How to Survive Your Work Christmas Party Sober
With just six weeks to go until December, the countdown to the work Christmas party has officially begun for many employees.
Often seen as one of the most anticipated events in workplace culture, one particular topic continues to be brought up – alcohol.
In recent years, there has been a generational shift in attitudes towards drinking culture, particularly among younger employees. According to a study by the Institute for Public Policy Research, one in three Gen Z workers feels pressured to drink at work parties. This can make these types of events extremely daunting, with the underlying fear of feeling left out or ‘not involved.’
With that being said, Instant Offices has shared five tips on how to survive your Christmas party when sober:
1. Communicate your Boundaries in a Clear but Polite Way
One of the most common challenges for sober partygoers is the pressure to drink. Colleagues may offer you drinks or jokingly ask why you’re not joining in. The key is to set your boundaries early, in a polite but firm way. You don’t need to give a long explanation, but a simple, “I’m not drinking tonight, but thank you!” is usually enough. Most people should respect your choice and once you’ve established it, you’ll find it much easier to stick to.
The office Christmas party is about more than just drinking – it’s a chance to bond with colleagues, enjoy some festive food, and have fun outside of the office. Shift your focus from the drinks to the people and the celebration. Engaging in lively conversation will keep you involved and make the event enjoyable, regardless of your sobriety.
2. Have a Non-Alcoholic Drink in Hand
If you’re worried about standing out without a drink in hand, there’s no need to be. Opt for a festive non-alcoholic drink, like a soda with cranberry juice, a mocktail, or a non-alcoholic alternative. Having a drink in hand not only helps you feel more included in the festivities but makes people less likely to ask the dreaded question: “Why aren’t you drinking?”
3. Find Your People
If you’re feeling out of place, try to find colleagues who are also sober or those you’re already friendly with. There’s often comfort in numbers, and you may find that others are also choosing not to drink.
4. Know Your Limits and Stay True to Yourself
Being sober doesn’t mean you have to take on the role of babysitting others or get involved in situations that don’t suit you. You can still have a great time without taking on that responsibility. After all – fun isn’t defined by alcohol.
5. Leave When you Feel Comfortable to do So
If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable, it’s perfectly fine to leave early. The Christmas party doesn’t need to be a marathon. Simply excuse yourself politely, and if necessary, let a close colleague know you’re heading out. An early departure before the party becomes too raucous can also help you avoid any awkward situations the next day. A short “I’ve had a lovely time, but I’m off now” works perfectly.
Choosing not to drink doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time. In fact, being sober often means you will have more energy to enjoy the evening, remember everything clearly, and feel better the next day. You can still enjoy the music, the food, and the conversations without alcohol. Embrace the party for what it is – a chance to connect with colleagues, share the joy of the season, and create great memories that don’t involve any hangovers.
More About Instant Offices: Instant Offices is the world’s largest office advisory service dedicated to finding the ideal flexible workspace for our clients – wherever their business is going. We cover the global serviced office market, and our talented people are market specialists, enabling them to offer free, impartial advice to help find your dream workspace and negotiate the best deal for your business.
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