Tips To Survive An Awkward Holiday Party

Office staff enjoying a Christmas party together, unwrapping gifts as part of secret Santa

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The year is almost over, you’ve come so close. You just have one final challenge: the office holiday party. There is no amount of free food and booze that can make these parties easy (in fact, too much booze and the party itself might be an agent of chaos), but there are ways to make them easier. After all, holiday parties are meant to be endured, not enjoyed. Read on for the following five tips on how to make small talk at those awkward holiday gatherings.

Talk about the holiday

Compliment your colleagues on something festive – their holiday sweater, the office decorations, or what holiday treats they brought to the party. It’s an easy way to break the ice, and it opens the door for them to talk about their interests—which takes the pressure off you. And if you don’t want to discuss the holiday itself, you can always talk about the party. What’s their favorite drink? Which snacks can’t be missed? Use the room itself as a conversational device.

Focus on the year ahead

Ask colleagues about their predictions for the upcoming year, but maybe make it office-specific. What’s their wild guess for the “office trend” of 2024? It adds a playful element to the usual work talk, and honestly, it might open your mind to an office trend that hadn’t occurred to you.

Take advantage of the bathroom

An evergreen party trick. Scroll your phone in a bathroom stall if you need a break from small-talk. Just make sure you’re not holding up any lines—or you’ll have some angry colleagues on your hands.

Ask for holiday recs

Ask people about their favorite holiday songs or the weirdest ones they’ve come across. You might discover some hidden gems, or you might just keep the conversation going. Discuss favorite holiday movies, too—some of them are so cheesy, but every once in a while, a holiday movie strikes gold. Get your coworkers’ thoughts on what to make your next Netflix binge.

Ask about travel plans

Remember, the goal is to create a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere. Keep it light, smile, and go with the flow. Everyone likes to complain about travel, so this can be a great way to connect.

And if you stay in the moment, you just might find yourself having a good time. But if that’s too much to ask for, then focus on survival. You’ll get through it.