Now that it is December, carol singing, turkey, mince pies, presents under the tree and church (for some) are all round the corner. 'It's a Wonderful Life', 'Miracle on 34th Street' and the like will soon be on the box. Marvellous, as Ron Manager might say on 'The Fast Show'. But for lawyers, there are also seasonal income streams, according to the folk at Hampshire firm Eric Robinson, who invite us to 'gain an insight into the various Christmas challenges faced as we hear from [our] various teams'. How can we refuse? In the criminal defence department, 'Christmas-related crime finds the team regularly dealing with breaches of the peace, domestic violence and drink-driving cases'. Shoplifting cases are also on the rise, apparently. Hurrah. Over 'in the world of work', the firm is 'already receiving enquiries from employees revolving around issues of unfair dismissal after drunken antics at the office party, potential sexual harassment claims, and some unusual enquiries regarding inappropriate gifts received from colleagues!' Ooh-err. Warming to their theme, off we go to the family department. 'Sadly, amidst the celebrations, there is much unhappiness that occurs in families' for we are solemnly told that 'the myth there is an increase in the number of divorce cases over the Christmas period seems to ring true at Eric Robinson'. Kerching! Not to be left out, the civil litigation team tells us that since Christmas is the season for giving and receiving gifts, there will be 'a surge of consumer rights cases'. And we thought Christmas had something to do with religion. Readers perhaps won't be surprised to hear that preparations for the firm's own festivities are under way - if slightly amazed that the staff can find the time after dealing with all this misery. Happily the release signs off by saying 'have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2005!' Who says Christmas has lost its magic? Get out those decorations now.