How to make the most of the Christmas party season

You’ve worked hard all year, whether you’re in a permanent role or have taken on a variety of temporary assignments. By the time the festive season comes round, it can be tempting to collapse in a heap rather than accept the invitation to a team lunch or Christmas party!

But you deserve to let your hair down and get in the festive spirit – and while other people may be over-indulging, dusting off their dubious dance moves or even queuing up for the karaoke machine, here’s how you can make the most of your Christmas party season:

• Make an impression – after twelve months of formal officewear, a Christmas party is a welcome chance to relax and be yourself. Whether you’re fond of a festive jumper or prefer a touch of glitz and glam, now’s the time to let your personality shine.

• Be helpful – join in with offering to book tables and arrange taxis, take along a printout of people’s food choices, and help with the maths if you’re splitting the bill at the end. You just don’t know who you might impress with your organisation skills and team spirit!

• Show you’re professional – you can leave your work back at the office, but remember you’re still representing the company when you’re out and about. In particular, be aware of how your festive frolics might come across on social media. ‘Checking in’ at a nightclub at 2am before a big meeting the next day may not give customers, clients or co-workers the best impression…

• Network – if you’re part of a larger team or company, be mindful of people you’ve not yet had chance to speak to, and think about who you’d like to be introduced to over the course of the evening. Remember, though, that networking is most effective when it is natural and spontaneous.

• Have fun – enjoy being part of a team, being rewarded by a company you’ve worked hard for all year, and getting to know your colleagues better away from the office. You’ll never look at Colin from Accounting the same way, once you’ve seen his “Olaf the Snowman” impression…

• Remember – don’t be “that person” during the party or at the end of the evening… Having fun is essential, but try and recognise the changing signs as the mulled wine starts to flow. Nobody wants to start the New Year being the talk of the office…

• Be prepared – there’s nothing worse than shivering in a long taxi queue with sore feet and only 3% phone battery! Make sure you have organised a lift home, or have plenty of cash on you, and ideally a taxi booked in advance. Also remember to take a warm coat and comfortable shoes in case your lift takes a while to appear, and a phone charger in case things don’t go to plan and you need to call on a favour from a friend.

Bear these tips in mind, and you should have a Christmas party season to remember (for all the right reasons!)

After all, ’tis the season to be jolly – and we hope you have a wonderful time.