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It could be worse. Your boss could be this guy.

If your weekend is shaping up to be anything like mine, you have about a half-dozen Christmas parties to attend in the next 72 hours.

When it comes to Holiday parties, they can run the gamut from the dry office buffet/Yankee swap to the all night rager, complete with red and green Jell-o shots.

For most people, it is a major challenge to survive the holiday party gauntlet, but for someone who also celebrates a birthday during this glorious time of year, I have become skilled in maintaining until New Years Day. Just remember friends, this isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon.

The office party: Rachel Forest already did a pretty good job of covering this one, but I figured it was important to re-iterate the cardinal rule of drinking with co-workers. Make sure there is always someone on site who is more drunk than you. Also remember, the Yankee swap is a great time to re-gift those scented candles.

The family/friends of parents party: This is a hard one, seeing as everyone is so different. I’ve been to family gatherings where Aunt Rose is shoving food and wine down my throat the moment I walk in and others where Grandma Mable made me watch Lawrence Welk all night and my only sustenance was sticky, stale ribbon candy and oyster crackers.

When it comes to drinking, follow the family norm that has been established with your immediate family. If your dad is looking for a drinking buddy, but no one seems to tipping them back as fast, drink with your dad. If the champagne is flowing, but your mom seems uncomfortable, stick to the punch. In general, make sure you say hello to everyone you are related to, even if for a second, and make sure to bring the host/hostess a gift. I find home made gifts are the best this time of year.

Parties with friends: This is your chance to really unwind, de-stress from Christmas shopping, kvetch about how you’re the only one in the office who hasn’t yet taken your remaining days off. I always make sure I call to confirm appropriate dress. Some people like to do the formal thing this time of year, while others couldn’t care and just want to sip their toddy in a pair of jeans and a sweater.

Again, always bring the host/hostess a gift. Booze or a bottle of wine is nice, and so are cookies. I like bringing a bag filled with a variety of about 10 nips. You get a little rum, a little vodka, a little Bailey’s for the coffee in the morning. For those of you out there who will be going to a holiday party with me, feel free to steal the idea, but remember, the host may not want 15 tiny bottles of Goldschlager.

Two parties in one day: There’s really no excuse not to attend two parties in the same town if they happen on the same day. I guess if you hate the person throwing one of the parties, you could skip it, but really, couldn’t you just make an appearance?

Before you go, decide at which party you would rather end the night. Then contact the host of the other party and say you are going to come early, but have to skedaddle after an hour or so because of another engagement. If the host of the first party gives you a hard time, just blame you significant other, or tell her there’s a really cute guy you want to hook up with at the second party or something. If she still insists on you staying, tell her you’ll come back. Chances are she’ll be so wasted by midnight, she won’t even notice you weren’t there.

When arriving at the second party, make sure to let that host know you’ve made it. If you are driving, place your first call for a taxi then. By the time it gets there, the party will be over and you'll be ready to leave.