Grocery should raise a large glass to itself this Christmas. Despite a turbulent agenda during the first year of the twenty first century, it enters the second year of the new millennium in good heart. For despite unjustified attacks from crackpot politicians, spinning civil servants, a hostile media and an army of self appointed consumer gospellers, it's still delivering the world's most efficient food and drink service. So in the spirit of the season, here's my fantasy Christmas gift list for those who served up so much material for this column throughout 2000. For former Asda boss Allan Leighton: £500 worth of Marks & Spencer shopping vouchers to prepare him for the day when he takes charge of the company. For John "Two Jags" Prescott: a grocery delivery bike and a well worn Barbour, so he can seem more convincing next time he pronounces on rural issues. For French agriculture minister Jean Glavany: a crash course in humility and an EU rules manual in the hope he eventually sees the error of his ways on British beef. For trade and industry secretary Stephen Byers: a packet of J-Cloths to remove the egg from his face following his discredited Rip-off in grocery campaign. For the CWS and Asda/Wal-Mart teams: a scrapbook of press cuttings showing Tesco's successful PR stunts. For the IGD: a lexicon of names from which to select a new title, more in keeping with its 21st century image. For Nick Brown: free food shopping for a year at a store of his choice for being the only member of the Blair cabinet to show an understanding of grocery. For the NGBF and the Confectioners' Benevolent Fund: a diamond engagement ring, in the hope they take the hint and consummate their long overdue marriage. And for the OFT lawyers preparing an industry code of trading practice: a copy of The Grocer Directory of Buyers and Retailers, to remind them there are more than five multiples in the UK. Merry Christmas. See you in 2001! Clive Beddall, Editor {{OPINION }}