It's Christmas time again! The most wonderful time of the year.  Your company must be excited to throw a party. Rent a nice hotel ballroom with beautiful decoration, a lot of food, with fun dress code, and everyone is ready to have fun all night long. Different department teams gather together and even the introverts enjoy the time, everyone get along perfectly. 

Hold on people, office party can be tricky somehow. Know how to get  yourself comfortable during the party and here's a quick list of do's and don'ts that will help you navigate the festivities like the classy employee:

Do dress appropriately

It's party time! Yeah, it's a party but it doesn't mean you get a greenlight to wear something too expose and sexy. This is office party so if your office is having a formal event, dress up elegantly and classy. If the party is casual and laid-back, dress how you would for work but with extra effort. If your boss decided to have ugly sweater theme, just grab any ugly Christmas sweater and wear it with pride! 

Don't come in your sexy bodycon dress or anything too expose. You might regret it later. People will star talking, "Look at Melissa, she's the executive in Account department right? I didn't know she can be that sexy." 

Don't be a grinch who hates Christmas

In every office, there are some who are too cool for office party. They usually ski t or worse, they come and then complain about how bad i is all night long. Nobody likes a grinch. Stop ruining everyone's mood and just let them enjoy the day. You need to attend the office holiday party-it's a work event and it's a basic etiquette to attend office event. 

It's really disrespectful and rude if you publicly complain about how bad the event flow is, and the food is watery and really bad. You're missing an opportunity, everyone is nicer during the holidays! This is your chance to create greater bonds. 

Do seek a chance to speak with someone new

This is the right time to let your networking so its job. Hop outside of your comfortable zone and hang  out with a different department by making an effort to speak to someone outside your circle. Be a friendly person and don't let yourself feel so timid as you always sitting on your desk and avoid any interaction. You will never know how that new individual might be able to help you in the future. 

Don't arrive too early or stay too late

Everyone is so excited for the party, okay we all get it. But don't arrive at the venue in 2 hours earlier as scheduled. Trust me you will be awkward and don't know what to do until the party starts. Arrive exactly as stated in the invitation card and never stay too late. Be respectful of everyone's  time. The organizers have plan the right time for the party and you just have to follow it. 

If you wish to stay longer to catch up with other people, perhaps you can continue the conversation at any cafe or nearby places. The organizer also need to clean up the venue and arrange everything back. So please be respectful. 

Do talk about anything rather than work

Come on! It's party time and everyone is waiting for this time to enjoy. Your colleagues are normal human beings, they have families, they have hobbies and own life. They're not robots who talk about work all day. Give some space to open up about new topic. How can someone has a good time, if you're discussing abut job and responsibilities? Treat them as people not co-worker. 

Don't  over-party

It's important to relax and have a good time with your colleagues but the limit is still there. You're still in a professional environment so keep your decorum intact. Know your drink limit, don't humiliate yourself, don't party hard. You know what don't risk a harassment as it will last long until the next 5 years. 

Whatever it is, happy Christmas time and do enjoy yourself this festive season! Go out and buy a new dress and get ready with your best dress for the office party. It's once in a year so you have the right to relax and just enjoy the moment. Have a great time everyone.