It’s Christmas time, so it’s time for a special article. Today we’re going to talk about office Christmas parties and where it can all go wrong. The following are my top five do’s and don’ts for the office party.
DO: Have a good time.
The purpose of the office party is not for you to sit in the corner while everyone else has fun. If you drink alcohol, have a few drinks and relax. If you want to dance around with your co-workers to the cheesy Christmas music, have a blast. Remember that everyone is there to have a good time, so you should too.
DON’T: Have too much to drink and/or go completely crazy.
One year, I attended a Christmas party for my then employer hosted at a local theatre. Part of the party was a ticket that entitled you to five (yes five) free alcoholic beverages. Naturally, I had all five glasses of white wine. Also naturally, I got a little too merry for an office party. The lesson I learned? Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Remember these are people you work with and know your limits.
DO: Take photos with your co-workers to show how much fun you’re having.
Often at Christmas parties there are photo booths big enough for all of you and your work friends to jump in and take a group photo. If there isn’t one, take a few selfies to commemorate the night. This is all part of the having fun point, these are fun memories for you to create with your friends because after all, these people are your friends and not just people you work with.
DON’T: Take photos with your co-workers that might embarrass you later.
So, while it’s all good fun to take photos with your friends from work, remember these photos will probably be doing the rounds later. Make sure all the pictures you are in are appropriate and not ones that you’ll come to regret next time you’re in the office.
DO: Talk to new people and make new friends.
This is your best opportunity all year to talk to people you work with who you don’t know. The party is for socialising and for you to have fun with the people you work with, so take the chance to talk to people you wouldn’t otherwise speak to at work. The office Christmas party is a great way to make new friends and connections that you might not have otherwise had the chance to make.
DON’T: Get too friendly.
Basically remember that again, these are people you work with. The office Christmas party traditionally always includes some ‘coupling up’ of staff that ends up causing a huge amount of embarrassment and awkwardness for both people involved when they’re back at work. Don’t let that be you.
DO: Stay out and have fun.
There’s no point going to a Christmas party if you’re going to leave after half an hour. Stick around, socialise and enjoy the company of your work mates without the stresses of being at work. It’s such a rare event for everyone in the office (including the management) to let their hair down and have fun, so as long as you don’t really have to be somewhere else, try and stay out and enjoy the festivities.
DON’T: Stay out all night.
Most Christmas parties will end at around midnight and sometimes it can be tempting to go out on the town afterwards. However, most Christmas parties also happen on a night before you have to be at work the next day. If you have to be up in the morning, don’t be up until 5 in the morning because everything will have to be back to normal when you’re back in the office. You are still an employee, after all.
DO: Dress up.
This is your chance to get glammed up and feel great about yourself, so take it! Put your dancing shoes on and let your hair down and have fun, everyone else will be. It’s nice to remind yourself and the people you work with that you are a human being who can look great in your work clothes and when you’re dressed for a night out.
DON’T: Dress crazy.
Every Christmas party has one person who goes way too far with the fancy dress and jingle bells. It’s funny, sure, for everyone else. I’d like to take this opportunity to refer back to the embarrassing photos I mentioned earlier. That being said, if the boss shows up wrapped in tinsel and a light up Christmas jumper, just remember, you love it, they’re hilarious and what a fantastic boss they are.
So there we have it, my top 5 do’s and don’ts for your office Christmas party. You might have already had your party this year and can relate to some of these, or you’ve got it coming up soon and need to know what to expect because it’s your first Christmas party. Whatever the occasion, Merry Christmas and have a fantastic New Year.
