It's the most wonderful time of the year. As the profession looks toward life on what (we are optimistic) is the tail end of the pandemic and returning to a new normal, law firm holiday parties are on the horizon. So, below find some thoughts and suggestions to make the most of the festivities. For lawyers not at firms, still stay tuned—much of our advice is transferable to the holiday party in other settings.

To start, it would be a little disingenuous to not name that there can be a bit of awkwardness around attending your first firm holiday party. Perhaps, as a new member of the firm, you've only seen your colleagues and partners in purely professional settings. Perhaps the thought of recreational time with them is beyond the scope of the new associate's imagination. However, getting to meet and learn more about your colleagues (and clients) with everyone's "hair down" can be an important, career-shifting experience.