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It is getting to be that time of year again. You know what I am talking about. Clark Griswold and his Christmas lights, 24-hour marathons of A Christmas Story on two channels at the same time, and last year’s fruitcake. Everyone is wearing bulkier clothes to stay warm and to hide another helping of turkey (or one more cookie), and everyone is invited to the Office Holiday Party!
Is this a treat or a curse? Are you planning to attend?
To help you survive this year’s office Christmas or holiday party, (and since I am a graduate of Ball State University, the alma mater of David Letterman), I have complied my own Top Nine List (for trademark purposes):
#9 – Do enjoy a drink or two. The best way to open up a little and forget about the stresses that we are all under, no matter your field, is to have a drink and socialize.
#8 – Don’t take #9 to the extreme, though. While there may be an open bar and one too many stresses in your life, this is still a work function. College was at least a few years ago and the drinking games are for the younger generations as well.
#7 – Do bring your appetite. If you know that you are to bring a covered dish, and the venue is preparing ample room for meat and cheese trays, veggies and dips, and enough desserts to feed a small village, leave the Sally Soul Smasher salad appetite at home. Everyone eats a little more during the holiday and if everyone is doing it, you won’t feel guilty.
#6 – Don’t be a no-show or leave too early. While you may not be the wild party animal you once were, do not make a brief 10-minute appearance or ditch the party altogether.
#5 – Do dress appropriately. Remember, as I stated previously, this is still a work function.
#4 – Don’t be on you phone all night. Facebook, Pinterest, and that football score can wait. This goes for your date as well! This evening is for you and your co-workers to enjoy and spread some holiday cheer. It is also possibly the one time all year that your co-workers can meet or talk to your significant other. Put the phone away, unless the babysitter is sending an S-O-S.
#3 – Do mingle. As #4 stated, don’t be hampered by your electronic leash. Talk to that co-worker that resides a few hallways away. Find a common interest that has not presented itself already at the office. In any case, feel free to socialize, that is what this party is meant for. Your co-workers are real people after all, and you may have more in common than you previously realized.
#2 – Don’t talk business all night. This could be a downer for your co-workers or your date. Everyone needs a little escape, and this is definitely the time to cut loose and find other talking points. While this business is what you all have in common, it may be the last thing that your date wants to hear about all night long, no matter how interesting you feel your profession is.
And the now for the drumroll and other special effects…
#1 – Do thank the host, hostess or organizers of the office party. It is no small feat to book a venue, prepare their residence, or decorate the office. While most of us show up and have a great time, there are some that are more concerned as to if there is enough food, if the drinks are cold, and if everyone is having a good time. Before you leave, thank the host for all that they have done and even offer to tidy up a bit. A small act of kindness like this may even get you on next year’s planning committee!
I hope these Do’s and Don’ts allow you to enjoy your office party this holiday season!
