Christmas has officially arrived in Winchester. The decorations are up, the lights switched on and the ice rink thoroughly frozen over. However, with the recession still lingering in people’s minds will people’s stockings be full to bursting come Christmas Day?

The news appears to be positive according to the Office of National Statistics. In spite of the recession, more people have been going to the shops compared to this time last year and he volume of retail sales has increased 3.4% since October 2008, which is good news for everyone, especially shop-keepers! One thing’s for certain, the centre of Winchester has certainly been bustling, especially over the weekend. It seems it’s finally sunk in for people that Christmas is just round the corner.

With the Christmas Market also back in town there’s a definite festive edge to the place and people are out getting gifts for their loved ones. You can barely move for people selling roasted chestnuts and old women wielding wrapping paper.

All this talk of an increase in sales is good for the people of Winchester and people throughout the country. In order to get over this recession we need to stimulate the local economy. With Christmas almost here it provides a perfect opportunity to go out and spend and get the gifts you want for your nearest and dearest.