This year’s Infotex Christmas Gathering marked my first full year working at Infotex. Before this, I spent a long stretch freelancing and then working in partnership with one other person. Back then, our Christmas tradition usually involved a meal and a London show as a way to celebrate wrapping up the year, rather than a big team get-together.
So stepping into my first proper company Christmas gathering felt like a real milestone and it made me reflect on how much I’ve enjoyed being part of a team again.
A year of feeling part of something bigger
One of the things I’ve loved most about working at Infotex is the feeling of working together, solving problems together, and building things that are bigger than what any one of us could take on alone. I’ve had the chance to use a mix of skills across web development, UX/UI design and UX audits, and it’s been great doing that as part of a wider group.
Why our gatherings matter
We have four gatherings a year, and I’ve come to look forward to them. They’re a chance to work face-to-face on current projects, but also to talk strategy. Where we’re heading, what we’re improving, how we want to grow as a business.
It’s easy to forget how much you miss seeing people in person at work until you actually do. You get to know people better, and it’s just easier to talk things through properly.
Suffolk countryside, Secret Santa, and suspiciously specific gifts
This year’s Christmas gathering took place in a house in the Suffolk countryside, which was cosy and nicely away from the usual routine. After the work part of the day, it was time for Secret Santa.
I received a large box of Ferrero Rocher, which was a win as chocolate is always welcome!
Meanwhile, Matt became convinced that I got him his Cambridge United calendar and mug. He will never know for sure… and I’m not telling. Some Christmas mysteries are worth keeping.
No Infotex Christmas gathering would be complete without the annual Christmas quiz, run by Kris Parker. We also had a gingerbread train-making competition, which… did not go well for my team. We ended up with a pile of gingerbread rubble!
After the games, we headed to the dining room for a wonderful three-course Christmas dinner. It was great to have the whole event in one place as it felt relaxed and unrushed.
So, here’s to my first Infotex Christmas gathering – and to many more!
