Timing is Everything

For most jobs, this is the only party where everyone is expected to attend, so people remember the events for years to come. Because of that, be mindful of your timing. Arrive promptly (unless your company has some interesting "unwritten rules" about punctuality) and don't be the first to leave, even if you're having a bad time. You want to be seen as part of the office culture, not someone who hates her co-workers and would rather be watching Lifetime's 12 Days of Christmas.