12 Survival Tips For The Office Holiday Party

Now at the peak of the holiday party season, most companies are gathering to celebrate the end of a hardworking year.

"People like to work with people they know, so take this opportunity to let down your hair a little," Helene Wasserman, an attorney for Littler, an international firm focused exclusively on labor and employment laws, tells Business Insider.

But whatever you do, don't treat your colleagues like they're your college buddies.

According to Wasserman, it's not uncommon to get harassment claims around the holiday season. She blames it on the alcohol. "The best way to survive is to remember that you're still at work and the rules still apply," Wasserman says. "If you're talking to your boss and a drink is in your hand, he's still your boss."

We compiled some tips to help you survive your office party — and still manage to keep your job.

Ask about the dress code ahead of time.

You need to find out what the dress code is and stick to it, career coach Barbara Pachter tells Business Insider.

You don't want people talking about what you wore the day or night after the party, she says. Whatever you wear, remember that it's still a business event.

Aside from the company's dress code, don't forget that behavior and harassment policies still apply— even if the party is off-site.

Eat a decent meal beforehand.

Although there might be hors d'oeuvres, you should still eat before the party begins. If not, you may become more intoxicated than you intended. Furthermore, eating while you're mingling isn't the most comfortable in a professional setting.

"Eat a little before you go to a business social event," says Pachter. "If you drink, you'll have something in your stomach, and if the food is delayed, you won't be hungry."

Don't even think about skipping the party.

To show that you're committed to the company, make sure you show up for at least 30 minutes. Always assume company gatherings are "must attend" events.

"People will expect you to be there," says Pachter. "It's an opportunity for you to meet people, and the person you talk to may wind up being the person who interviews you for your next job in three months."