The holiday season is a time of thanksgiving, cheer and celebration, and throughout the months of November, December and even into January, people will be coming from all directions with invites to the "biggest event of the year." Instead of looking at each of these gatherings as just another party you have to attend, utilize them as opportunities to build your network of contacts and connections. Below are five tips to make the most of your holiday events.

Prepare. This is especially important when attending a large, professional organization’s holiday event. If appropriate, ask the host beforehand for a list of attendees, and look up the names of individuals you'd like to speak to. If this is a client’s party, be sure to talk to the company’s decision makers. If it’s an industry party, be sure to scout out the executives of potential client companies.

Arrive early. Being one of the first to arrive to an event gives you time to have one-on-one conversations with the host(s). Use this time to ask who will be in attendance and their backgrounds. As guests start arriving, ask the host(s) to introduce you to individuals you feel could make a positive impact on your professional aspirations. If you’re at a large industry event, spot the major players early and strike up conversations with them right away.

Be social. Sit at a table with people you don’t know, start a conversation in the food and drink line or approach someone standing in the middle of the room. Don’t wait around for people to come to you. If you’re not sure what to say, ask how the individual knows the host. At the end of each conversation, exchange business cards, and always remember to follow up appropriately.

Don’t get drunk. There have been many professional relationships ruined by an individual having one too many cocktails. Don’t let this happen to you. If you do plan to drink alcohol, know your limit. You only get one chance to make a good first impression, and being drunk is a surefire way to ruin the opportunity.

Remember, it’s a party. Although you may be looking at the event as a time to build your list of contacts, most people are there to escape from work and have a good time. Be sure to lead conversations down a light-hearted path. Exchange pleasantries about your line of work and mention that you would like to talk sometime after the festivities have died down. Any work-related conversation should be brief, as the professional relationship will have time to develop after the decorations are stored away.

Whether it’s your neighbor's holiday gathering or a client’s big New Year's Eve bash, using these events as networking opportunities is a great way to make new contacts. Help 2013 shape up to be an incredible year by implementing the five tips listed above!