North Dakota Holiday Party Hack: Get Tipsy, Not Tanked, with “Zebra Striping”

Alright, North Dakota, here’s the deal: the holidays are full of parties, and we all know how fast “just one drink” can turn into karaoke-ing to "Jingle Bell Rock" in front of your boss.

An H.R. expert listed the top five things you shouldn't do at your office holiday party:  Don't overshare . . . don't mix business and romance . . . don't ignore the dress code . . . don't post photos of people without consent . . . and first and foremost, don't get hammered.

Enter "zebra striping"—a drinking strategy with a name that sounds weird but actually works.

Here’s how it goes: Like a zebra’s stripes alternate black and white, your drinks alternate booze and no booze. Grab a beer or cocktail? Cool. But your next round has to be water, soda, or something else that won’t make you drunk-text your ex. No doubles, no excuses.

Why bother?

• Drink Less: Your stomach stays full, and you’re less likely to turn into that person who swears they’re fine but is currently dancing with a reindeer lawn ornament.
• Avoid the Hangover: More water = less regret when you’re scraping ice off your windshield the next morning.
• Avoid Awkward Moments: Nervous sipping in social situations? Zebra striping keeps a drink in your hand without turning you into the office legend... for all the wrong reasons.

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So drink, hydrate, and repeat—because no one needs to start the new year with a reputation as the “one who fell into the snowbank.”