It’s that time of year.
Dusting off your ugly Christmas sweater, pinning sparkly holiday balls in your hair, putting on your best smile, and bracing yourself to say hello to people you know—and, more importantly, people you don’t.
This year was different. Instead of my usual routine of ignoring work party invitations, I decided to attend a few. With my growing involvement in various work settings, I figured it might be an opportunity to meet new people and, perhaps, step out of my comfort zone.
According to a LinkedIn article, Holiday Parties Ditch Plus-Ones, smaller gatherings have become more common. And as someone who thrives in smaller, more intimate interactions, this sounded promising.
I’m not a party person.
I’m more comfortable in one-on-one coffee chats, deep in conversation about something specific, than hanging out at the loud chaos of a party.
But this year, curiosity nudged me to try something different. And I’m glad I did because I left with more than just another awkward “office party” memory.
Karaoke: The Unexpected Icebreaker
Karaoke was the last thing I expected to enjoy.
As a Korean, I’m fully aware of its cultural significance. It’s practically a national pastime. Two decades ago, I tried karaoke once—and by “tried,” I mean I sat in the back, clapping politely while others belted out their favorite tunes.
At this year’s party, things took an unexpected turn.
Wandering around, trying to avoid the awkwardness of forcing small talk, I noticed a lively corner of the room.
A small group was taking turns singing—off-key, out-of-breath, and completely carefree.
What struck me wasn’t their talent (or lack thereof); it was their joy. Everyone, singers and spectators alike, seemed to be having a genuinely good time.
Curiosity got the better of me. I inched closer, clapped along to the choruses, and before I knew it, I was on stage, microphone in hand, nervously belting out a song with a few others.
It wasn’t perfect. But it didn’t have to be.
The shared experience—laughing through forgotten lyrics and off-pitch notes—made the usual party awkwardness melt away. For the first time in years, I found myself having fun in a party setting.
Meeting the Most Positive Person
The highlight of the evening wasn’t karaoke, though. It was a simple comment that led to a profound connection.
“I know someone here with the most positive energy,” one of my colleagues said.
That piqued my interest. As someone who doesn’t naturally exude positivity, I was intrigued. “Introduce me,” I said.
The introduction didn’t disappoint.
This person’s warmth was immediately apparent. He had a unique ability to make you feel seen and heard. His curiosity about others was genuine, and his listening skills were remarkable—rare qualities in today’s rushed, distracted world.
We talked for a long time, and by the end of the night, I walked away inspired.
Not just by his energy, but by the realization that there’s so much value in stepping outside your usual circles.
He worked in a different department, someone I wouldn’t have met otherwise.
That night, I left the party with a newfound appreciation for connections I might have missed if I’d stayed home.
Some Connections Just Don’t Click
Of course, not every interaction was a win.
I made a deliberate effort to approach a colleague I’ve always struggled to connect with.
I thought the party setting might create a different dynamic, something lighter and more conducive to conversation.
It didn’t.
Despite the festive atmosphere, the conversation felt just as strained as it did in the office. We exchanged pleasantries, tried to bridge the gap, but it became clear that no setting—work or play—was going to change the fundamental lack of chemistry.
As I awkwardly excused myself and made a beeline for the dessert table, I realized something important: some connections just aren’t meant to be forced.
Whether at work or at a party, they require a natural rhythm, one that can’t be manufactured.
Final Thoughts
Holiday parties, much like work, boil down to one thing: people.
Some people you connect with effortlessly, while others remain strangers, no matter how hard you try.
But parties offer something unique—a chance to step outside the usual day-to-day dynamics and see people in a different light.
This year, I learned to embrace the surprises.
Whether it was karaoke (who knew?) or meeting someone whose positivity left a lasting impression, the experience reminded me of the value in showing up, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Will I attend more parties in the future? Probably. And maybe next year, I’ll even buy that ugly Christmas sweater.
What about you? Have you ever attended a holiday party that left a lasting impression? Did you make a new connection, discover a hidden talent, or just survive an awkward conversation?
Share your holiday party stories in the comments below! Who knows? Maybe your experience will inspire someone else to step out of their comfort zone this season.
Life Outside of Design Studio 