Sunday, December 17, 2017

How To Survive A Work Christmas Party

My husband is in the Air Force and has a squadron Christmas party every year. I won't lie, the last time we went was five years ago.





This is because we aren't social people. We prefer to stay at home. And there's nothing wrong with that. But when my husband has skipped his Christmas party, people make comments like, "Man, why didn't you go?" or, "You really should support the squadron and make an appearance."

I do not like to dress up. I do not wear a lot of make up. I do not wear heels. Basically I am not girly at all. So having to dress up is a challenge for me. And having to socialize when I'd rather be reading is tricky.




But I have some tips if a Christmas party isn't your thing either.





1. Stay comfortable. Seriously. If you don't like heels, don't wear them. No one is forcing you to put on the torture devices. I walk like this in heels:



So I knew I'd prefer flats. And I found a pair.





2. Don't cake your face with makeup. I never understand the women who do this. It's distracting to me. Plus it seems like they're forever running to the bathroom throughout the party to fix it all.

My face was like this:



And if people can taste your perfume, you're wearing too much.



3. Enjoy the food!

There was a pasta buffet at the party. I love my carbs, so I loaded my plate. You don't have to eat like a bird or pretend you don't eat. I promise, pasta makes everything better.





4. Stay true to who you are.

I brought my book purse! Society might say that I should bring a fancy sparkly one, but I don't care. I love to read, I love books, thus my book purse joined me.




4. Say "ahhh" every couple of minutes to appear interested in the conversation even if you're not. 


You might get that person who goes on about her MLM business. "And if you join, you can get leggings for free and bonus, the leggings are made with quality fabrics..." It's okay to say no thank you. And it's okay to remind them that it's not the best place to talk about selling crap.



5. You don't have to join in if it's a themed party.

Apparently the Christmas party was a masquerade one. My husband failed to tell me this. He also failed to tell me what exactly the kids would be doing. We brought our daughter because she's too young to be home alone and her teenaged brother with autism wouldn't pay attention to her. There was a separate area for childcare so I was like, "What will she be fed for dinner?"

Husband was like:



I asked, "What will she be doing?"

Husband was like:



I was all, "Did you ask ANY questions about what our child would be doing and who will be watching her?"

Husband was like:



Ugh. Anyway, my daughter ended up having fun and eating pasta like us. And I did not put on the masquerade mask because quite frankly, I paid to be there and I didn't want to. Most people actually didn't put one on either. Don't feel pressured. There were also games and if you don't want to play and would rather observe, say it. No sense in being uncomfortable.


6. If all else fails, there's usually a bar.



Yup. Just don't completely lose it and embarrass yourself. Or your spouse. If you do, you might end up on YouTube or in a meme on how NOT to behave at a party. I'm just warning you.



And that, my friends, is how you survive a work Christmas party.






Do you enjoy work holiday parties?

82 comments:

  1. Is that Olive Garden bread? Lol yummmmm
    My husband has to go to one, but I don’t! :)
    And I paint myself up like Annabelle or Tiffany from the Chucks movies, depending on my mood (eyeliner as black as my soul). You don’t want to see me without. Lol

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    1. I don't think it was catered by Olive Garden but it tasted similar! I ate like 3 of them ;)

      Aw, I'm sure you're gorgeous without makeup! I should probably wear more concealer though. I have dark circles.

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  2. Love all of your tips. Thank god my husband's work now does his while he's at work so I don't have to go! Dodged a bullet lol.

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  3. So glad we don't have to attend work Christmas parties anymore. Most people are there to only benefit themselves. Have fun and smile.

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  4. Let's talk perfume! I'm all for smelling good, but my goodness, some people bathe in it and it's entirely too much! I love parties except for work parties. They can be so boring!

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    1. Yes! One spray is plenty. I don't want to taste you.

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  5. OMG these are great! I thought I was the only one that needed advice for dealing with work parties. Merry Christmas!
    XO Ellen from Ask Away
    www.askawayblog.com

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  6. My husband is also usually invited for the work party and I always come up with an excuse which works always. Great tips will be hopefully using them this time.

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  7. I love this post ... hilarious. And WHAT IS A BOOK PURSE?! I think this is something I need. (I read voraciously, I have another blog that is actually books-only)

    I'm not a big party person either but you can't go wrong with a pasta buffet. :)

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  8. I work for myself full-time so my only work Christmas party is me and coffee, so I guess you'd say I have a party every day. Hubby's work doesn't have a party.

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  9. I have always hated work Christmas parties. I went to a few that my husband has had, I enjoyed the first jobs because I had made friends with one of his coworker's wife. The last two places he was employed I went once, and then skipped the rest. He went solo, which was cool, because I hated going, and most of the time the other men came solo as well.

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  10. I love the last pic and your list will help me survive some parties here too!

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  11. I have only gone to a few holiday parties with my husband but fortunately for us there at the zoo so we come and go as we please and we don't need to dress up. These are some great tips though and if I ever have to I will use everything you mentioned here.

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  12. Ha I am the same: quite the homebody so I prefer staying in over venturing out. I differ in that I enjoy getting ready and doing my makeup. Good tips!

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  13. Great tips for dealing with mandatory fun!

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  14. These are all great tips for surviving a work Christmas party. I have never been to one before. I am going to have to share these tips with my friends headed theirs this year!

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  15. ahah this post is so good! my work christmas party is on wednesday but we are a startup and a team of 5 so it should be alright!

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  16. Oh I hear you, I have anxiety so situations like parties makes me feel worse. I get tired easily and then have to look after my drunk friends and like you I would rather be home reading a good book and watching a movie. Oh and it is awful that people make comments about your hubby like that, we are entitled to choice and they should keep their opinions to themselves!

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  17. I am in love with your book purse! I always feel awkward at parties. It is always fun to try the food when they have a good selection. Your dress looked great on you.

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  18. I can't wear heels anymore because I broke my ankle in January and it still hurts if I wear heels. So it's all flats no matter the occasion for me.

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  19. These are some good ideas. Some of those parties can be a little awkward or boring so it's good to prepare!

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  20. Your post is so funny, but also has some great tips! I really like your book purse by the way!

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  21. I love your honesty and definitely understand you guys. I'm cracking up because there are so many times that I feel the same way. I'm glad you went because we wouldn't have heard about this funny story would we? lol.

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  22. These are great tips! My husband has a holiday party after the New Year and it is always fun because my husband has worked there for over 5 years, so we know everyone. But I know they can be difficult. I agree being comfortable is key.

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  23. These are definitely great tips! We had Kyle's holiday social tonight and it wasn't terrible but I don't enjoy them.

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  24. This is fun post to read! I needed help on any mandatory work holiday party. Looks like now I got solution!

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  25. What an interesting read, very useful tips. Really liked all the videos and pics. Admire the effort you have put in conveying your thoughts and feelings in this post.

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  26. I have never attended a work Christmas party but these are all great tips! I love thee idea of having a break from work to have fun tho!

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  27. You sound like me! I only dress up for church and I am awkward in social setting. You look great though!

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  28. Good tips! I agree you should dress comfortably in something that makes you feel good. The worst is spending all night feeling awkward and having to pull in your stomach/pull down your skirt etc. Drinking helps though not too much or you could end up doing something embarrassing

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  29. Hahaha, I loved some of your tips. I could so relate to your post because I go through this when I have to travel with husband and his colleagues are around. I can't dress up to save my life but those few days actually make up for the rest of the year.

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  30. These are great tips. I like the one about acting interested in the conversation. That could help a lot for me!

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  31. I had my work Christmas party last week and apart from my bad tummy I was nursing on my way there it was pretty chilled but whenever I don't follow any conversations I just have a nice time at the bar lol

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  32. I couldn't agree with you more on number 2! Seriously, what's with the thousand pounds of makeup? Natural beauty is the best.

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  33. Love these tips! Like you I'm not very social person either. I agree with you to stay true to who you are. I think you look great with that red dress.

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  34. Cassidy had his last Thursday and it sure was interesting! It's a small group but boy did people get rowdy!

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  35. I tend to avoid parties too. Too much of an introvert. Loved your tips and your book purse!!

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  36. I can totally understand coz we have been through in the same situation :) We are not much of a social people either :)

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  37. Totally agree with staying true to who you are. Great tips, it's really best to stay comfortable and sometimes say no if you are not up to it.

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  38. I enjoyed your post and lol ! I freak at the thought of going to a gathering where I no not a soul I can hear my ears ringing where some would say "Come and socialize and meet new people". I'd rather bake a cake or relax at home with the hubby. Besides I feel you shouldn't be social with your co workers. Always be true to yourself I would recommend. Doll up to your own liking and comfort leave the fitting in to the high school girls..lol ! "Proud introvert, its so much less drama !

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  39. Ah, as always I loved your post!! I think you looked gorgeous, and those flats are fabulous. And as for the food - yum!

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  40. Thanks for great tips on how to enjoy a party. I never understood how many people struggle with this when there are so many things to distract you. Keshia Richmond

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  41. Loved your post.. Just flaunt the way you love and don't get swayed by society standards.

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  42. Honestly there were time that we only went because it was expected especially because of my husband rank. We made sure all the correct people saw us and left as soon as possible. Just being honest here.

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  43. Awwww I love your simplicity Amber!. I have never understood why women cake their faces with so much make up in preparation of a party.

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  44. Work parties are the worst! We usually slip out after we've made the rounds. Then we go to a nice restaurant and have dessert because work party food usually sucks.

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  45. These are great tips. Whether it's a work party or just a get together, you can't have fun if you don't stay comfortable in what you're wearing and who you are. I think the worst thing anyone can do is try to be something they're not.

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  46. I needed this advice years ago. lol I've been to a few work parties where I stood back in awe of people that just let it all hang out. Great post!!

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  47. These are so many wonderful tips. I always try to wear flats! I haven't been to a work party in so many years though.

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  48. We have survived our first three parties and loved the wine during, not so much after and the next day. I will keep your tips handy for the next few gatherings.

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  49. I have actually never been to a work Christmas party before - lol. Because um, I work from HOME! ;)
    But I watch these types of movies sometimes - or I have at least. Makes me never want to ever go to one!

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  50. Luckily, we don't have work Christmas parties to go to (I am a SAHM and my husband works from home). But these tips are great for those who do have work Christmas parties to go to.

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  51. Tomorrow is the annual work Christmas party and there's rain in the forecast. I have a feeling a lot of us will forego the party and blame it on the rain.

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  52. I love work parties but my husbands job does not have any. I do get to go to the cub scout party.

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  53. I love your ways of coping with an often stressful event. I agree, I don't love going to work parties, but you have a great attitude about them.

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  54. My Christmas party is a brunch followed by a snowboarding session on a dry slope! it's gonna be so much fun!

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  55. I work in a very small company so the Christmas party is usually just a meal out, with the same 5 people in the office, so everyone acts like every day. I don't know how I'd feel attending a large office Christmas party.

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  56. A pasta buffet? That sounds awesome. That would make any party worth it honestly.

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  57. Pasta really does make everything better! My work Christmas party is tomorrow. We are doing Dundees and white elephant at a super cool local taproom. I've been looking forward to it all week

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  58. This was funny! Was this meant to be sarcastic? You crack me up! I loved goign to work parties! I always had so much fun - and I'm the girl over at the tabel wearing too much perfume and too much makeup! LOL! ☺

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  59. I really enjoyed your tips. It's important to stay true to yourself especially when you're going to a party you'd rather skip.

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  60. I am so glad that you survived a work Christmas party. You really look wonderful! Thanks for the tips!

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  61. Did you have fun, after all of this? LOL, we were always the hosts of the work party as my husband was the head of his school. I wish I had these tips earlier!! esp the carbs!

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  62. It is funny but so true. Just be yourself is the best way to enjoy the party.

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  63. I can very well understand how you feel about socializing. But you have worked out the best way to manage the situation. I do feel being yourself is so very important here.

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  64. Work Christmas parties were never my favorites. These are some really great tips for how to enjoy them!

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  65. Parties can be surprisingly awkward! These are good tips.. it helps to at least be comfortable and be yourself.

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  66. Love your tips, parties are always boring for me. People will talk to you like they are best friends, once you leave the room, they don't even look at you. I too not into much makeup as well as heels. Never bought one for me. Always with flats. your flat look beautiful.

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  67. Great tips. It really is important to be yourself and just be comfortable in these social situations. I find when you're at ease and not trying hard that is more likely for you to enjoy yourself more.

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