Despite a down economy, many small companies are still going ahead with holiday party plans. Before you get swept away in the festive holiday atmosphere and do something you’ll regret, read our guide to find out how you should behave.

1. Avoid talking about taboo subjects such as religion, politics, and avoid making off-color jokes.

2. Don’t drink too much. Alcohol has a tendency to intensify water cooler gossip.

3. Don’t forget that people are watching. It’s not time to start reliving your spring break memories from college.

4. Dress appropriately. Seeing you in your nightclub attire will forever alter your colleagues’ perceptions of you.

5. It’s not the time to try out your latest pick-up lines on your coworkers. It could be taken as sexual harassment.

6. Mind your manners. When the clock strikes 5, they tend to go out the window.

7. Don’t photocopy various body parts. That could make for one rather embarrassing trip to the ER.

8. Show interest in others. Monopoly can be fun to play, but when it comes to conversation, it’s a very boring game.

9. Nix the work talk. You’ll end up being labeled as the office bore.

10. Eat carefully. It’s hard to look professional when you get a stain on your shirt.