Holiday Horror … at the Office Party

Dec. 5, 2008 — -- Lindsay Lohan can party so hard she has to go to rehab, twice, and she'll still score starring roles in movies.

Paris Hilton can flash her panties during an event and still every club in the country will come calling, asking her to cross their velvet ropes.

But noncelebrities cannot rage through the office holiday party like it's spring break at Daytona Beach, at least not without the promise of a head-splitting hangover compounded by the threat of being fired or hugely humiliated.

Though the failing economy caused many companies to cut back on celebrations this year, as always, office holiday party horror stories abound. ABCNews.com asked to hear yours. D.D., an advertising executive from California, shared this tale from a former firm's fete:

"I worked for an advertising agency that threw very lavish parties. Abundant alcohol and limo rides home (as well as a ban on significant others) lead to many a hookup and interesting day after 'who kissed who' (and more) stories that would strike terror in any HR department."

"But my favorite story didn't happen in the back of a limo," she said. "Our holiday parties were also the stage for major announcements. Coveted VP promotions were allocated, 'state of the business' speeches were given and funny client stories [were] revealed."

"It was our VP of production's turn at the podium (complete with a microphone, as we were a 300-plus company). She had obviously been taking advantage of the copious amounts of alcohol -- and seemed to have taken ownership of a bottle of whiskey, which she waved to the crowd, and then territorial hugged to her chest. I don't remember what she was supposed to have announced, but I'm sure it wasn't what actually came out of her mouth in between slugs of whiskey, with a slur, 'F-- you all! Most of you have treated me like s-- this year. I don't even know why I'm still here. And to top it off, I've got a yeast infection.'"

"The first two sentences stunned us," D.D. said. "By the end of her tirade we were in hysterics, knowing she was going to have the toughest 'day after' story to live down for years to come."

D.D., who asked that her full name not be revealed, added that though the VP didn't turn up for work the morning after the Thursday night bash, she was back in the office Monday and remained at the firm for "quite a while."

"That wasn't grounds for dismissal in that company," D.D. said.