Oh heavens yes! As the events of the past few weeks have demonstrated, Western economy largely depends on everyone getting out there and SPENDING. (Go on, spend, what the hell! IT'S CHRISTMAS!)

"if you can’t afford a Christmas celebration it’s your own fault, I gave you half of Christmas morning off because the government made me, what more do you want?"

At length the hour of shutting up the counting-house arrived. With an ill-will Scrooge dismounted from his stool, and tacitly admitted the fact to the expectant clerk in the Tank, who instantly snuffed his candle out, and put on his hat.

"You'll want all day tomorrow, I suppose?" said Scrooge.

"If quite convenient, Sir."

"It's not convenient," said Scrooge, "and it's not fair. If I was to stop half-a-crown for it, you'd think yourself ill-used, I 'll be bound?"

The clerk smiled faintly.

"And yet," said Scrooge, "you don't think me ill-used, when I pay a day's wages for no work."

The clerk observed that it was only once a year.

"A poor excuse for picking a man's pocket every twenty-fifth of December!" said Scrooge, buttoning his great-coat to the chin. "But I suppose you must have the whole day. Be here all the earlier next morning!"

(Did I ever point you to this article? If not, please read it, it's perfect.)

On a cheerier note - Felicity and Pippa? Yes? No?