The Alfa Company Holiday Party Checklist

It's that time of the year again - the night when the bubbly doesn't cease, the ambience is reminiscent of a Great Gatsby party, and when you will bear witness to some seriously obnoxious and awkward behavior. We're talking about the annual company holiday party and sharing our list of must-dos and oh no hell don'ts for the black tie affair.

First off, and most importantly, DON'T end up being the brunt of the obnoxious and awkward recap of the night. The habit of taking advantage of an open bar should graduated the same time you left college. Hold your liquor like Golum will chomp your finger for the ring because let's be real, your adult reputation depends on it.

                    [Read some office party horror stories here.]

DO think about what your mom would say if you walked out the door in like that. Did you bring a jacket? Is your hemline shorter than midthigh? Are you wearing spaghetti straps or a graphic tee? ...Unless your mom was a cool Mom like Regina George's, totally inappropriate.

DO learn Christmakwanzakah. The corporate world is an increasingly diverse place that hinges on political correctness. If you are unsure what holiday your coworker celebrates, it's safer to wish someone an all-encompassing happy holiday than to repair a situation that could potentially erupt into a discrimination case. 

DO use this as an opportunity to connect with your boss and coworkers on a personal level. When you have a 5-minute window to find some common interest to show you're more than a pawn in their chess game and you use it to debate about a deadline, such a buzz kill. Talk to me about work outside of work and you may walk away now. 

DON'T bite the hand that feeds you. Sharing is caring, it can be fun, but be careful about oversharing. The skeletons in your closet? TMI. The shrine in your bedroom? TMI. Your teenage celebrity crush? Eh, only if it's not a creeper. But save the trash talking for your friends at sunday brunch. 

DO take a group picture with your team. Whether you're a few months into the job or a veteran of several years, in a love it-hate it relationship, this is where you've made your bed for the time being. Lie in it, sprinkle some confetti on it, and make it as fond a memory as you can. After all, the people make the place.

PC: Studio Firma