This December at Millbank has been packed with festive events and activities that truly brought the Christmas spirit to life. From the very first Monday, when each desk was adorned with an advent calendar, to the final days leading up to Christmas, it’s been a month full of joy and togetherness.

Little surprises continued throughout the month, with treats like indulgent hot chocolate topped with fluffy cream and marshmallows, paired with a selection of mince pies and tarts. We enjoyed slices of delicious Christmas cake and soaked up the festive atmosphere. These cozy moments were a highlight, offering a warm and cheerful break from the usual workday.

Our Christmas Jumper Day brought a splash of colour and creativity to the office. Everyone got involved, sporting everything from traditional knits to daring designs that had the team talking and laughing all day long.

The festive cheer extended to activities like Spin the Wheel Thursdays, held at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm, where lucky winners walked away with voucher prizes ranging from £20 to £40. Many happy faces in the office used their winnings to treat themselves or help with last-minute Christmas shopping!

In true Millbank tradition, we didn’t just celebrate within the office but also gave back to the community. This year, we proudly donated winter coats to St. Marie’s in Widnes for their “Keep Warm, Keep Well” initiative. The church was filled with bin bags and boxes overflowing with coats for those in need—a simple but powerful way to make a difference during the colder months. It was inspiring to see such generosity and to support a cause making a tangible impact right here in Halton.

One of the most meaningful initiatives this year was our reverse advent calendar, where food items were contributed daily and later donated to the local foodbank. Each team member picked a number and brought in the corresponding item, resulting in an impressive 68kg of essentials, from pasta to toiletries, delivered to those in need. Our friends at Bell Lamb & Joynson also joined in, making this effort even more impactful. The foodbank’s gratitude made it all the more worthwhile, and the team was happy to be part of something so meaningful.

More joy was spread during our visit to Beechcroft Nursing Home in Runcorn, where we hand-delivered gift-wrapped biscuits to residents. Their smiles and appreciation were heartwarming, reminding us of the true spirit of Christmas—bringing happiness to others.

Of course, December wouldn’t be complete without our Annual Christmas Quiz! The quiz created plenty of buzz as colleagues collaborated (and occasionally struggled) to solve “Guess the Song” from abstract images and other tricky questions. The poll we sent earlier in the month came into play for the final round, catching a lot of people off guard. There was plenty of friendly competition, and while only one person could win, the quiz brought the team together in true festive spirit.

The highlight of the season, however, was our Christmas Party at The Park Royal in Warrington. With a stunning venue, delicious food, and a lively DJ, we danced, laughed, and mingled well into the night. The free bar didn’t hurt either! It was a fantastic evening, and the feedback from the team suggests we may have found a new favourite venue for next year.

As we look back on this December, we’re filled with gratitude—not just for the fun and festivities but also for the sense of community we’ve fostered, both within Millbank and beyond.

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all of us at Millbank!