JUDGING by the implausibly long queues outside branches of Next this morning, the last piece of York's post-flood recovery is in place.

These hardy bargain hunters are now as traditional at this time of year as the turkey sandwich. But they are certainly a more welcome sight for traders hoping for a good sales season.

The Christmas and New Year shopping spree is crucial to the local economy. This year, the season took on a new importance. York lost so much business due to the floods that it needs a festive fillip like never before.

Although it is too early to draw any firm conclusions, the crowds in York in the run-up to Christmas boded well. If it turns out that this really has been a prosperous December for city businesses, the 'York's Here' promotional campaign to lure people back will be deemed a success.

Busy shop workers will probably look forward to a rest once the holiday season is over. With presents to buy and then bargains to snap up, Christmas Day is the only guaranteed day off for our nation of shopkeepers.

And even that is no longer sacred. Some stores elsewhere in the country opened on Christmas Day, drawing criticism from the Archbishop of York today. Dr David Hope described the development as dispiriting.

The traders involved would argue they are only responding to demand. In areas with a large ethnic population, many people do not observe Christmas Day as a holiday, and they want to go about their normal business.

Nevertheless Dr Hope is right. Every society needs a day off from consumerism. And shop staff have a right to a guaranteed holiday.

Most people welcomed the relaxation in Sunday shopping laws. Patterns of working and leisure time have changed, so shopping hours had to change too.

But Christmas Day is still special, and should remain so. Pleasingly, North Yorkshire shops acknowledged that and stayed closed.