Surviving your first company Christmas Party

If you are fortunate enough to have made it through your first Christmas party, you will probably have some memorable stories to tell. If you haven’t, then pay attention…

Work Christmas parties are like Marmite; you will either love them or hate them. Christmas brings out the Grinch in some people and Buddy the Elf in others. As you look ahead to your first Christmas party, here are some of our Christmas Do’s and Don’t to ensure you survive…

DONT:

Get too drunk

Your first Christmas party is the only chance to make a lasting first impression, and the last thing you want is to be remembered for getting too drunk. When free alcohol is on offer, it’s easy to get carried away – but don’t.

You will not only avoid nursing an egg-nog-induced hangover but will not potentially ruin your reputation at your new company.

Talk about work

Depending on what kind of social butterfly you are, this may be one of the only occasions you see your colleagues outside the office. So don’t bore them by talking about work! Take time to get to know them personally and find out what they enjoy rather than discuss what happened in the lunchroom last week. Instead of discussing upcoming deadlines, spread some festive cheer and tell them what you’re doing for Christmas!

Skip it

While your first Christmas party can be quite daunting, don’t take the easy option and not turn up – this is a bad idea. Small talk can be difficult and you might not be particularly sociable, but even you can make it through a couple of hours with your new colleagues. It will benefit you greatly in the future, and it will ensure you don’t miss out on all the funny stories!

DO:

Dress appropriately

The last thing you want is to turn up to a sophisticated sit-down meal in a cocktail dress and heels. Similarly, you do not want to turn up in shorts and a T-shirt for a night out on the town. Ask what the dress code is and find out what colleagues are wearing so you can plan your outfit accordingly. If all else fails, dress like you would for work but with a festive twist!

 

Network

Christmas parties are a fantastic opportunity to build relationships with your colleagues. While boring them with work talk is not advised, showing an interest in the company and its values helps make a lasting first impression, especially on more senior employees. Make people aware of your presence without coming across too strongly.

HAVE FUN

At the end of the day, it’s a celebration so remember to relax and have fun. Put your glad rags on, get into the Christmas spirit and get to know people. Who knows, you might make a few new friends. Maintain your company’s standards of behaviour and you’ll be absolutely fine. We hope you enjoy your Christmas party!