December is here! Office party season is upon us. I humbly offer my annual cautions.  After all, we've all heard about the person who got so drunk at the office Christmas party that they groped a co-worker, told off the boss, and passed out under the buffet table.  Monday morning they couldn't remember what happened, but they still had to try to work with those people.   By then, the office grapevine had kicked into full gear.  You may have seen it happen. You may even have been the unfortunate one who did it.  Either way, you probably know what went down next...

The person was either fired outright or shut out until they resigned. Very few companies tolerate that kind of behavior. Your attempt at being the "life of the party" may cost you your job.   If you drive drunk, it may cost you your life or cause you to take one. Unfortunately, too many people think it's the time to let their hair down, clown around and drink too much.  "Get your party on" with your coworkers and  you may find yourself spilling all kinds of secrets, including the one about how you're job hunting.  Experts tend to agree that social activities related to work environments really should be treated as business settings; and it's wise to be somewhat reserved in the situation . The office Christmas party is generally not the time to let it all hang out. Such frivolity should be saved for get-togethers with close friends and families. Yet, the number of business people who continue to display less than professional behavior in business-related social settings always amazes me.   Although the office party tends to occur after-hours, your job's hierarchical structure continues to prevail and those in higher-level positions are prone to observe and evaluate employees in such settings.  In a nutshell:  You ARE being watched.  How can the trappings of the evil office party be avoided?   Here are some party survival tips:
          
*    Show up!  Disregard the office party invitation that says it is not a mandatory affair.  It is most definitely mandatory!  The boss will get offended.  She will take your absence as though she gave you a present and you declined to accept it.          

*    Keep it more "office' than 'party." Don't attract attention through outlandish actions or pranks.

*    Be outgoing and conversational with colleagues but limit "shop talk."  Instead, concentrate on general topics.

*     Ladies:  Dress stylishly but conservatively and save the club attire for the club. 

*     Minimize or avoid alcohol intake!

*     Be mindful of what you say, to whom, and where.  For example, a friend of the boss's wife just might be in the ladies room within earshot of your office gossip with a coworker.                   
        
*      Again, office parties are mandatory.  So, you cannot avoid them.  Arrive on time, mingle, speak to the boss, eat a few hor d'oeuvres, and thank the host.  

Remember:  Holiday office parties are the time for you to be on your best behavior.  Have a good time, but don't do something that will damage your career.  Instead, use these tips to eat, drink and be wary!