The company holiday party is a time to celebrate the year’s achievements, connect with colleagues, and share in the festive spirit. However, there’s one golden rule that bears repeating: Don’t get drunk at your company holiday party. While this advice might seem obvious, year after year, stories surface of people at all levels of the corporate hierarchy—fresh hires to seasoned executives—making career-damaging mistakes after one too many cocktails.

Here’s why overindulging at a work-related event is a risk you can’t afford to take.

1. Nothing Good Comes of It

While a little liquid courage might seem harmless at the moment, excessive drinking has rarely led to positive outcomes in professional settings. Instead, you’re far more likely to wake up the next morning dreading a barrage of consequences:

• Embarrassment: You may have said or done something that’s now the subject of office gossip.
• Career Damage: At worst, you could lose your job or face suspension without pay if your behavior crossed a line.

Even if you don’t remember the details, the people around you will—and your professional reputation could take a serious hit.

2. You Could Lose Control of Your Actions

When alcohol flows freely, judgment and inhibitions tend to take a backseat. That’s a dangerous combination in a professional environment. Inappropriate comments, unwelcome advances, or overly casual behavior toward colleagues or superiors can escalate quickly, especially if you’re not fully in control of your actions.

And here’s the kicker: “I don’t remember” is not an excuse. At the end of the day, you are accountable for your actions, sober or not.

3. Professional Boundaries Still Apply

It’s easy to forget that a holiday party is still a work event, especially if the setting feels more relaxed or if alcohol is involved. But this isn’t the time to “let your hair down” all the way. The same professional standards apply here as they do during office hours.

Remember:

• Your boss, peers, or even subordinates are watching, whether consciously or not.
• Leadership may be taking note of how employees handle themselves in social settings.
• You never know when your behavior could come back to haunt you, whether through office gossip or formal complaints.

4. Leadership Drinking Doesn’t Justify Overindulgence

The presence of an open bar or leadership encouraging drinks doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. In fact, it’s a trap many fall into. While your boss might be holding a drink, that doesn’t mean they’re getting drunk. They’re likely keeping a mental tally of how others are conducting themselves, and you don’t want to be remembered as the employee who couldn’t keep it together.

Take this to heart: The open bar is not a challenge. It’s a test.

5. Stories Abound as Warnings

You might think this advice only applies to younger employees new to the professional world. Think again. The cautionary tales span decades, industries, and levels of seniority. From 20-somethings to 50-year-old C-suite executives, poor decisions at holiday parties have derailed countless careers.

For instance:

• The junior employee who openly badmouthed their manager after one too many drinks.
• The senior executive who became the subject of an HR investigation following inappropriate comments to a colleague.
• The quiet coworker who shocked everyone with uncharacteristic behavior and tarnished their reputation.

These aren’t just anecdotes—they’re lessons.

6. How to Handle Drinking at a Holiday Party

Here’s how you can navigate the holiday party while keeping your professional image intact:

• Set a Limit: Decide beforehand how many drinks you’ll have, and stick to it. For many, one or two is a safe maximum.
• Pace Yourself: Sip slowly and alternate alcoholic beverages with water or soda.
• Eat Before You Drink: A full stomach helps slow the absorption of alcohol.
• Know Your Boundaries: If you feel pressured to drink, politely decline. A simple “I’m pacing myself” or “I’m driving” usually suffices.

7. Remember the Bigger Picture

The company holiday party is an opportunity to strengthen your professional network, build goodwill, and show appreciation for your team. It’s not a night to blow off steam or see how many shots you can down before the bar closes.

When in doubt, ask yourself: “How will I feel about my behavior tomorrow?” If the answer isn’t positive, it’s time to reevaluate.

Final Thoughts

A company holiday party can be a fun and memorable event—just make sure it’s memorable for the right reasons. By staying in control, you not only protect your career but also demonstrate professionalism and maturity.

So, enjoy the evening, socialize, and have a drink if you’d like. Just don’t get drunk. Because nothing good comes of it—only bad.