Chris Bennett: Yuletide obsessions

Yuletide efficiency has become a national obsession but exercising a little impulse could well bring some unexpected happiness for the New Year.

Christmas used to be such a haphazardly loveable affair. Parties were hastily convened in the office, impromptu visits became Monopoly marathons and that quick drink turned into an all-nighter. People worked until Christmas Eve then dived out to the shops to do that last bit of present buying. These days parties are formal affairs and at the end of November, we are bombarded by emails telling us how to save a fortune on our festive gifting. The day is ominously known, as Black Friday.