The Fun Police: Your Festive Guide to a Drama-Free Party Season 🎄
The Office Party
That magical time of year when desks disappear under tinsel, Michael Bublé emerges from hibernation, and the office slowly shifts from “deadline season” to “party season.”
After months of hard work, everyone is more than ready for a good old-fashioned knees-up. In fact, according to SME Business News, 61% of businesses are now splashing more than £150 per head on their Christmas party. And with all that food, fizz, and festive cheer… what could possibly go wrong?
Well… quite a bit, actually.
Over the years, the office Christmas do has earned a bit of a reputation: a place where HR begin sweating, managers brace themselves, and someone inevitably earns themselves the nickname “Two-Proseccos Pete” for at least the next calendar year.
And that, is where we arrive - The Fun Police — flashing lights, festive sirens, and a gentle reminder that “What happens at the Christmas party” does not stay at the Christmas party… especially if someone posts it on Instagram.
Your Party Season Survival Guide
🎉 DO…
Provide plenty of non-alcoholic options – there are some fabulous mocktails these days.
Make sure everyone feels included and welcome—no one should need to skip the fun because of childcare, beliefs, neurodivergence or financial worries.
Offer quiet spaces or lower-sensory zones for those who may feel overwhelmed.
Let staff know what to expect: the venue, timings, activities, menus… anything to remove uncertainty.
Normalise optional participation; no one should feel pressured to drink, dance or socialise.
Keep an eye on social media—encourage people to ask before posting group photos.
Encourage managers to check in with their teams—especially those who may find the holidays difficult.
Promote financial wellbeing resources and avoid pushing costly activities.
Celebrate safely, respectfully, and above all—joyfully!
❌ DON’T…
Assume everyone celebrates Christmas the same way (or at all).
Rely solely on alcohol to create atmosphere—it rarely ends well.
Ignore signs that someone is uncomfortable, overwhelmed or excluded.
Turn a blind eye to inappropriate behaviour; the “it’s just the party” excuse doesn’t fly.
Make gift-giving mandatory—Secret Santa’s are fun until someone’s bank balance says otherwise.
Post party photos without permission (your future self will thank you).
Forget that the morning after (often) still counts as a working day…
Look out for Others
Not everyone experiences Christmas the same way, and for some, this time of year can be overwhelming or emotionally heavy. A little thoughtfulness goes a very long way.
Neurodivergent Employees
The lights, noise and unpredictability of festive events can be stressful.
Offer quiet spaces
Communicate schedules clearly
Make every activity optional
Employees With Childcare Responsibilities
Holiday clubs close, schools break up, and parents scramble.
Offer flexible working options
Consider family-friendly events or support
Employees Who Are Lonely or Struggling
Christmas can amplify isolation.
Encourage a year-round culture of care
Ask managers to check in, especially with remote staff
Signpost support services such as EAPs or counselling
Employees Who Don’t Drink
Not drinking should never mean not joining in.
Provide alcohol-free alternatives
Plan activities not centred around drinking
Avoid alcohol-based gifts
Financial Stress
Not everyone has spare cash for gifts, outfits or events.
Avoid mandatory spending
Encourage alternative giving
Share financial wellbeing resources (MoneyHelper, StepChange, etc.)
A Final Word from the Fun Police
The holiday season should be a time to unwind, celebrate achievements, and actually enjoy the people you work with. With a little planning, you can create an event that’s memorable - for all the right reasons!
Festive fun doesn’t need to be policed—it just needs to be thoughtful.
Now go forth, celebrate responsibly, and may your Christmas party be full of joy, laughter and just the right amount of questionable dancing.
