There’s always one.
It’s just that this year… it’s you.
You showed up to the office Christmas party with every intention of being a responsible adult, but somewhere between the free drinks and the festive cheer, things took a turn. Now, you’re waking up to a pounding head, vague memories, and the gut-twisting realisation that you may have become the main character of last night’s office drama.
Deep breath. It happens. And you are far from the first person in workplace history to have a messy moment at the annual Christmas blowout.
Before we talk about the specific party personas you’ll want to avoid in the future, let’s get right to what you came for -how to face your coworkers the next day like a grown professional who is absolutely determined to stay employed.
How to Handle the Next Day at Work Like a Pro
(Yes, even if you did that.)
1. Own It — Briefly
If you know you were “memorable,” don’t hide in the stationery cupboard all morning. A simple, light acknowledgment works wonders: “Yep, might’ve been a bit enthusiastic last night, apologies if I was overly chatty. Feeling much more human today.”
Then move on. Don’t dwell, don’t over-explain, don’t relive every detail. A quick acknowledgment shows confidence and maturity.
2. Read the Room
Some people will want to tease you; others won’t care; someone might not have even noticed. Let their energy set the tone.
If colleagues bring it up and they’re laughing kindly? Laugh with them.
If they change the subject quickly? Let it go.
3. No Over-Apologizing
One apology per incident — max.
Otherwise, you just reopen the wound and make it weirder.
4. Don’t Go Detective Mode
Do not spend the day interrogating people with:
“What did I do?”
“Did I say anything weird?”
“Was I dancing on the bar?”
It only magnifies the situation and may reveal things people didn’t even know to look for.
5. Be the Most Professional Version of Yourself Today
Show up early, get work done, be helpful, be calm.
Nothing rehabilitates an office-party legend faster than competence.
6. Use Humour (But Don’t Deflect Responsibility)
A well-timed joke about needing “a lifetime ban from bubbly” goes a long way — as long as it doesn’t become a full comedy special. Light, brief, self-aware. Perfect.
7. If You Actually Hurt Someone’s Feelings, Fix It
There’s party silly… and then there’s crossing lines.
If you did the latter (and you know), apologise sincerely in private:
“I’m really sorry for what I said last night. Completely uncalled for.”
Then drop it.
8. Accept That Everyone Has Been There
Even the most polished colleague has had their moment at some point. The day-after awkwardness fades much faster than you think.
Christmas Party Action Plan (for Next Time)
You even pre-planned your night with a responsible, grown-up approach:
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Drink a glass of water between drinks.
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Make sure you eat.
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Don’t mix your drinks.
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The 3 magical “P’s”: Pace, Pace, Pace.
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Don’t get too loose.
And yet… despite all best intentions… you still became that person.
So before we talk about recovery, here’s a refresher on the classic Christmas party traps.
How to handle the next day at work like a pro:
1. Alcohol Honesty
Being a few drinks in and deciding that now is a great time to share with the owner or your boss, exactly what you think of them, and why you think everything on the company’s strategic plan will never work, is not the best time for this conversation, and it is definitely not the right time if you've had a few drinks, are slurring your words, or being negative. If you feel really strongly about something, speak to them about it at work, but NOT at the Christmas party.
2. Sh*t Talking
Gossiping about everyone in the team to anyone who’ll listen, and then remembering the next day what you said and who you said it too, or being so opinionated, that you start a fight. Good rule of thumb – if it’s not positive, keep it to yourself.
3. The “Elaine Benes” Dancing Queen
Just. Don’t. Do. It. Three rules here. Avoid grinding on people, twerking or dancing like the Elaine character on Seinfeld. SUPER awkward the day after, and it’s hard to un-see that.
4. The Crying Drunk
I once went to an office Christmas party, where one of my colleagues spent most of the night in varying states of crying. She cried because she was happy, she cried because she was sad, she cried because she was drunk. You get the idea. Everyone is there for FUN. So, keep it fun, and don’t cry!
5. The “I Love Youse” Drunk
The Crying Drunk and the I Love Youse drunk can often be the same person and alternate between these two states. On one hand, they’re having such a great time and are so grateful for everything, they just want to share the love. On the other, they get super emotional and then the waterworks start. I remember being at a party and being trapped in the bathroom by the “I Love Youse/Crying Drunk” and then she vomited, at my feet.
6. The Phantom Fade
You know those Christmas parties where suddenly you realise someone is missing? They say hi to everyone, have a drink, seem to be in every photo being taken, maybe even have a dance, but they are busy planning their early exit. Don’t do the Phantom Fade – leave the party in a cool way. Say goodbye and say thanks. Don’t be a douche and just leave.
7. The Chronic Over Sharer
You just asked what they were getting up to over the Christmas break, and an hour later, you still can’t get away from them, while they share every intimate detail of their lives. Ughghghghgh honestly, we're not that interested, we were just making conversation.
8. The Wardrobe Malfunction
I attended a Christmas party at a previous employ, and we had a dancing queen who had had way too much to drink, busting moves all over the dance floor on her own. She was wearing a cute dress with spaghetti straps, and as she was busting a particular move, well, she also busted a strap. Everyone from the boss to the office junior saw her “Janet Jackson” moment happen. Following the event, she owned it right away, laughing about the fact we all got more than we bargained for. Disaster averted, we all had a laugh and moved on.
Final Word on Office Party Regrets
Office party regret is survivable. Truly.
Your reputation isn’t ruined, your career isn’t over, and by next week, someone else will have done something far more memorable.
The key is simple:
Own it. Laugh. Be professional. Move forward.
And remember, if you're hosting an office Christmas party onsite and want cleaning handled for you (not by you), call Cleancorp on 1300 211 944 for a free quote.