From Memos to Mistletoe: The Office Holiday Party A Bad Idea We Can't Live Without Grant McCracken, anthropologist If only we could say "what happens at the office party stays at the office party," but the shared memory, the deep narrative of office life never forgets. An Opportunity for Growth Marney Reid, blogger The holiday party is not about you. It's about being thankful, of giving back and taking stock in what your team has accomplished. Not Just for the 9 to 5 Set David Colon, blogger Freelancers who toil in co-working spaces and coffee shops also deserve to bask in the pleasures of karaoke, vodka luges and inappropriate sexual tension. Embrace the Season by Volunteering Greg Baldwin, VolunteerMatch Working together on a volunteer project gives teams new perspective on how to work together back in the office. The Power of the Party Ronald Thomas, human resources executive Parties can provide great snapshots of employee engagement levels. There should be more of them, and more emphasis placed on them, not less. Company Party, Company Rules Patricia Weisberg, attorney To avoid anything spiraling out of control, review company behavior policies with employees, hold the party off premises and limit alcohol intake.