Some Enchanted Evening

...you may see a stranger. Well yes, I did actually, at the office Christmas party tonight. Several strangers, all new faces to me, but familiar to others as the spouses of my colleagues, or the various supporters and associates of my charity employer. Nice to meet them all, and to chat to a few of them.

Office Christmas parties can be strange affairs, and sometimes rather tense too. You want to be open, friendly, let your hair down a bit-but there's always that danger that you drop your guard or blot your copybook in a moment of carelessness. I'm pleased to say though that, as far as I know, I did none of these things tonight, but instead had an extremely pleasant evening- much to my surprise and delight. I even earned three stars as one of the Rookies of the Year from the big chief!
Never judge a book by its cover, or an employer by its Christmas party. Beforehand, I felt a little uncertain of what to expect of my first Christmas do with my current paymasters, held as it was in our HQ in London's Mayfair- but I needn't have worried. I have to say in all honesty, that this was the best office do I had ever been to, and probably the most historic setting too! Converting the main meeting space of our building in the West End into an intimate dining setting for 34 people, different personalities but all souls (if you think this identifies the building-close, but not quite!) worked amazingly well. It was a reminder that early church buildings were indeed multi-functional spaces intended to be places of welcome and activity, as well as worship.

It was a joy to spend a December evening over turkey and talk, quizzing and fizzing-though I didn't get to grab a glass of the large bottle of champagne which had been popped especially for the occasion.

Good company and conversation are of course what make occasions like this special, though a tasty drop of the fruit of the vine is a big help too. I'm writing this perhaps still slightly enjoying the effect of about 6 glasses tonight, and glad that the Bible is happy to endorse moderate drinking- though how tragic that the consequences of excess will once again be felt by bereaved families somewhere or other this Christmas. the blameless casualties of drink-drivers. I was very grateful for public transport tonight, but the more so for Shanks' Pony, which my brother and I will be able to use on Christmas Day after our glad imbibing to celebrate the Saviour's Day at a 3 star hotel, ten minutes from home!

But there's work to be done before then, so I must to my bed, but wishing you an enjoyable time if you're about to start your workplace festivities. Take it easy, though!