Stuff the turkey took on a whole new meaning last Christmas, according to the latest figures.

Picture the Christmas Eve of just a few years ago; the tree is dressed, the house is spruced up for the big day. Mince pies and sherry are ready for Santa’s visit. In the kitchen, the vegetables are all prepared and it’s time to stuff the turkey and set the table for the feast. A day or so of relaxation, maybe the odd walk and a little TV lies ahead.

Winding on a year or so and it’s – stuff the turkey, the sales have started. All hands to the computer. It’s said that John Lewis celebrated its busiest ever online hour from 7pm on Christmas Eve as its clearance sale started. The action continued through the great day, with numbers visiting their site being 12 times that of a year ago. Boxing Day topped the lot, with on-liners in general doubling the Christmas day figures.
It seems the Queen’s speech had a little competition too – her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs were not doubt delighted to report that over 600 people used a part of their Christmas Day to file their tax returns on-line.

Happy Christmas for next year!

Dot