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Office Christmas Party Fun & Etiquette
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Can't remember the last time you had fun at the annual office
Christmas or holiday party? If memories of past parties leave
you cringing, you can take a new approach and possibly change
the outcome of this year's event. By getting involved and
following some simple office etiquette, you can relax and enjoy
the festivities.
Participation
Become a part of the planning process. If you volunteer to help
prepare and decorate for the party, you'll have more interest in
it's success. Use your influence to make decisions that may have
been dictated by the same people every year. Not everyone has
the same idea of fun and a little compromise goes a long way.
Guests
Don't bring a guest to an office Christmas party unless it's
allowed. If so, by all means, bring your spouse, significant
other, or even a close friend. As they say, misery loves company
-- but you might be surprised how this changes your attitude,
removes some pressure, and allows you to view the party in a new
light.
Ease any initial tension by introducing your guest to co-workers
as you "work" the room. A word of caution: only bring someone
you trust. If your guest has too much to drink and gets loose
lips, you may be quite embarrassed and reluctant to show up for
work on Monday morning.
Attire
One way to start off on the wrong foot is to dress
inappropriately. If you pull a fashion faux-pas, you will
probably feel uncomfortable and prompt others to take notice.
That's probably not the type of attention you're looking for, so
check the invitation or ask about the dress code. Pass along the
information to any guests. If you're still not sure, wear a
versatile outfit and take along a jacket and tie for security.
Socializing
Christmas parties are perfect events for socializing and office
parties allow you to become better acquainted with those working
in different departments or divisions of your company. Don't be
a wallflower. Introduce yourself if necessary and mingle with
the crowd. Don't always talk "shop." Keep jokes clean. Asks
questions, show interest, and others will be interested in you
as well.
Drinking
Being the life of the party does not mean making a fool out of
yourself. Unless you want to wear a lampshade and be the target
of office gossip, don't get drunk. Mind your manners and pace
yourself. You can have fun and stay in control by eating the
food and alternating your drinks with water or non-alcoholic
beverages. If you have any inclination that things are getting
out of hand, call a taxi and make a timely exit.
Hostess Gift
Bringing a gift for the host or hostess is a nice gesture that
will show your thoughtfulness and perhaps get you some brownie
points. Seriously though, it's traditional to do this but not
everyone will. Be the better person and bring a bottle of wine,
a poinsettia plant, or Christmas floral arrangement that will
add to the office party decor.
Thank-You Note
One last thing on etiquette. Regardless of whether or not you
had fun, you received a free meal, drinks, and entertainment.
This is reason enough to send a gracious thank-you note that
expresses your gratitude for a "wonderful" party. Someone took
the time, effort, and money to thrown the party and this should
be acknowledged.
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