Posted on ANDPOP:
With the holidays right around the corner, it’s very likely that your workplace will throw a holiday party at some point. But if you’re a bit nervous about mingling with your boss (after all, he/she has the power to give you that dream promotion… or fire you), we’ve got some handy tips to help you with your fears.
So let’s take a couple of cues from the sitcom classic The Office on what NOT to do at your office holiday party.
Don’t Get Everyone Drunk For Your Own Entertainment
SOURCE: Giphy
Drinking is only fun if we’re all happily tipsy together. But if you’re that one partygoer who pushes someone to drink more than his/her limit, then that’s no good for anyone. If you’re not much for alcohol, be that helpful person that keeps the enabler away and makes sure your fellow co-workers stay within their means. Offer to get them water, keep them relax and eat some desserts to make them feel more normal again.
Don’t Go Overboard on the Liquor
SOURCE: Uproxx
Now if you’re dealing with someone who’s pressuring you to drink more than you can (see above) be sure to be firm and tell him/her that you’ve had enough. Know your limit, especially when your bosses are around.
You don’t want to be the person who gets gossiped about the next day. Moreover, you ESPECIALLY don’t want evidence of your actions documented through pictures and video. This is the age of Snapchat, people. You don’t want to be that person.
Don’t Take Inappropriate Pictures of your Drunken Co-Workers
SOURCE: Giphy
While office parties are supposed to serve as a fun way to bond with your co-workers, you have to remember that you’re still in a professional setting. If you spot someone acting embarrassingly (dancing inappropriately, swearing loudly, flashing, etc.), don’t be that horrible person who whips out his/her smartphone/camera to capture the moment. Instead, be the helpful hand that helps that special avoid going down in office infamy.
Don’t Openly Admit That You Hate Your Christmas Present
SOURCE: Lindseytreid on WordPress
If your work decides to hold an office-wide Secret Santa, there’s a good chance that you’ll end up picking someone you don’t really know. If that happens, you’ll have to put some extra effort into finding something that’s suitable and thoughtful without looking cheap or embarrassing.
There isn’t a feeling worse than seeing the look of someone’s disappointed face after they open a present. So if you end up getting something you don’t like, just put on a smile and act appreciative because you don’t want to hurt your secret Santa’s feelings.
Don’t Be a Debbie Downer
SOURCE: Tumblr
The holidays are supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, so don’t ruin other people’s fun if you think the holiday’s overrated. If anything, just sit in the corner, smile pleasantly and eat as many cookies as you want.
Don’t Be a Jerk
SOURCE: Tumblr
Like any where you go, there’s bound to be someone you don’t really get along with.
Let this season be a time of giving and acting kinder to those you may not be a fan of. In other words, don’t play any pranks on co-workers who annoy you. Because, as a wise man once told me, “karma’s a bitch.”
Don’t Cancel Christmas
SOURCE: Giphy
‘Tis the season to be jolly, so it isn’t fair to take out your anger on your co-workers. Holiday parties mark the end of another long year, and everyone deserves a little reward for their hard work.
If, for whatever reason, your plans don’t work out, put on a brave face and try to enjoy what’s left of your days at work before the break. Cancelling Christmas because of your bad mood will never do you any good. It’ll just make you even more miserable to see everyone around you enjoying the holidays.
So in other words, just eat, drink (responsibly) and be merry!
SOURCE: Swide
Read more at ANDPOP.