Much like Christmas, it comes but once a year: a season when people who are usually stuck behind cubicles and under fluorescent lights come to life, venturing out into the Queen City and shaking up the even-flow of weeknight club life.

Starting Thanksgiving weekend and going through New Year’s, the holiday crowd completely changes the dynamic of Charlotte’s party scene. Places like Apostrophe Lounge that usually have no lines now have them going down the sidewalk. The wait at the bar becomes even more infuriating, and the general confusion of people is unexplainable. That free corner you always post up in? Not anymore. The only free space is right in front of the speaker, where you’ll lose your voice trying to have mundane conversations about the chick with the crazy hair or the guy who’s dancing like he popped a pill.

It’s common knowledge that 9 to 5’ers never stay out until 2 a.m. They’re usually heading home when the party is starting to jump. Now, so relieved to be off work, they have to get their drunk legs back, and it’s awesome to watch. The overconfidence in their former tolerance oozing, you can almost guarantee a sloppy end to the night or an outright carrying-out and temporary shunning by the embarrassed friends who had to help do it.

The holiday crowd is also highlighted by its visitors. Like the random cousin from out of state your friend doesn’t know that well but was compelled by their parents to bring because they’re around the same age. That same cousin who shines light on his or her possible whorish reputation hundreds of miles away before the night is over.

And then there are the college kids who come home for break, convinced their hometown sucks now because they can’t find a kegger with ease. They spend most of the night bitching about how, “back at school we ...” Well, you get it.

Much like the spirit of the season though, it’s spirits that bring us all together. After a Sailor Jerry Cherry shot or two — tasting like spiced rum and grenadine, I don’t know where these came from but they’re my new jam — and a couple tallboys, the party strangers quickly become your party friends.

And yet, let us regular partygoers be thankful this scenario is only temporary.