Important Survival Tips for Your Office Holiday Party

A lot of office holiday parties are happening tonight and tomorrow. Here are some tips to help make it through yours unscathed.

Here's the list of tips from Business Insider:

1. Ask about the dress code ahead of time.
   You need to find out what the dress code is and stick to it. You don't want people talking about what you wore the day or night after the party. Whatever you wear, remember that it's still a business event.Aside from the company's dress code, don't forget that behavior and harassment policies still apply — even if the party is off-site.
2. Don't go on an empty stomach.
   Although there might be hors d'oeuvres, you should still eat at least a little bit before the party begins. If not, you may become more intoxicated than you intended. Furthermore, eating while you're mingling isn't the most comfortable in a professional setting.
3. Don't even think about skipping the party.
   To show that you're committed to the company, make sure you show up for at least 30 minutes. Always assume company gatherings are "must attend" events.
4. But also don't show up on time.
   Even if the party takes place at the office, go home after work, then come back. If you can't do that, just continue working until you see that 75% of your colleagues have turned on their holiday mode.
5. Use the party as an opportunity to meet people you don't already know.
   Especially in a large company, you'll likely see people at the party that you don't normally have a chance to interact with. Maybe they work on a different floor from you, or in a different office.
6. But don't explicitly conduct business.
   In other words, don't ask about that new position opening up or if you're eligible for a raise. It's tacky.

   Since it's an office event, it's obvious that some business-related conversations will come up, but don't come to the party with an agenda.

   Also, try to avoid all gossiping about your coworkers.

7. Be sensitive to different religious affiliations.
   Don't forget that your colleagues aren't just celebrating Christmas, they're celebrating other holidays too, such as Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
8. Know your drinking limit.
   You need to prepare yourself ahead of time by setting guidelines, whether that's one or two drinks max. Order a drink you don't love, so that you can nurse it throughout the night.
9. Don't dance romantically with another employee.
   This will definitely spark office rumors. If you are dating someone at the company and still keeping it a secret, this is not the time to start dancing romantically, because then everyone will know.

   It's also not the time to try to make a move on a coworker you've been crushing on, or to start trying to woo an employee you're meeting for the first time.

10. Don't be the last one to leave the party.
    It might be a festive event, but don't make a name for yourself as the company's party animal. Also, try to stop drinking an hour before you leave.
11. Don't go to the third venue.
    Some of your coworkers may want to go out after the party ends, and if you've been controlling your alcohol intake, feel free to go and mingle with your colleagues.

    However, a few drinks later, if someone suggests a third venue, don't go.

    Why? By the time you make it to that third venue, the vibe has changed. It's no longer the 'happy hour' crowd. It's now the 'let's rage' crowd. At this moment — as a working adult — you need to make a choice. The moment your colleagues see you in a compromising position, they will likely view you differently. Is that a risk you want to take? Because at this point, there is no turning back.

12. Make sure you say goodbye to people.
    If you don't say your goodbyes, it will make it look like you snuck out for some reason. You can also make a point of going up to the people who organized the party and thanking them for doing such a great job.
13. Be mindful of social media.
    It's a huge no-no to post negative opinions about your company or its holiday party on Facebook or Twitter, Pachter says. You'll also want to avoid posting photos or descriptions of coworkers who have had too much to drink.
14. Make it to work the next day.
    This is even more crucial if you get intoxicated at the party. Everyone will know why you didn't show up to work the next day — including your boss.