How to Survive the Office Christmas Party

There’s a reason “embarrassing photos of the Christmas party” have become a recurring element in movies and TV shows with office settings. While an office party is, on paper, a time to unwind and have some fun with your coworkers, it is, in reality, a minefield of awkward social gaffs and potential career crashers. Don’t give that jerk from accounting the chance to take a compromising picture of you; follow these tips to survive the night.

1. Avoid gossip. It’ll almost definitely make its way back to whoever the subject of it is, which will almost definitely land you in hot water.
2. Don’t talk about how drunk you are. That’s tantamount to wearing a signboard that says “I am not in my right mind and will do or say any stupid thing anyone asks of me.”
3. Don’t tell any coworkers if you’ve ever had a crush on them. Just… don’t.
4. Don’t talk promotions and bonuses with the boss. They’re here to relax and have fun, just like you, and they don’t want to talk about business.
5. Don’t talk about how much you hate your coworkers. That’s a great way to earn yourself an enemy for life, doubly so if you’re talking about the boss.
6. Don’t talk about quitting or job searching. If you hate your job so much, why did you come to the party? Don’t be a downer.
7. Don’t be a brown-noser. A little schmoozing is fine, but networking with coworkers/the boss/executives should be secondary to the party.