That may be why the office Christmas party won't go away. Even in these cost-cutting, belt-tightening Scrooge years, companies are shelling out big bucks to put on Christmas parties for their employees.

The annual office party can be a great time to get to know other people at the office, but there are career grenades associated with annual holiday fests. The worst mistake, say some career consultants, is skipping the party altogether.

"An office party is still a business event and, as such, it's important to your career," said Barbara Adler, an Orlando career consultant. "If you're young and single, I'd say go. If you're married and have kids, go."