Ah, the Christmas Party

As many of you who subscribe to this newsletter know, we are The Unmistakables - a strategic consultancy that helps businesses grow and stay relevant in rapidly shifting social and political times.

One of the many shifts that has been brought to our attention has been the shifting drinking culture of younger generations. A recent Times article put it bluntly: “Getting drunk to get ahead is the hangover of another age,” detailing a report that suggested that binge drinking once boosted career prospects; a notion that altogether feels out of step with Generation Z, a third of whom are detailed as abstaining altogether from the rise of sobriety. The rituals that once defined professional life, late-night drinks, networking over shots, and “mandatory” after-work socials, no longer resonate for many employees.

What does this have to do with Christmas parties?

One topic that has stayed surprisingly constant in our discussions with clients over the years is navigating the fabled end-of-year Christmas party. In a rapidly changing and more diverse workforce, the cultural dynamic has become more complex for many companies. I mean, the cultural confusion around the tradition begins at its outset; despite being a holiday associated with Christianity, which might be anti-booze, the typical UK stereotype is a big night out, poorly planned Secret Santa, and a chaotic release of the year’s tension.

Through the lens of inclusion, however, it has become a perceived minefield for many organisations. Businesses are more aware of differing demographics’ propensities for celebrating Christmas, and want events that genuinely cater to everyone rather than alienate some. But it’s not easy in this climate; we’ve covered political debates over recognition of Christian holidays, accusations of eroding “British values,” and culture war narratives that can make even small adjustments feel controversial.

So, as a diverse team, we asked our colleagues about their experiences with Christmas and what a party should look like today.

Selina, Director “My Christmas parties have always been during the day and sometimes run into the evening. It works because you can leave without missing the main event, and — most importantly — you can get home safely, especially as a woman travelling alone. For me, Christmas parties are about connection. Even during COVID, whether it was a quiz, cookalong, or scavenger hunt, it was still time together that wasn’t about work.”

Asad Dhunna, CEO  “Christmas parties have been hit or miss for me. In PR and comms, they were always incredibly boozy, and everyone quietly knew the next day would be a write-off. Fun stories at the time, sure, but not something I’d want to repeat now. My advice is simple: just ask. Don’t assume one person can plan something that magically works for everyone. Start early and ask the team what a good party actually looks like.”

Vicki Horrigan, Operations Manager “I’ve never enjoyed big, noisy gatherings; they make me anxious. I also mostly don’t drink, so I prefer daytime celebrations where there’s less pressure. Like Selina, I want to get home safely on the train, and not late at night. Back in the day, big drunken nights out were expected. Much less so now. And honestly, I’ve never thought getting stinking drunk in front of your boss, HR, or junior staff was a good idea. Daytime celebrations all the way for me.”

The takeaway: ask, don’t assume

We all bring different experiences, cultures, beliefs, and comfort levels to moments like Christmas, and for some people, it isn’t a celebration at all. If you strip a Christmas party back to its purpose, it’s about bringing people together. And to do that well, you have to move out of assumption and into understanding.

Ask your people. Don’t guess. Use data in whatever form it takes, conversations, testimony, or surveys. Plan with openness to learn and clarity, not pressure.

This is exactly the kind of guidance we offer organisations, helping them listen in a respectful, non-extractive way, especially when they feel culturally uncertain or nervous about “getting it wrong.”

For our nay-saying worriers about the erosion of Britain, the Christmas party isn’t disappearing, it's just evolving. And that evolution is an opportunity for businesses to show who they really are and who they want to be for their teams. Plus, perhaps some may not even mind having a drink; you just need to find out.