It’s festive this time of year, isn’t it? So festive that people feel the need to congregate with their workmates and get very, very refreshed. Sometimes a little too refreshed. Sometimes, much too refreshed. You’re not that person.

The Office Christmas party is your moment to shine and below are just a few thoughts to add to your already impressive arsenal of social awesomeness.

The Dos

- Do wear something nice. This starts with underwear. I know I don’t need to say this but sadly, it seems I do. Wear something that is attractive without showing off the underwear you are definitely wearing or any side cleavage. Your workmates have to work with you; they don’t want that visual moment etched on their brain however attractive you are.

- Do go. It’s your chance to talk informally to the top brass and make a good impression while they’re in a festive mood. Be sure to have something interesting to say and not necessarily about work.

- Do find out whether you can bring your significant other and be sure to brief them on who’s who in the zoo so they can be your partner in crime/impressive social crutch.

- Do eat something (to cushion the alcohol) but don’t overeat because you will look greedy and cheap.

- Do try to have fun or if it’s totally boring, do get out of there as soon as you’ve made a good impression on your boss.

The Don’ts

- Don’t wear white. You will spill something on it at 11am and then feel uncomfortable.

- Don’t talk too much about work. You’re supposed to be relaxing. Read the paper that morning and have something to say. It’s fine to talk about how stressful Christmas is and “OMG I still haven’t bought a present for my mother!” is a safe topic.

- Don’t get too frisky. Or, you know what? Do. If you’ve been lusting after that guy or gal in Accounts (¿Que?) all year, maybe now is the time to try and dance with him/her. What could possibly go wrong other than never being able to get anything out of Accounts and being the talk of the party that is later referred to as “The Dancefloor Incident”. Do you see what I’m saying?

- Don’t get too drunk to dance or talk. These people are your workmates. It’s not like a Saturday night when everyone will be drunk and won’t remember. There will definitely be a wowser there not drinking who will give you a hard time about it until you have to leave the company when the opprobrium gets too severe.

I do believe there’s more for you to read: