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Army HIVE Christmas and New Year Closures

The majority of Army HIVEs will be closed after duties on Fri 19 Dec 25 and will reopen on Mon 5 Jan 26. There may be localised variations to these dates for individual HIVEs.

Army HIVE HQ is also closed during the festive fortnight, so any enquiries submitted via the ‘If you need further information’ MS Forms function on our UK, Cyprus or Overseas blogs will be answered when we return in the New Year.

We will periodically cover private messages on our Army HIVE Facebook platform (and X/Instagram where possible) whilst we are closed. However, this will not be 24/7 and should not be relied upon for anything that requires an urgent response.

To support our customers with more immediate requirements however, the Army HIVE HQ email will provide a comprehensive out of office autoreply, detailing points of contact that are either 24/7, emergency providers, or open over the festive leave fortnight. To receive this autoreply, please email:
RC-Pers-HIVEComms-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Individual HIVEs will also provide localised contact details for Christmas and New Year cover wherever possible in their automated replies. Therefore, if you email your closest HIVE, which you can find on HIVE’s page on the Army website, their autoreply may be of additional assistance.

Army HIVE wishes all of its Service community customers, and our internal and external stakeholders, a very happy Christmas and New Year. We look forward to continuing our support and engagement in 2026.


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Friday, 12 December 2025

First Defence Finance: Top Christmas Discounts for the Military

 

Top Christmas Discounts for the Military

The Christmas rush is officially here. The shopping lists, the family visits, the hunt for the perfect gift at the perfect price.

The good news is you don’t have to do it alone.

The MOD has partnered with First Defence Finance, a credit union providing savings and loans the military community. Opening an account with them gives you access to their discount platform packed with offers that help you stretch your winter budget.

From food to gifting, we’ve pulled together some of the best festive deals to make the season a little brighter and a lot more affordable.

 

Gifts for Everyone

Whether you’re buying for family, friends, or Secret Santa, you can find the right gift for anyone with a little discount.

Virgin Experiences

15% off

Argos

7% off

Adidas

11% off

H.Samuel

7.50% off

ASOS

6% off

Harvey Nichols

7% off

 

Gifts For Her:

From little luxuries to thoughtful treats, these brands are ideal for mums, partners, sisters or friends who deserve something special.

White Company

9% off

Swarovski

15% off

Treatwell

15% off

Mango

5% off

 

Gifts For Him:

Tech, sport, style — here are the go-to discounts for gifts he’ll actually want (and use).

Football stadium tours

10% off

Currys

6.7% off

JD Sport

7% off

Slater Menswear

10%

 

Kids Gifts & Toys

Make the magic happen for less. These discounts cover the big presents, the small surprises, and everything in between.

Hamleys

10% off

Funko

10% off

Roblox (gift card)

7% off

The Entertainer

4% off

 

Experience Gifts

For the people who prefer memories over “things.” Theatre, events, restaurants, days out are a great gift for couples, friends, and hard-to-buy-for relatives.

Theatre tokens

8.50%

See Tickets

10% off

Merlin Attractions

15% off

Restaurant card

9% off

Ticketmaster

4% off

 

Food, Drink, & Supermarket Savings

Festive food adds up fast. These supermarket deals help keep Christmas dinner, and all the snacks before it, budget-friendly.

Tesco

4% off

Sainsburys

4.5% off

Asda

4% off

M&S

6.5% off

Morrisons

4% off

Waitrose

4% off

 

Home & Décor

From cosy winter scents to holiday hosting essentials, these discounts help refresh your home for the festive season without overspending.

T K Maxx

7% off

B&M

6% off

Rituals

8% off

Jo Malone

5% off

IKEA

6% off

 

Stocking Fillers & Last-Minute Gifts

Quick treats, small surprises, and easy wins. Perfect for Secret Santa, colleagues, and anyone you forgot (we won’t tell).

Lush

7% off

WH Smith

6% off

Waterstones

4% off

Bloom & Wild

20% off

Boots

6% off

 

 

How to Access Your Discounts

If you are already a First Defence Finance member, and saving directly from your payroll, you can activate your discount platform in a few quick steps.

Just go to, www.firstdefencefinance.vivup.co.uk and click “register” on the bottom of the page to get access!

Not yet a First Defence Finance member?

Sign up to save a small amount from your military payroll before it hits your bank, and you’ll gain access to over 800+ online and high street discounts just like these.

Sign up today: www.firstdefencefinance.co.uk/join