When office Christmas parties go awry...
By Mylène Grégoire, President and PCC coach of Mymosa &CO Consulting inc.
Ah, the legendary office Christmas parties... not to mention the inevitable after-parties that follow, those moments even more prone to mishaps! These evenings where everyone promises to behave, but the festive atmosphere sometimes takes a turn for the unexpected. From colleagues letting loose on the dance floor to those who suddenly lose their hearing or judgment, you truly see it all. And of course, there are those moments when the grumpy elf comes out of the bag to remind us that a bit too much gin and tonic can turn a magical evening into a showdown—or worse, land a sexual harassment complaint on the HR director's desk.
These annual events, eagerly anticipated by many, sometimes become the stage for unforgettable (and occasionally embarrassing) anecdotes. If you’re thinking about that colleague still passionately belting out her rendition of "I Will Survive," rest assured: every company has its collection of memorable moments. Yet, behind the laughter lie a few traps to avoid.
When the elf comes out of the bag…
Let’s talk about this famous elf. They symbolize that colleague (or sometimes even the boss, let’s be honest) who, under the influence of one too many glasses of wine, decides it’s the perfect moment to confess: a declaration of love to a coworker, an inappropriate compliment, or the classic line starting with, "I’ve always thought you were so..." This well-meaning yet clumsy elf often sparks lively conversations around the coffee machine on Monday morning.
And what about the over-the-top dance moves that really should have stayed in a private setting? Or the inappropriate gift swap, unwrapped before the uncomfortable eyes of the entire office... But behind the laughter, these moments can sometimes sow discomfort or even create tension. Memories like these subtly weave their way into office life, lingering long after the party ends. And yes, some actions are scrutinized through the lens of judgment, potentially stalling that next promotion.
This is why many employers now opt for Christmas dinners with little or no alcohol—a more subdued setting, less conducive to overindulgence or spontaneous outbursts!
The Subtle Art of a Successful Office Christmas Party
A great office Christmas party strikes a delicate balance between fun and professionalism. Here are some tips to ensure your event is memorable for all the right reasons:
Set the rules with humor: Instead of handing out a list of dos and don’ts, why not send a cheerful invitation with playful guidelines? For example: "Mistletoe is optional, but declarations of love can wait for another day."
Monitor alcohol consumption and ensure safety: Christmas isn’t an excuse to forget moderation. Manage the bar with a coupon system and highlight festive non-alcoholic cocktails. You’ll be surprised how many colleagues prefer to stay sharp. Employers might also consider setting up a sobriety checkpoint for retrieving car keys—safety first!
Create a structured program: Keeping guests engaged with games, activities, or humorous award ceremonies leaves less room for awkward situations.
End the night gracefully: Offering hotel stays can sometimes encourage overindulgence. Instead, provide alternatives for those who wish to leave before things spiral. A discreet exit (with taxi or carpooling options) ensures everyone gets home safely.
Get ready for the next morning: Include a lighthearted follow-up message to diffuse any potentially awkward situations. For instance: "Thank you all for a memorable evening. To whoever grabbed the mic for that Bon Jovi song—we expect an album in 2025!"
Why Celebrate Anyway?
The office Christmas party is more than just an evening—it’s a showcase of your company culture and a golden opportunity to strengthen team bonds. When well-organized, it becomes a moment of camaraderie and appreciation.
Let’s remember that these celebrations also offer a chance to demonstrate your company’s ability to honor the festive spirit with respect and professionalism. After all, a truly successful Christmas party is one where everyone leaves with fond memories and no regrets.
So, this year, celebrate with flair—but remember: when the elf comes out of the bag, let it be with a funny story to tell, not an incident to explain.
Happy Christmas partying!
Mylène Grégoire, president and coach at Mymosa &CO, author, speaker, and founder of the online training programs Brillez au boulot and From Gut to Success.
mymosa.co