Christmas party dos and donts

Christmas party dos and donts by Michael Cheary Tis the season of the Christmas party.Whilst Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and peace to all men, the Christmas party is traditionally seen as quite the opposite.Cue bad DJ playing a selection of Christmas classics, and awkward conversations with people you dont really know that well at the bar. It always seems like a good idea before the big night, but lets face it, theyre usually a little less Mistletoe and Wine and a little more Fairytale of New York.Even with management coming up with ever more ingenious ways to keep things in check (e.g. the old party on a weeknight trick), the combination of a free bar and a shiny dance floor can make the annual office knees-up a potential minefield.In the highly unlikely event we can offer some advice youll actually use, heres our list of Christmas party dos and dontsChristmas party: dos:Pace yourself If youre a drinker, this is often easier said than done, but you should try and keep it in mind. Lets be h onest, the office party usually means youre in it for the long haul. Make sure you eat properly in preparation, even if theres food provided (the buffet wont last long). Finally, make sure you have plenty of water in between drinks to keep hydrated.Remember: Try and avoid mixing your drinks. Dont let yourself become another Tequila statisticBuddy up Chances are, you may find it hard to keep to the first point. If you think this might be the case, always plan ahead. Find a colleague who youre close with and make a pact. That way, if one of you ends up falling asleep at the bar or crying into your Chardonnay, someone is there to look out for you.Get involved Its an unavoidable truth that at least one person or group of people will avoid interaction or enjoyment at all costs or alternatively, cant keep their thumb off the Facebook check-in button. Its also an unavoidable truth that this doesnt endear them to anyone. Theres a time and a place, and the Christmas partys not it.Remember : Any embarrassing pictures can wait until the next morning. They also help with the flashbacksAvoid the mistletoe Some people embrace the Christmas spirit a little too much. And, after a few drinks too many, it may seem like a good idea to express your true feelings to that special person in the office. Mistletoe is not your friend, and should be avoided at all costs.All I Want for Christmas is You also falls into this category. Cornering your crush singing Mariah Carey at the top of your lungs is pretty much bordering on torture.Book your cab home in advance Possibly the most important tip of all. Because nobody wants to sleep in the station waiting for the first train home. Other things to remember: Thank the host, thank your boss, keep your shoes in sight, avoid the photocopier.Christmas party: donts:Be honest A wise man once said at Christmas, you tell the truth. However, this should, in no way, apply to your Christmas party. Starting sentences with I didnt like you when I f irst met you, wow, you scrub up well and dont say anything, but will not form part of an effective career progression plan.Talk excessively about work Targets, projections and any other work-based conversations should be provisionally left at the door. Youre there to eat, drink and be merry. Work should only be brought up in emergency situations, such as getting caught in a one-on-one situation with the managing director.The rule here is necessity. A boring conversation is always better than an awkward silence.Network See above. If youre looking for a promotion, this probably isnt the best place to do it. By all means branch out and talk to someone new, but dont overdo it. After a few drinks, you might not be making quite the impression you think you are.Get too serious As a rule, avoid speaking about religion, politics and money. People can have strong opinions about these things, and theyre unlikely to change them during the course of the evening, no matter how charming and per suasive you think youre being.Cry If youre an emotional drunk, always take proper precautions. Waterproof mascara is definitely the way forward.Other things not to do: Sing, stare, steal, attempt to make a toast, break dance.