So now more than ever it's important to chill-out a bit and reserve some restraint at Christmas and holiday office parties.
Don't be surprised if they cut your party hours shorter (if they even bother to throw a party at all), and maybe serve less liquor.
Trust me, they've come up with plenty of ideas for frugal office Christmas parties.
And of course there will be fewer people attending Christmas and holiday office parties that might drink too much and embarrass themselves, because they've laid so many people off.
Between there being less liquor provided and not as many people actually being there to party hardy to begin with, there will be fewer people leaving drunk and staggering home. And of course, fewer drunks on the road will be a really good thing. That being said, here are a few Christmas and holiday office party "don'ts" and a few "do's" for you to think about (and use) that are a type of "good manners safety-net" to help you to keep your job.
Cater-Hater Tip: Just about everyone has a camera phone, so mind your manners. After the party, you don't want to end up on YouTube doing something you'll be teased about, for the whole world to see, do you?
- Don't forget that whether you're the host or a guest, your manners are on public view.
- Never, ever drink too much.
- Don't dress outrageously.
- Don't consider everyone to be like good friends and family and kiss everyone, and certainly don't kiss anyone on the lips.
- Make the rounds and mingle. Talk to people from other departments, not just your favorite group of people.
It's the season for giving! Be a leader. Do your homework to find out who will celebrate a holiday season birthday. Announce the birthday of the person who is celebrating their birthday in December at the party, but don't take up too much time.
Be the caterer who presents the card, that you thought ahead to have everyone sign, with an inexpensive birthday cake (Costco makes the best!) for the birthday person(s) in a different way. Wrap it and place it under the party Christmas tree. They'll be really surprised when they open it!
If a member of the management team is celebrating a holiday birthday, get your coworkers to join together to purchase a birthday gift for them also.
No birthdays? Purchase something for an expectant mother or for someone retiring, or someone who has just earned a degree.
Are you the one collecting the money? If you are, make the request in a tactful way by asking for "a few dollars", or by saying, "People in different departments are giving anywhere from five to fifteen dollars".
If you're asked to give money (above and beyond the company Christmas or holiday gift exchange) for an office gift and you don't know the person very well or you feel like to give anything is beyond your budget, decline by saying, "I don't really know Kristan very well" or "Thanks for asking, but I just can't swing it right now."
The main thing is to take some initiative. Do something besides show up (like everyone else does). Truly be the true spirit of Christmas by giving something unexpected to someone. Make these ideas your office party Christmas holiday traditions. And challenge your coworkers to come up with new gift exchange ideas for holiday office party events for years to come.
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Have a wonderful and safe holiday season!
Merry Christmas everyone!
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