Christmas Parties 2025 Style

My favourite Christmas movie is The Office Christmas Party, a movie about a corporate Christmas party that absolutely goes OFF!  There’s a link to the trailer at the bottom , but I don’t want you to get distracted yet 😊.

Back in the day, before I even knew I was an event planner, I used to work for a company in the construction industry.  It was my job to organise “roof top” parties and the annual Christmas “do”.  Invariably these events would be massive p*ss ups (drunken, debauchery gatherings for any non-Aussies), that would invariably result in the following;

😠 At least one person abusing the boss and subsequently being fired

🥊 At least one punch on where someone ends up with a black eye

🪠 At least one apprentice being encouraged to do something illegal

🍑 One or more people photocopying their naked butts

®️  And a lot of other unmentionable (in writing) stories I could tell.

So what is it about Christmas parties that has us all going nuts!  Well, I don’t know the answer to that, but I do know what you can do to protect your employees, colleagues and your business from being “the one everyone’s talking about” 2026.

1. First and foremost, look at these risks from the point of the view of the guest.  How can you keep them safe, give them a fun and relaxed environment, and at the same time, ensure everyone acts appropriately!
2. Next consider your company’s reputation.  It might be the cheapest and easiest option to throw and “open bar” at the local and just let everyone “get on it”, but this would be lazy and irresponsible.  Imagine all your workers showing up in uniform after finishing early for the day, getting sh*tfaced (more slang meaning very drunk), and ending up on TikTok “dancing” in an alley somewhere with your company name emblazoned across their uniform!  Make people change out of their uniform, manage responsible service of alcohol, make sure you feed them, and think about some activities that help them pass the party time, instead of drinking, drinking and more drinking.
3. And lastly, look after the families of your guests.  Send proper invitations, have a start and finish time on the invitation, provide financial support to get home if needed, or set up ride share or taxi account just for the event, to make sure people can get home. Articulate acceptable behaviour, anticipate any friction or potential issues, and facilitate a magical experience for everyone. 

Aim to be the BEST CHRISTMAS PARTY THEY’VE EVER BEEN TO, and you will be half way to creating an epic experience that is safe, friendly and fun for everyone involved.

Oh, and my official advice…..

• Talk to an HR professional before you start planning to ensure you cover employment expectations.
• Talk to your accountant about FBT and other financial matters
• And talk to your legal team about what you need to include in the invitation to mitigate any post event claims for injury, loss, etc.

And if you’re still not sure what to create that helps you and your staff celebrate, talk to an event professional today!  We’re friendly, know how to throw an office Christmas party and we won’t let you get into trouble 😊.

And here’s the link to The Office Christmas Party movie – everything NOT TO DO this year!  PS: This is my favourite Christmas movie of all time!