British shoppers spent freely at Christmas, piling their trolleys with party food, drink and clothing as they enjoyed the first holiday season free of COVID worries for three years, but retailers warned most will tighten their belts in 2023. Tesco, Britain's biggest retailer, and rival Marks & Spencer posted better than expected Christmas sales as people snapped up festive treats despite a deepening cost-of-living crisis. In-store sales were particularly strong, with strikes by postal workers helping push customers back to the High Street. TN: fairytale Christmas for British shops