With Christmas less than three weeks away, tis the season for gift wrapping and cookie baking. And if you're a business reporter, it's also the time of year for public relations representatives to clog your inbox with pitches about "proper" holiday party etiquette, like a plump Santa making his way through a narrow chimney.
现在距离圣诞节还有不到三周时间，又到了包礼物、做饼干的时节。而如果你是一名财经记者，现在你的邮箱里肯定塞满了公关代表们寄来的推销邮件，向你推荐所谓“恰当的”节日派对礼仪，就好像一个胖乎乎、圆滚滚的圣诞老人正在费力穿过狭窄的烟囱，来到你的面前。
There's one cardinal rule for holiday parties: celebrate in moderation. But why leave it at that? Here's the sage advice we have received so far.
节日派对有一个基本的原则：庆祝活动要适度。为什么？不妨看看我们截至目前为止收到的一些明智的建议。
Designate a party pooper
指定一名派对破坏者
"Assign someone in HR and/or management to monitor behavior and to ensure that all in attendance maintain a semi-professional level of behavior."
“指定人力资源部和/或管理层的某个人，监督大家的行为，确保所有出席派对的人言行举止保持在半专业的水平。”
Schedule pointless meetings
安排务虚会
"Create a party committee and be inclusive with the planning."
“组建一个派对筹委会，总揽派对的一切企划事宜。”
And send even more pointless emails
发送电子邮件提醒员工
"Send a memo reminding employees that the holiday party is a business-related function and appropriate conduct is expected."
“发送一封备忘录，提醒员工节日派对是与公司业务相关的一项活动，希望大家举止得体。”
Booze at noon, anyone?
中午痛痛快快喝一顿，有人去吗？
"Considering having the party during the day time or as a family event to limit the consumption of alcohol (e.g., spouses may be more likely to monitor the employee's drinking or act as the designated driver)."
“考虑在白天举行派对，或者把派对办成一次家庭活动，限制酒水的消费（比如，配偶更有可能监督员工饮酒，或者担任代驾司机）。”
Force small talk
强制闲聊
"Make sure your management staff attends. Mingling all levels of personnel will help build bridges in the future."
“确保所有管理人员都参与其中。不同级别工作人员之间的交际，可以帮助在未来建立起良好的纽带。”
Don't accidentally host a bachelor party
谨防派对变成一场单身汉狂欢舞会
"Avoid suggestive gifts, offensive gag gifts, provocative decorations or risqué entertainment, " and "Remove any scantily dressed female Santa helpers."
“避免暗示性的礼物，令人生厌的恶作剧礼物，带有挑逗性的装饰或者不雅的娱乐活动”，同时“清除所有衣着暴露的圣诞老人女助手。”
Or a middle-school dance
也不要搞成一场中学生舞会
"If there is a band or a DJ, avoid 'slow' songs."
“如果有乐队或DJ，避免‘舒缓的’慢歌。”
Make sure no one shows up
保证没人会出洋相
"Consider banning alcohol.
“考虑禁酒。”