How to Survive a Holiday Work Party

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Well, unless you dread those holiday work parties.

Here come the office potlucks or the after-work gatherings you may want to avoid. I know. I get it. Let’s see if we can prepare for a more positive experience this year by using the tips below.

Here’s five tips to get you through this year’s holiday parties:

1. Get your mind right.

We know it’s in our best interest to attend these parties. Try your best to not complain and accept that you’re going if you choose to attend. Resisting and complaining only makes it worse.

Once you arrive, avoid gossiping and bad-mouthing anyone or the company with comments like how the event is a waste of money or how the money spent on it could go toward something more useful. Yep, guilty.

2. Make it a personal challenge.

Consider using this as an opportunity to: meet someone new, start a conversation with someone, share something personal about yourself or stay longer than you normally would. Attempt to hang out or talk to people you don't normally hang out with and feel socially comfortable around.

You could actually meet someone who's interesting, gain new insight or enjoy yourself if you allow it. It's amazing, sometimes, the beneficial information I gain from conversing with others.

3. Go prepared.

If you’re more of an introvert, create a list of about five topics you can discuss. It could be things related to sports, holiday shopping, family life, holiday traditions or popular television shows.

A secret is to start conversations by asking people questions. They can be really easy ones like:

“How long have you been here at the party?”

“Have you tried the cookies? They’re really good.”

“What department do you work in? How long have you been with the company?”

Also, attempt to be mindful of your facial expressions. You don’t have to plaster on a fake smile, but lose the stank face. Whether at a holiday party of not, you could have that expression as a defense so people leave you alone. How about trying something different this season?

4. Drag a partner or friend along and create an exit plan.

Get on the same page with how long you’re going to stay. It makes the situation more manageable because you know you have to be there only so long.

If you’re accomplice is an introvert really try not to talk to each other the entire time. Make yourselves mingle.

Remember to introduce your guest and give him or her a heads up about anything s/he shouldn’t bring up at the party like the vacation you haven’t mentioned yet.

5. Take a break.

Head to a restroom or hallway if you need to take a few breaths or re-energize yourself to interact. By the way, a break doesn’t mean pulling out your phone and sitting in a corner alone.

If you know someone dreading going to a holiday party, share this with him or her. Or, if you want to be the first to receive business, career or life purpose advice, sign up for my weekly newsletter.