The first day back always has its own rhythm.

Coats, hats, gloves and scarfs come off slowly.
Hands hover near radiators.
Someone says, “Blimey, it’s cold in here.”

Then come the pleasantries — the universal script we all seem to know by heart.

“How was your Christmas?”
“Too short.”
“Too long.”
“Did you eat your own body weight in cheese?”
“Yes.”
“Still eating leftovers?”
Also yes.

There’s a gentle shuffle back into HQ. Mugs are filled. Desks are rediscovered. Passwords are guessed at with varying degrees of success. For a while, it feels almost… relaxed.

Then the boss appears for the morning meeting — the kind that’s usually over before your tea’s brewed — but today, he lingers.

We chat, laugh, and share stories, easing into what could turn out to be the longest meeting of the year — a surprising start to being back. There’s proper banter, a genuine laugh, and even a moment where someone thinks, Blimey… maybe today’s going to be gentle.

We all relax a little.

But it didn’t take long, the boss without ever telling anyone to get back to work — without issuing a single instruction — just casually drops into the conversation that we need to get on, a tsunami of love is on its way.

No dates are mentioned, None are needed, we all know what he means and it’s just under 6 weeks away.

He smiles. Raises an eyebrow and lets it hang in the air.

Magically — mugs are set down, screens flicker back on and we’re back.

The calm of the morning gently gives way to motion. The familiar Interdelightful rhythm returns — tea brewing, laughter carrying on, work resuming with purpose, if only to keep warm.

May your return to work be gentle and all your brews this year be warming.

Happy New Year everyone. Until next time…

Cheers,
The Interdelightful Crew 💫