Share Your Office Holiday Party Horror Stories

We’ve all been to our share of office holiday parties. At some, just enough food, booze and merriment are had by all. But others start out OK and then something goes really wrong.

For example, one of my first jobs out of college was in a small office of about 20 people. The holiday party was at a swanky Boston hotel. We all got dressed up and dined on great food, chit-chatting with our coworkers and meeting the spouses. And then, he showed up.

The he in question was a recently fired ex-employee who somehow convinced the powers that be that he should still come to the holiday party. He showed up tipsy and proceeded to get completely trashed, sitting in the corner, crying and literally falling off his chair. Then he came out of the closet to the entire office (most of us suspected anyway). He had to be escorted out.

Pretty embarrassing, huh? At least he didn’t have to face his coworkers on Monday. For example, check out Monster member bigboy01’s story:

Years ago, at this one very large company I was working for, each department was given money to have a Christmas party. But there was a stipulation no alcohol could be served. The reason being is that we were told the CEO did not drink and did not endorse drinking at parties. That was a hoot, because my sister knew someone in upper management, and she said at their company parties, the booze flowed freely.

So everyone chipped in to have a party. We did pot luck and BYOB at a hall. It was so-so until a lot of the people really started to pound drinks.

I do remember hearing some nasty comments from a few people, and about halfway through the party, my boss (who was really drunk) was hanging on my shoulder, saying, “Ya know, a lot of people hate you, but I like you. You’re a decent person.” Of course, there were a lot of other stupid behaviors, as in people falling down and throwing up because they were so drunk. This reminded of a drunken prom I went to once.

Needless to say, I left early and actually quit that job shortly afterwards. Monday morning at work, all I heard was OMG I drank way too much and I don’t remember a thing.

My rule is: I do not drink at office functions.

Got an office holiday party horror story of your own? Post it to our thread on the Office Politics message board. And check out our advice on keeping your head out of a lampshade at this year’s festivities.

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