Mixing business with fun? Um...

Ah, the company holiday party...

1. When the bar is open, but too many drinks is not a good idea. I saw it for myself at the last company party, and trust me, that inebriated person does not live it down-- it comes back up in conversation when the next company party rolls around.

2. When you're trying to mingle with coworkers, but the band is so loud, no one can hear anyone else, even when they're shouting right at each other. Ringing in the ears lasts for at least 30 minutes after you leave the party, you can feel tables vibrating slightly from the volume, etc.

3. When, near the end of the night, you see people you would never expect out dancing. Gotta admit, I was thoroughly impressed by several people on the dance floor. Yes, I was out there too, even if I was partially deaf (see #2 above).

There's a strange split personality about company parties. You're supposed to be able to relax outside the office, but you can never get too comfortable with your supervisors around!

This year I've been with the company for nearly a year and a half, and the difference in the number of people I knew at the last Christmas party and those I know now is amazing. The entire time I was there this year, I was playing the name game in my mind: 'Yeah, that's so-and-so from Production, and that's so-and-so from Marketing, and-- is that so-and-so from Legal out on the dance floor?? Wow. Who knew he was a dancer?

All in all, though one friend was gone this year (you were missed!) it was a pretty good night, I think!