Yes, it’s that time of year again. The time has come for the mark-makers* to get a little bit [too] merry and celebrate the increasingly imminent Christmas break. So last Friday we put on our best party shoes and celebrated in festive style at the beautiful Four Pillars Hotel in Oxford.

Not only did we have a party to attend to, we had the afternoon off to either enjoy the hotel facilities or to have a round of golf. So while half of the team were indulging themselves in the hotel spa with massages and manicures, the other half were braving the elements on the nearby Hinskey Heights golf club. As you can see from the image above, some of the team newer to golf instead had the opportunity to learn the game, practicing their swing and refining their putting technique. Meanwhile, new recruit Rich put the other golfers to shame by walking away with a well deserved win.

Of course, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas without gifts. Once everyone had retired to their rooms to doll up for the evening ahead, the secret Santa gifts were passed around. From books, wine, mug heaters, and hangover cures, the range of presents this year was impressive. Not that we had much time to play with our presents, because we had a sumptuous three course meal to attend to. And we’d need the energy, for the dance floor beckoned. While it wouldn’t be advisable entering into next year’s Strictly Come Dancing, some of the moves were extraordinary, including Ali’s legendary breakdancing. Why was no one recording a video?

See more from our Christmas celebration by visiting our Facebook page and gallery, and see the mark-making* team in a whole new way.