Skip to main content

The Survival Guide: Office Holiday Parties

Holiday time in the office is always so great. The company Christmas tree. The Christmas music. Everyone is excited for their travel plans and family time. And of course, we cannot forget the numerous holiday parties and luncheons taking place between November and December. It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Whether you're new to a company's holiday culture or a veteran in the game, company holiday gatherings can be a bit overwhelming if you have multiple to attend and keep up with. From planning, attending, and adding your name the potluck sign up sheet, it is very easy to get events confused while trying to keep up with party planners and ensure that you're taking a dish that everyone will enjoy.

Check out the following tips to get you thru the holiday parties this year!


  • Join a Committee  Believe it or not, joining a committee is a great way to get involved and excited for the holiday office party. Whether it be decorating, catering or cleaning, lending a helping hand is a way to show your holiday spirit and an even better way to network with you coworkers. Do an awesome job and you could make a great impression going into the new year. Promotion anyone?
  • Take a Dish, Check it Twice  Many holiday luncheons are potlucks and it's highly suggested that attendees bring a dish - while it is easy to bring tableware and utensils, food is always priority. Don't shy away from taking a dish that will keep the office talking! I have found it best to make a crock pot side that I can set up in the break room in the morning that will be ready by lunch. No time to plan and cook? No worries - store bought desserts are always a great go to. Be sure all cooked food is well done and packaged food is sealed tight!
  • Respond to the Invite Request  Most holiday parties rely heavily on the RSVP list to keep track of how many will be attending, eating, bringing a dish and the list goes on. A lot of people showing up without properly accepting the invitation could result in there not being enough food or space to accommodate everyone. If you are unsure, tentatively accept the invite and as it gets closer to the date, confirm your attendance with the host!
  • Have Fun, but Keep it Professional  Office holiday parties are definitely a chance to put work on the back burner for the allotted time, get to know your coworkers and eat yummy comfort food. Though it is a time to socialize, it is still a work event. Be sure to keep work policies at the forefront. Be sure to watch your alcohol consumption should it be served, follow the company dress code policy and no...a mistletoe is not an excuse to make a move on any one of your coworkers!
  • Get in the Spirit  As corny as it might sound at first, office holiday functions can actually be fun! Whether its a simple potluck luncheon or a fancy holiday party event, it's a great way to network, step away from the stress of work and simply have a good time. Get in the spirit and celebrate the accomplishments of the year!
Holiday work functions can be overwhelming, however, they don't have to be. With some planning, organizing and a little getting involved, you'll be in the spirit and ready to mingle with your team! Have fun and enjoy!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Resolve Like a Boss: The Spiritual Approach to Handling Conflict

Conflicts. Disagreements. Disputes. Call them what you want, difficult situations between individuals happen. Whether it be from miscommunication or lack of, passing judgement, unintentional actions that hurt someone or one feeling as if they are simply just not being heard, disagreements occur but they don't always have to be the end of connections and relationships between the people involved.  Conflicts arise for many reasons, but when resolved they can lead to breakthroughs, growth and even stronger bonds when two people are willing to hear one another out and come to a common ground. Getting to that point, however, is the challenge. It's easy to argue, go head to head and even hold a grudge against people we are in dispute with. It is not easy to open up, hear our opponent out and come to a compromise to satisfy both parties involved. I personally have found it easiest to do this when I approach the situation calmly and early on before it has time to fester. Let me explain...
Post a Comment
Read more

5 Ways to Seize the Day Before it Even Begins!

How do you prepare for your day? In my mind, I'd wake up bright eyed and bushy tailed, my outfit for the day would be waiting for me in the closet, breakfast hot and ready on the table and me walking out of the door in time to get a great parking spot at work rather than parking in the back of the lot and rushing to make it to my desk by 8:05am. In reality, I'm lucky if I make to my chair by 8:03am and have a full breakfast all without forgetting something on my dresser like my phone or my mind. Unfortunately, this happens more days than one and it throws my day completely off. My dream of being prepared for my day is actually obtainable, if I am willing to put in a little effort to prepare, plan and organize in advance! Check out these great tips to help you seize the day! Preparation is Key! via GIPHY Preparing for the day truly starts the night before. I know, that is easier said than done. Who wants to pick out clothes and pack the next day's lunch while wa...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Power in Pressure

Pressure. We all feel it from time to time. It makes diamonds, right? At least that has been the saying for as long as I could remember. But what about when pressure makes things, people and situations crack. I myself have been feeling a lot of pressure lately. Mostly self inflicted, but pressure none the less. The pressure to reach my financial goals by the end of the year, quickly find a better job that pays more, be present for my friends/family/significant other, and most importantly for myself has me under a lot of pressure and some days it’s heavier than others while others it’s easier to manage. My boyfriend and I went to church this past  Sunday  and it is no surprise that Pastor Furtick spoke directly to me regarding this issue. Luckily, I was able to walk away with a better perspective to help me navigate through the pressure and actually find the power in it all. Pressure can be looked at from both a positive and negative perspective. In a good way, it can push...
2 comments
Read more