It’s time for your office holiday party. Go ahead and have a good time, but please don’t give your co-workers anything to talk about the next day. 
 
No dirty dancing with your boss. No shots of tequila and dancing on the bar. No crying because you’re drunk and you love everybody, and whatever you do, no confessions. 

The office holiday party is not the place to let it all hang out. Do that with your girlfriends. Keep in mind that the party is really a business function and on some level you will be judged by your behavior. 
 
No matter how many December magazines print articles about office holiday party etiquette, someone “shows out and acts the fool” at the office party to the surprise of their co-workers. Don’t let it be you, girlfriend. 
 
Even though your party may be in a nightclub, do not dress like a hootchie-mama. Keep your attire professional and festive. Girlfriends, please don’t wear a micro-mini, thigh-high boots and a low-cut blouse to the party. Your appearance is very important. 
 
Conduct yourself in a professional manner. Do not spread rumors about your boss and his secretary -- even if you see them coming out of a closet together. Make sure you keep your hands to yourself and discourage male co-workers from getting too close to you. There is something about party music and alcohol that ignites even the most reserved person to become touchy-feely. 
 
No matter how sexy your boss or co-worker may be, please don’t flirt with him. It’s a trap to see how far you are willing to go. Office romances can only lead to trouble, especially if you’re not the boss. You do not want your career to come to a screeching halt because you tried to make out with the person who signs your checks. 
 
It’s okay to talk shop for a little while. Be sure to keep the conversation positive because you wouldn’t want anyone to misinterpret your message. Leave the rest of the talking to the deadbeats, get out on the dance floor and bust a move, girl. No sense in being labeled the office party-pooper. 
 
It’s okay to mention your husband and children, but don’t dominate the conversation talking about you; give everyone a chance to get a word in. After a few drinks people loosen up, but our advice is to avoid being too chatty with your co-workers. 
 
Your bosses and supervisors are making mental notes about each employee. If they find out your husband is rolling in the dough, your child has a full college scholarship and you live in a better neighborhood than them, you could be in for trouble. Trust us, when the next round of lay-offs comes around, your name will be mentioned in the conversation. 
 
Arrive at the party within an hour of the start time. Even if you’re starving don’t go directly to the buffet. Spend some time mingling before you attack the food. Beware of eating a lot of greasy and salty foods because you’ll get thirsty and you will want another alcoholic drink. 
 
The holiday party is not the proper forum for you to ask for a raise, express your displeasure about the current project you’re working on or to complain about the long hours you put in. Instead, show appreciation for your job and for those who organized the party. 
 
Holiday parties have been known to make or break careers. We want you to have a blast so drink, speak and behave responsibly at your holiday party. You’ll have no regrets.