Going to the company office holiday party this year? Here’s your chance to take advantage of it by having some fun and advancing your career instead of committing the faux-pas of misbehaving and hampering your career. Office parties can be an odd blend of Christmas cheer and office politics. Here are some basic rules to survive and thrive at any company-sponsored party.

The 5 Ps will help you make the right impressions - Prior Preparation Prevents Poor Performance!

Don’t compete for Jello shots, do the Laffy Taffy like it’s your<$> birthday, or worst yet, let an employee drive home drunk. Attending the office party is part of your job, yet still a business event. As part of the team, you should make an appearance, unless you have a justifiable conflict.

These parties are used to raise the office morale and to reward employees for their hard work. While some people love company holiday parties, others would give up a potential bonus to get out of attending. Even if it’s not your idea of a great time, put on your best attitude and go. You might even have fun.

However, conduct yourself with a sense of professional etiquette, taking into account that you are being observed in a social capacity by your senior managers. And yes, although holiday parties let people loosen up, sometimes people let their guard down too much.

Shannah Butterfield warns that a definite faux-pas is becoming overly acquainted with the alcoholic refreshments: “I think one of the ultimate Christmas party faux-pas is drinking so much alcohol at your office Christmas party (behaving idiotically) in front of all of your co-workers—you then feel inclined to return to the office after the party—to show your gratitude—for throwing such a GREAT party, that you get sick all over the company’s kitchen floor—leaving it for someone else to clean up!”

Although this may seem far-fetched, this scenario isn’t too far removed from the truth. Nathaniel Turner also warns about over-imbibing: “Don’t behave like you’re being reunited with a family member—when you see the punch bowl. Too much ‘totty’ will cause you to either pass out, or worse, make unsolicited advances toward your boss.”

He adds, “The only person who’s likely to forget about this little incident is you. Unfortunately, you’ll receive constant reminders until next year’s Christmas party!”

Aside from excessive drinking, there are other avoidable taboos.

“Wear your size!” Nathaniel urges.

And whatever you do, don’t dress too provocatively. For men, this means unbuttoning shirts too low. Women shouldn’t expose too much skin. Don’t dress as if you were heading to the club or as if you were the night’s ‘paid entertainment’ at an all-exclusive adult club.

Flirting is a no-no. Keep your hands to yourself, and do avoid any other inappropriate behaviour. These are people you work with - not a dating club, so watch what you say and how you dance. Don’t use the dance floor as an opportunity to showcase your latest dance moves you’ve recently learned.

It’s not Bermuda Idol, so the only people you’re performing for are your colleagues who are likely to have a differing opinion on your “so-so-sexy” moves. Now this doesn’t mean don’t be friendly. Do mix and mingle, work the room, try to talk with everybody at the event - just don’t monopolise conversations or talk strictly about work. Don’t assume everyone celebrates the same holiday, so don’t go overboard with the “Merry Christmas”.

People remember the bad, even if they don’t act like it matters at the time. On a serious note, below are tips and warnings on how to behave at any office party:

[bul]If you plan to imbibe of alcoholic beverages, eat a little something before you go to the party, or have some food when you get there. In short - don’t become a loud, untidy drunk.

[bul]Thank the host/hostess before you leave the party. If the company paid for the party, thank your boss or the person(s) in the office who arranged the party.

[bul]Before you bring your spouse/date, make sure he/she is invited.

[bul]Never use/offer illegal drugs at an office party. Holiday office parties are a chance for workers to unwind, but they’re also full of responsibilities for employees and employers. Even though a party may occur outside the office, admittedly, they are work-related. Ignoring this fact can result in tainted professional reputations.

A good rule of thumb for employees is never do anything at a holiday party that you don’t want to follow you through the office for the next year. On the flipside, if an employee advises they don’t want to participate in a holiday event, on the basis of a right that is protected by human rights legislation, an employer should be sensitive and accommodating to such requests. The employer should advise staff that the event is optional. There shouldn’t even be a subtle expectation that staff attend, as this should be an event that is entirely voluntarily.

But if you are amongst those attending the office-do, do remember to enjoy yourself. It is an office function, but make sure to at least look as though you are enjoying the event. If your job didn’t throw this traditional (all-expense paid!) party - you’d complain about that too!