My dad told me a story that always pops into my head every time I go to a Christmas party. The story goes like this. One of the big time sales guys at my dad’s company had a few too many highballs at the company Christmas party. He made some crude jokes and used some serious vulgar language. The next week he was fired and cost him a well paying job.
Another story that I have heard from a friend is even worse. At yet another Christmas party last year, my friend’s friend and his immediate supervisor had a few cocktails too many. The supervisor needled his subordinate relentlessly. One too many needles got the supervisor a broken nose. His subordinate was fired and ended up in a cast for six weeks.
Another time, a co-worker got so drunk that the function hall had her removed by the only means they had - a wheelchair.
There was another time a co-worker and myself had been outside for 'a breath of fresh air' and then returned. As we walked across the (at the time) empty dance floor, unknown to the two of us, something fell from my jacket pocket. We sat down with friends at our table, and then a waitress came up to me and said you dropped these. And held up a pair of panties.
Here are some words to live by at the Christmas party; The first thing to keep in mind at the company party is that no matter how much you try to make it an out-of-office function, the party is an extension of work. So, a boss ordering another employee to give another worker a ride home could be liable if an accident occurs. The rule there is, be careful. So it may be best that the party not be held on company property.
Another important thing to keep in mind is that managers need to be careful about what they say. While some judges have been lenient about potentially sexist and racist comments stated during an office party, that may not stop an offended employee from bringing a lawsuit. The rules a manager follows during the day about sexual and other forms of harassment should be followed at the party as well.
If you drink, even in moderation, don't. Pass on any alcoholic beverages that may be served at the company Christmas party (You'll be surprised how favorably this will be viewed, your boss may be a teetotaler, more importantly do it for your self-image). If your drinking has caused you to misstep or behave inappropriately in the past, drinking is not even an option, not even the innocuous glass of wine. The adage "one is too many, and a thousand is not enough" should be the mantra of the evening for you if drinking alcohol in any form have caused you past behavior challenges. Don't smoke either, even if there is a designated smoking area.
The best advice I can give you at the holiday party is summed up in one statement. If you need to drink at the company party make it a beer instead of a highball. You can always milk a beer, no pun intended.
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