<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"  &amp;#039;Tis the season for merriment \u2014 even on the job. Boss-approved parties and cookies from coworkers can change the mood at work from frenzied to festive. But before you break out the mistletoe, make sure your on-the-clock celebrating is appropriate with these tips from Penelope Trunk, author of Brazen Careerist: The New Rules for Success.  Share the spirit of the season sensibly. It&amp;#039;s important to be respectful about people&amp;#039;s beliefs and attitudes, reminds Trunk. While a workstation decorated with tinsel and garland may look festive to you, it can be distracting, annoying, or even possibly offensive to your coworkers. Instead, funnel your holiday enthusiasm into heading up an office coat drive or another cause that everyone can rally around. Give thanks. That doesn&amp;#039;t mean running out to buy a pricey present for your boss. Instead, Trunk suggests writing heartfelt holiday cards to your supervisors, letting them know you&amp;#039;ve enjoyed working with them this year and how much you&amp;#039;re looking forward to collaborating in 2009. If you have people who report to you, it&amp;#039;s a nice gesture \u2014 although not mandatory \u2014 to show your appreciation with a lunch out or a small gift. Don&amp;#039;t be a grinch. &amp;quot;It&amp;#039;s important to attend your office party as a sign of respect and enthusiasm for your job,&amp;quot; says Trunk. For that one night, your &amp;quot;job&amp;quot; is simply to have fun, so behave in a way that will do your boss proud. This means going easy on the alcohol (limit yourself to a maximum of two drinks), mingling with coworkers \u2014 especially those you may not speak to on a regular basis \u2014 and, yes, picking up that karaoke mic when your manager beckons you from the stage. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.redbookmag.com/life/money-career/advice/a4133/work-party-etiquette/>