Here’s How to Have a Brilliant Sober Office Christmas Party
The sober revolution is here – but workplaces can be slow to catch up.
As people get over-excited about workplace-funded bar tabs, festive celebrations with colleagues and the notorious office Christmas party, talk can very quickly – and stubbornly – become booze-themed.
Alcohol related puns, jokes and discussions can dominate email threads, Christmas party invitations, watercooler chats and activities arranged around the holiday period.
But, according to research released in September, such chats risk excluding the more than one in five Brits (21%) who say they don’t drink alcohol.
“I’ve been sober for six years – it gets easier”
Someone who knows this more than most is Neil Hudson-Basing. He’s the co-founder of The House of Happiness, “London’s Ultimate Alcohol & Drug-Free Clubbing Extravaganza,” which runs Saturday afternoon sober raves at Vauxhall’s iconic nightclub, Fire.
“Know it’s normal to feel a bit weird being sober in social situations to begin with,” he tells Your Coffee Break. “You’re navigating a whole new way of being.”
“But as I approach nearly 6 years of sobriety – and having launched a sober clubbing event and realising that I’m still that party boy at heart – I can tell you that it does get easier. And it’s definitely worth it!”
Top tips to survive the Christmas party sober
Those like Neil have found their coping strategies for silly season, but the newly sober might be secretly dreading the awkward questions and peer-pressure to drink.
Handily, Instant Offices have shared their guide to surviving the Christmas party when sober:
1. Set Your Boundaries Early
One of the most common challenges for sober partygoers is the pressure to drink. Colleagues may offer you drinks or jokingly ask why you’re not joining in. The key is to set your boundaries early, in a polite but firm way. You don’t need to give a long explanation, but a simple, “I’m not drinking tonight, but thank you!” is usually enough. Most people should respect your choice and once you’ve established it, you’ll find it much easier to stick to.
The office Christmas party is about more than just drinking – it’s a chance to bond with colleagues, enjoy some festive food, and have fun outside of the office. Shift your focus from the drinks to the people and the celebration. Engaging in lively conversation will keep you involved and make the event enjoyable, regardless of your sobriety.
2. Have a Non-Alcoholic Drink in Hand
If you’re worried about standing out without a drink in hand, there’s no need to be. Opt for a festive non-alcoholic drink, like a soda with cranberry juice, a mocktail, or a non-alcoholic alternative. Having a drink in hand not only helps you feel more included in the festivities but, it can also save you from constantly fielding well-meaning but annoying questions about why you’re not drinking.
3. Know Your Limits and Stay True to Yourself
Being sober doesn’t mean you have to be the “designated driver” or take on the role of babysitting others. You can still have a great time without taking on that responsibility. Don’t feel obligated to stay longer than you’re comfortable with or get involved in situations that don’t suit you.
4. Find Your People
If you’re feeling out of place, try to find colleagues who are also sober or those you’re already friendly with. There’s often comfort in numbers, and you may find that others are also choosing not to drink.
5. Have an Exit Strategy
If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable, it’s perfectly fine to leave early. The Christmas party doesn’t need to be a marathon. Simply excuse yourself politely, and if necessary, let a close colleague know you’re heading out. An early departure before the party becomes too raucous can also help you avoid any awkward situations the next day. A short “I’ve had a lovely time, but I’m off now” works perfectly.
Choosing not to drink doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time. In fact, being sober often means you’ll have more energy to enjoy the evening, remember everything clearly, and feel better the next day. You can still enjoy the music, the food, and the conversations without alcohol. Embrace the party for what it is – a chance to connect with colleagues, and share in the joy of the season.
You’ll create great memories that, best of all, don’t involve any hangovers.
Now that’s really a reason to be jolly.