by Todd Pheifer

Created on: December 08, 2008   Last Updated: December 13, 2010

The company Christmas party has a special place in our organizational culture because it is often the setting for famous stories that live on in infamy. Too often people remember what "so-and-so" did at last year's Christmas party and that is why they don't work here anymore. Perhaps it is a sign that we are wound extremely tight as a society. We feel the need to unwind in group activities. For some reason we can't handle ourselves in these types of social setting, even though we could make a pretty good argument that we "know better." Here are a few specific things NOT to do at your company Christmas party.

Remember where you are

The biggest thing is to remember is that this event is unique. Specifically, you are at the COMPANY Christmas party. The word, "company" is the key word. This isn't just about a little fun. This could be about your livelihood. People's job status or reputation has been severely impacted by one little office Christmas party. Remember that this is not your house and these people are not all your friends. Watch your intake, your mouth, your hands, and your general behavior.

Lay off the booze

Speaking of intake, the trouble usually starts when people hit the bar and then hit it again...and again...and again. Tragically, people do stupid things when they put away too many beverages, and the saddest part is that they probably know this already. Chances are that people who intoxicate themselves at a company Christmas party have probably been "liquored-up" in the past. They know their limits and they know what happens when those are exceeded. Therefore, people should know better but unfortunately they are either naive or they don't care.

Don't get too friendly

Once the booze starts flowing, people can tend to get a little bit too "friendly" with their co-workers. Nothing says pink slip like the combination of heavy drinking and inappropriate advances. Again, when people exceed their drinking limits, they lose control of their ability to make "rational" decisions. If people value their job and their reputation, they will be careful about getting cozy with co-workers and worse...co-worker's dates.

Avoid the temptation to "relax"

This is more an attitudinal approach, but people should resist the temptation to "relax" too much. Again, this relates to consumption and behavior towards other people. It also applies to abnormal behavior such as karaoke, dares, and pranks to pass the time. This isn't to say that people should be overly stiff and avoid fun at all costs. But, people have to remember that everyone is watching everyone else, and actions that go outside the norm of acceptable behavior will draw particular scrutiny.

Stay off the dance floor

Finally, people should be careful about exposing themselves to public ridicule on the dance floor. As mentioned, alcohol and excessive friendliness can manifest themselves into inappropriate behavior, particularly on the dance floor as bodies start to pack together. In general, the dance floor can be a place where people embarrass themselves even without alcohol, particularly if their rhythmic skill set is severely lacking. Therefore, people may do best when they are a minimally-drinking spectator who sticks to their group of friends and avoids the temptations of the evening.

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