“Good evening,” says Hazza. “We’re collecting for the local Rotary Group. This year’s charities are the Nightingale Children’s Hospice, Noah’s Ark Hospice and Parkinson’s UK.” Hazza smiles winningly and holds out her tin.

As befits a groovy media student in Swinging London, my niece Hazza chooses her outfits with care. Tonight she is bedecked in a red and green elf dress layered with a fetching hi-vis tabard which has been printed boldly with the details of said Rotary Club. The look is topped off with a cheeky little elf hat. Take note, fashionistas – next year, we’ll all be wearing this.

The Householder peers at her suspiciously. “Do you have an identity card?”

“Well, not actually a card,” says Hazza, “ but our details are here.” And she points to her tabard.   Householder still looks suspicious and seems about to close the door. “And,” adds Hazza quickly,” I do have Santa with me.”

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