Celebrating Christmas at Work

Transform Work Ambassador Steve Matthews shares his reflections on Sefton Council, ‘Christmas carols and mince pies’

At Sefton Council in the years running up to Covid we organised a fairly traditional carol service. In 2023 we decided to have something lighter to help bring people together again. We rebranded it “Christmas carols and mince pies”.

We advertised on the intranet for anyone who wanted to contribute. One colleague offered the services of her father’s ukulele band which added colour and fun. The Bootle strand community choir brought humour and joy with their exuberant renditions. In 2024 we added a short talk to our programme.


The very act of planning the event helped bring our Christian group together, including many who were not able to attend regularly throughout the year. People brought mince pies and loved decorating the venue.

The Natural Alternatives team (a group of adults with additional needs) brought festivedecorations made out of timber to be sold in aid of the Mayor’s charity.

The whole event was a boost to the faith of our group. People were buzzing. “I wanted to say what an honour it was to be part of the Carol Service yesterday.  God was definitely with us. Love certainly did come down at Christmas”.

And from one of our councillors: “Just wanted to say thank you to all involved in arranging this. What an absolutely lovely, feel good event. I thoroughly enjoyed it”.

Fast forward to planning for this years’ event on 10 th December. 2024’s programme worked well - let’s just do the same again. 

Oh no! The ukulele band and choir are not available on our chosen date.

So we advertise on the intranet again. One of our managers suggests we book the choir she is part of. Fantastic - they want to bring 50 members! One week ago we hear the choir has double booked and cannot come. Hold back the posters!

The Mayor has agreed to attend. Our programme is still up in the air. Both I and our small planning group are well outside our comfort zone. We presume God has something better in store for us.

It reminds me that the arrangements for the first Christmas were not boxed off and tidy. A certain census and no room at the inn.

Anyone know a good local choir which could help us out at lunchtime on Wednesday 10th December?

It’s not too late to plan an event to celebrate Christmas where you work – why not have a look at some ideas here.