Your Guide to Christmas Office Party Etiquette (aka How to Not Make a Fool of Yourself in Front of Your Boss)
Christmas is almost upon us and with this holiday comes a slew of Christmas parties, including one that your colleague organized to score some brownie points with the bosses. It’s the office event you look forward to or dread.
Partying with your officemates you don’t particularly have a relationship with outside of work, or with your strict boss might not be anyone’s idea to spend their night. However, your office’s Christmas party doesn’t have to be a minefield of awkward small talk. With a little refresher on office etiquette, you can survive your office holiday bash (or, you know, just avoid everything they did in the 2016 Christmas comedy film Office Christmas Party).
Dress the Part
Sure, you’re excited to show off your outfit but keep in mind that you’re dressing up for the people with whom you work. You’re not preparing to go out on a date or attend an awards night. Keep it professional. Of course, it doesn’t mean you should dress up the way you usually dress when you go to work; after all, you’re going to a party. But ditch the revealing dress or ripped jeans for your Christmas office party.
Etiquette tip: If the outfit you plan on wearing is something you can’t wear to meet a client, dial it down.
Keep the Small Talk Rolling (But Avoid Office Politics)
Office parties are all about mingling with officemates you wouldn’t normally chat with, but don’t fall into the trap of spending the party gossiping about your other colleagues just because it’s your only common interest, or worse, office policies. Nothing says “awkward silence,” like debating leave policies with Karen from HR. You both had too much to drink.
Etiquette tip: Stick to safe topics like holiday plans and whether the cafeteria food is edible or not. If you find yourself caught in an office policies debate, smile politely and excuse yourself to get another drink.
Don’t Come to the Party “Thirsty”
Even if alcohol is served, or it’s an open bar, it’s not an invitation to make a fool of yourself. No one needs to see your impromptu performance of “Jingle Bell Rock” after one too many shots of tequila.
Etiquette tip: You know your alcohol tolerance. Have fun, but don’t test your limits. You’re there to enjoy yourself, not to become the topic of the office water cooler rumor mill.
Don’t Try to be the Office Hero
Avoid stepping on your colleagues’ toes by just doing your part with the Christmas office party. If you’re in charge of the Secret Santa, just be involved with that. Relax and let go of the reins and let the others do their job.
Etiquette tip: If you’re not in charge of anything, stick to your role of eating, drinking, and dancing. Leave the logistical responsibilities to someone else who’s probably getting a bonus anyway for organizing the party.
Mind Your Gossip
People love to gossip. It’s hard to avoid gossiping about who’s secretly dating who, who spilled coffee on the conference room’s carpet, or who’s taking all the pantry’s sugar packets, but your office Christmas party is not the place to talk about your complaints regarding the marketing department.
Etiquette tip: Keep the office gossip light and free of drama. If it’s something you wouldn’t say to the person you’re talking about, then don’t say it to anyone else.
The Christmas office party is about celebrating the holiday season, bonding with your coworkers and even making memories you’ll look back on and laugh about in the future. Keep the festivities light, and balance fun with professionalism. Happy holidays!
