The third indicator that Christmas is truly getting near (after the Christmas tree and the Christmas choristers) is the EESC Staff Committee’s annual Christmas party. Run completely on voluntary grounds, it is always a wonderful sight to behold, with national and regional stalls spread out over two floors and stacked with home made goodies. Once again, the Czech stall (in my picture) excelled itself with a gingerbread creation; this time the Christmas crib, with all the animals and the magi. Nothing better sums up the rich diversity and the immense amounts of goodwill among our staff than the annual Christmas party!