The holiday season is here, and along with it comes the office Christmas party—an event that promises laughter, camaraderie, and, unfortunately for some, regret. While it’s a chance to let your hair down and celebrate with colleagues, it’s also a minefield of potential career missteps. A few bad decisions at the party can haunt you long after the festive decorations come down.
To help you avoid becoming the stuff of office legend for all the wrong reasons, here are 13 things you should never, ever do at the office Christmas party.
1. Bring Friends From Outside the Company
This is a big no-no. Bringing a plus-one who isn’t invited might seem harmless, but it’s seen as entitled and disrespectful. The company is footing the bill for employees, not your best friend or partner. Imagine the awkwardness of explaining why your plus-one is quaffing the free wine while your boss wonders why they weren’t informed.
A Bad Moms Christmas – 2017. Pic: REX
Instead, embrace the opportunity to bond with coworkers and make it a point to leave your social circle at home for the night. It’s also a chance to show respect for the company’s policies and avoid making anyone feel uncomfortable. By attending solo, you demonstrate professionalism and the ability to integrate into the office culture without outside distractions.
2. Treat the Bar Like Your Personal Liquor Cabinet
Yes, there’s free alcohol, but that’s no reason to act like a college freshman at happy hour. Moderation is key. Opting for the priciest drinks or overindulging will leave a lasting impression—and not the good kind.
At the Street Cars Christmas party at the Bisto with Eileen, Steve and Tracy, Tim Metcalfe, as played by Joe Duttine, hits the bottle, ‘Coronation Street’ TV Show UK.
Pic: REX
Be mindful of how much you’re consuming and stick to drinks that align with the party’s vibe. Your dignity and your job will thank you later. Remember, colleagues and management will notice how you handle yourself, and maintaining composure can go a long way in preserving your professional reputation.
3. Dance Like No One’s Watching
Everyone is watching. What feels like a TikTok-worthy performance in your head might look more like a cringe compilation to others. Worse, someone might film it, and your drunken “interpretive dance” could make its way around the office faster than you think.
The Merry Gentlemen – 2024. Pic: REX
Stick to simple moves if you must hit the dance floor, and always err on the side of classy. A little rhythm can be fun, but overly wild or provocative moves can leave a lasting impression for all the wrong reasons. Keep it lighthearted and enjoy yourself without drawing unnecessary attention.
4. Be a Wallflower
The only thing worse than being the center of negative attention is being invisible. Office parties are a chance to network and strengthen relationships with colleagues. Avoid lurking in the shadows or clinging to your phone.
GENIE, Melissa McCarthy, 2023. Pic: REX
If you’re not a natural conversationalist, prepare a few lighthearted topics or questions to spark engagement. You don’t have to be the life of the party, but make an effort to connect. Engaging in a few meaningful conversations can leave a positive impression and help you build rapport with coworkers.
5. Corner the Boss About Work
No one wants to discuss quarterly earnings or your innovative ideas for next year’s strategy over a glass of bubbly. Your boss is there to unwind, not to be pitched.
A Bad Moms Christmas” Film – 2017. Pic: REX
Keep conversations light and steer clear of work-related topics unless they bring it up first. This is your chance to show your human side—not your sales pitch. Take this opportunity to talk about shared interests or hobbies, demonstrating that you’re well-rounded and approachable outside of work.
6. Forget to Eat Before You Leave the House
Rookie mistake! Skipping a pre-party meal is a surefire way to fast-track a tipsy disaster. The appetizers and snacks at the party might not be enough to balance the alcohol, leading to slurred speeches and regretful decisions.
Our Little Secret – 2024. Pic: REX
Eat a substantial meal before you go. It’ll help you pace yourself and keep embarrassing moments at bay. Additionally, staying hydrated throughout the evening can make a big difference in keeping you alert and composed as the night progresses.
7. Enter Beer Tears Country
The holiday season can stir up a lot of emotions, but the office party is not the time to unleash them. Whether it’s a sentimental story or frustrations with a coworker, keep the waterworks in check.
Derry Girls. Pic: Channel 4
If you feel the tears coming on, excuse yourself, step outside, and compose yourself. No one remembers the sober party-goers, but everyone remembers the crier. Staying composed will help you maintain your credibility and keep the focus on positive interactions.
8. Lose Your Temper
Tensions can run high in any workplace, but an office party fueled by alcohol is not the time to address grievances. Avoid confrontations, even if a colleague is pushing your buttons.
Office Christmas Party’ – Kendra Wilkinson and Carl Fogarty ‘I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!’. Pic: REX
Rise above and keep it civil. Losing your cool could damage your reputation—and might even make Monday mornings unbearable. Instead, channel any frustrations into a positive activity or conversation, ensuring the evening remains harmonious and enjoyable for everyone.
9. Be the Drunkest Person There
Every office party has that one person who overdoes it. Don’t be that person. Being visibly intoxicated—or worse, needing to be carried out—will earn you an unwanted spotlight.
Office Christmas Party’ Film – 2016. Pic: REX
Know your limits, alternate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and keep tabs on your intake. Remember, you want to leave with your dignity intact. Drinking responsibly ensures you’ll still be able to engage in meaningful conversations and leave a positive impression.
10. Be the “Weird” New Guy or Girl
First impressions matter, especially if you’re new to the company. The office party is a great opportunity to showcase your personality, but don’t overdo it. Over-the-top behavior can alienate colleagues and make you stand out for the wrong reasons.
Office Christmas Party’ Film – 2016. Pic: REX
Focus on building rapport and keeping interactions friendly but professional. Take the time to learn more about your coworkers, showing genuine interest in their lives while remaining approachable and composed.
11. Miss Out on the Fun
While it’s essential to avoid mistakes, it’s equally important not to be overly cautious. The office party is a chance to let your guard down and enjoy yourself. Participate in the fun activities, mingle with colleagues, and embrace the holiday spirit.
est Christmas Party Ever’ TV Show – Dec 2014. Pic: REX
Just remember to keep everything in moderation. Striking the right balance between professionalism and festive fun will help you make the most of the event without compromising your reputation.
12. Hook Up With Your Office Crush
No matter how tempting it might be, the office party is not the time to act on your crush. A workplace romance is tricky enough without adding alcohol and public scrutiny to the mix. Even if it’s consensual, it’ll likely lead to awkwardness later.
Office Christmas Party – 2016. Pic: REX
Keep things professional and save any potential romance for another time and place. Showing restraint and professionalism will reflect well on your character and help you avoid unnecessary complications.
13. Call in Sick the Next Day
There’s nothing worse than pulling a no-show the morning after the party. Everyone will know why, and it’ll reflect poorly on your professionalism. Suffering through a hangover at your desk is far better than being labeled as unreliable.
A Very Murray Christmas’ film – 2015. Pic: REX
Plan ahead, drink responsibly, and make sure you’re ready to face the next workday. Showing up demonstrates accountability and helps reinforce your reliability in the workplace.
The office Christmas party
The office Christmas party is a balancing act—a chance to celebrate with colleagues, but also a potential minefield of mistakes.
By keeping these 13 tips in mind, you can navigate the event with grace, have a great time, and still show up on Monday morning with your reputation intact.
So this holiday season, raise a glass, enjoy the festivities, and most importantly, don’t let one night’s decisions follow you into the new year.
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