How to survive the Christmas party season

Itís that time again. Itís Christmas party time. Most office workers are thinking about where they are going, how to get your name on the guestlist at parties youíre not invited to, which party you have to turn down, and the ever important question what are you going to wear?

In this slightly gloomy time we all deserve to be able to let our hair down. Most companies are providing their staff with some form of Christmas entertainment, even if it is slightly more low key than previous years. Something is better than nothing. And if your company are not having a party, there are plenty of shin-digs you can go to with your friends to get into the Christmas spirit. However that is where us Brits always go wrong! Any excuse for a good old fashioned knees up and we forget our manners, our morals and more importantly that you have to go back to work the next day to see your colleagues again!

At fish4jobs (www.fish4jobs.co.uk) we want you all to have a well deserved good night out with work and to get into the spirit of Christmas, so to save any of those embarrassing moments when you go back to work, we have compiled a list of tips on how to spare the shame!

Pace yourself – remember itís not a drinking competition just because the drink is free. You can have as much fun on less alcohol, and have the added bonus of remembering the evening

Water – drink plenty of water in between the alcoholic drinks

Food – make sure you have eaten plenty on the day of the party and if there is food on the night do try and line the stomach with as much as you can! It really does help

Kissing under the mistletoe – just because you have had a drink and you fancy the guy or girl in Accounts, doesnít mean that you can launch yourself on them at the Christmas Party. If you think someone likes you, be subtle and approach with caution. Alcohol induced lust is often regretted the next day.

Dancing on the tables – never a winner at a works do, even if your boss is up there grooving away to Abba with a bottle of champers in one hand and the receptionist in the other. Just because someone else is doing it, doesnít mean its ok!

Taxi – if your company are not supplying you with transport home, pre-book a taxi before the night begins. You can always change the time if you are having more or less fun than expected, but its better to be prepared than be stuck somewhere with no way of getting home.
Money – always make sure you have enough money to get home safely. This saves you having to stop outside cash machines when drunk. Never the best plan for safety.

Phone a friend – if you are stuck somewhere or in a pickle, call a friend and let them know what you are doing. Best to be on the safe side especially late at night.

Get a room – if you are at a party a long way from home, it can often be cheaper to stay at a hotel nearby. Check with colleagues from work who you get on with and split the cost.

Sleep – no matter how hard you think you are, we all need our sleep, especially if you have work the next day. Allow enough time to get a little refreshing shut eye, a shower in the morning and a bit of breakfast. You will feel much better and look halfway decent and definitely better than your boss and the receptionist who were still dancing on the bar table!