Santa delivers radical change

A true consequence of Christmas has come to south west Surrey (in southern England). Any I-spy players would spot over orders on poultry, Range Rovers, country-green jumpers and this year's new entry: smiling faces.

Why are people happy? Is it climate change; are folk concerned about the gulf stream and showing a more human side? Or are they grateful to have seen so many must have fragrance and over-the-counter indigestion remedy adverts? Maybe. Maybe it was Father Christmas, who in the anglo-saxon world is due to 'drop off' (his presents) this evening.

On this blog, Gussly has often noted the relationship between money and happiness; with no definitive conclusion yet reached. This holiday season The Economist has joined the fray essentially saying money brings you money not happiness. (They're a clever bunch.)

Anyway, in many ways one might expect the onset of winter to cause the folk of this corner to wrap up warm. Not so. Since returning from Thailand it is shiveringly obvious to me the English wear less. Lord knows why.

Whether owing to Father Christmas or the onset of stupidly cold weather, it is a relief to report the people of this home county are now better prepared to be warmer.

As well as smiles more people are donning more winter clothes. Ah ha! Maybe that's why they're all smiling.