don't remember you as ducking out early, or staying and partying all night. You want to be sure to stay at least a half an hour... but you don't want to be found passed out under the buffet table when the cleaning crews arrive!
