The holiday season is here and Christmas is right around the corner. That means it’s time to celebrate with the annual office Christmas party!
With all of the hustle and bustle going on, the days tend to slip by faster and faster. If you’ve found yourself waiting until the last minute to plan for this year’s office Christmas party, don’t worry! We’ve got some helpful tips to make sure that your holiday gathering goes off without a hitch.
Office Christmas Party Dos And Don’ts
Everyone loves a great Christmas party. However, when it comes to office parties the rules are a little different.
Do Show Up
Even though you’re not on the clock, office parties are still considered work events. Even if the inter-office memo said “attendance optional,” consider this one a “must-attend.”
There are several reasons for this. First of all, no one wants to be the one who didn’t show up. It makes you seem like less of a team player. The best office is one that operates as a cohesive unit. You don’t have to like everyone in your office, but you do have to keep a good working relationship with them.
Hold on to this thought, because we’ll come back to more reasons for attending the office Christmas party throughout this list.
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Don’t Walk In At The Last Second
Even if you aren’t in a particularly festive mood, you should plan to spend at least a half hour at the company party. However, those thirty minutes shouldn’t be the ones immediately before lights-out.
Walking in close to the end of the party isn’t even remotely close to fashionably late. At best, your coworkers will be wondering where you are and if you’re okay. However, you also run the risk of giving your boss and colleagues the impression that you aren’t committed to the company.
If you’re uncomfortable driving in heavy holiday traffic, consider treating the trip to the office party like any other type of corporate travel. Just as you would book business event transportation for a trip out of town, you can book an affordable limousine service for the party. If you’re riding alone or with your plus one, you can opt for smaller Town Cars rather than a stretch limousine.
Do Pick Out Festive Attire
This will depend on the party’s theme, location, and timing. For example, you don’t want to show up to a black-tie affair in your best ugly Christmas sweater.
However, festive doesn’t have to mean Santa Claus and candy canes, either. For a more dignified look, consider accent pieces in traditional holiday colors. These include red, greens, gold, silver, and even white.
If you’re wearing a suit, a kerchief or boutonniere can change your whole look. A dress with sequins could provide the perfect amount of seasonal sparkle. Don’t forget to take advantage of the opportunity to accessorize with fun hats, jewelry, or even Christmas socks.
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Don’t Ignore The Dress Code
The suggested attire for the party may differ from what you usually wear to the office. However, just because the invitation calls for casual dress that doesn’t give you a free pass to show up in ripped jeans or revealing clothing.
Sometimes you find the perfect look the first time, but other times it takes a few tries. If you’re unsure about how you look, consider snapping a photo to send to a work friend for feedback.
Do Interact With Everyone
Keep in mind that the office Christmas party is often open to your colleagues’ spouses and children, too. That means that there may be a lot of people around that you don’t know. However, don’t let this intimidate you!
Meeting new people is a networking blessing in disguise. While you shouldn’t be passing out copies of your resumé, you should keep some business cards on-hand. You never know when someone’s friend-of-a-friend is just the connection that you’ve been looking for to make a project take off.
Engaging others in conversation also shows that you are out for more than just self-interest. For example, your colleagues may have brought along their children. Something as simple as asking them about school or their holiday plans can make a big difference in their evening. Chances are that the kids may be intimidated by so many adults in one place. Acknowledging them as people could make them feel much more comfortable.
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Don’t Get Caught Up In Social Media
It’s fine to post a selfie with your favorite work friend, but try to keep the phone usage to a minimum. In fact, it may be better to wait and post your photos after the party is over.
Getting stuck in your phone keeps you away from the people at the party. Those are the ones you should interacting with, rather than worrying about how many likes you got for your holiday-themed Outfit Of The Day.
Do Have A Great Time
Feel free to sing, dance, and mingle the night away. You’ll make some great memories with your colleagues, meet new people, and maybe even impress your boss with those cookies you baked for the dessert table.
Remember that the office Christmas party is a privilege that not everyone gets. Thank whoever planned and hosted the party. If the party is at someone’s home, you should come with a small token of appreciation as a host or hostess gift. Although if you are hosting, remember to stay humble. Be tactful and never demand that someone bring a gift in order to attend.
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Don’t Embarrass Yourself In Front Of Your Colleagues
Remember, while you may be friendly with your coworkers, you still have to maintain a professional relationship with them. Don’t make crude jokes or insensitive comments just because you aren’t in the office at the moment.
Another important thing to remember is to party responsibly. If alcohol is served, know your limits. Most people can get away with sticking to a two-drink maximum. No one likes a sloppy drunk, but this behavior is especially inappropriate at a work function.
Finally, if you do decide to drink, make sure that you have a safe, reliable ride with a designated driver. Limo transportation isn’t just for corporate travel. A1A Airport and Limousine Service maintains a full fleet of limousine cars that can accommodate any size party. In fact, we can even provide a limo bus or party van – “sometimes called a party bus” for the whole office to ride safely.
A1A Limo has long been a trusted provider for South Florida limo service. However, thanks to our global affiliate network, we also provide luxury ground transportation services worldwide. So whether you need Miami Airport Car Service or a ride across town, leave the driving to the professionals at A1A!