As you're making your list and checking it twice this holiday season, don't forget about the office.

At some companies, the holidays are celebrated with swanky affairs, replete with booze, bands and black-tie dress codes. Other offices take a more low-key approach, with paper plates balanced on laps while employees peck at keyboards, answer phones or go about their regular workday.

Then there are the Secret Santa exchanges, holiday cocktail hours and countless Tupperwares of sugary treats brought in by colleagues to share. Oh, and don't forget to contribute to the "voluntary" gift for the boss who makes triple your salary.

Regardless of how your employer celebrates, there are a few basic rules to follow to make sure your career starts the New Year on a jolly note.

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Know your culture

Take cues from your colleagues as to how much holiday cheer and discussion are appropriate.

You don't want to be the only person in your office with a tinsel-and-stocking-decorated cubicle, but it's an equally bad idea to be grumpy and grinchlike if your boss can't stop singing Jingle Bells and dresses up as Santa Claus every year.

Even if you hate the holidays, suck it up and participate in the Secret Santa exchange or collection for your boss or office secretary. Save your complaints for sympathetic friends or family members.

Generally speaking, it's a good idea to avoid religious discussions and focus on general goodwill. Gift giving should also be toned down, whether you're buying something for your boss or a colleague.

"Gift giving can be polarizing. A good way to deal with this is to set up a group exchange where you set up a dollar limit. It democratizes things so everyone can participate," says career expert Marc Karasu. "If you have to give someone a gift, make sure it's not too expensive or sexually inappropriate. You don't want to start any rumors about favoritism or anything else."

Be sure to check your employee handbook for any company rules about gift exchanges and holiday celebrations.

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Don't skip the office party

It may look like a party, smell like a party and act like a party, but an office party is really a work event.

So, even if your holiday party is after hours or on your day off, you have to go and be nice, or at least professional, to your boss and colleagues.

If there are multiple office-related holiday parties, you may have some choices. Whatever you do, don't skip your department party or a manager's holiday party.

Also, don't rush out of a party or complain too loudly if you're unhappy about being there.

"You don't want to look like it's beneath you to be there and you don't want to be one of the last people to close down the room," says Dawn Rosenberg McKay, a career expert for About.com. "If you do need to leave early for some reason, such as another engagement or because you have a babysitter at home, try to let the host know so that it doesn't look like you've had enough of this, and are leaving."

On the plus side, holiday parties can offer a chance for some lightweight networking. This could be your chance to introduce yourself to the CEO or division head but avoid talking shop.

"Party conversation should be kept light. Talk about friends, family, the holidays," Karasu advises. "You can talk to someone in that department you're interested in learning more about, but a holiday party is not supposed to be a sneaky way for someone to try to sneak into something or get a promotion."

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Play it safe.

Translation: Don't get sloshed at the office party and do something you might later regret. Sex, politics and religion are all off limits. Your colleagues and more importantly management will notice and remember any breaches.

This is also not the time to strut out your sexy cocktail dress.

"Don't wear anything too short, too revealing or too low cut," McKay advises. "Maybe something a little more sparkly or colorful. But nothing you would be uncomfortable having your coworkers or your boss see you in."

Finally, if you have a date, make sure he or she realizes this is an office event, not just an open bar.

"Your date is essentially an extension of you," Karasu says. "You should be honest and mention pre-party the need to keep the conversation light and not divulge too much."

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Lisa Singhania is looking forward to her office holiday party. Happy holidays everyone!

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