How to Survive Your Office Holiday Party

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Lifehacker's Guide to Surviving Holiday Parties

Office holiday parties offer respite from the usual stress of work, but they are also notorious opportunities to embarrass yourself. Here’s how to navigate your holiday party without waking up with regrets.

First things first—you might be tempted to pregame and take the edge off before you arrive, but that’s never a good idea, especially when you’ll be surrounded by your professional peers. And dress nice but modestly; stick to a sport coat or cocktail dress and forego the elf outfit.

Once things are in swing it’s probably best to avoid controversial topics in your conversations (“Hey boss, do you think Bernie would have won?”). Have two drinks or so, and once everyone is getting a little too loose for comfort, it might be time to ghost. Then you’ll be ready to start the new year sans hangover and HR complaints.