Peter Rhodes on winter in Venice, hard work in Germany and demographics at a family party

I recall some years ago a politician singing the praises of Germany who told me : “You know, Britain can't build an economy on people selling burgers to each other.” But maybe we can. Especially when we are so addicted to take-away grub.

Our New Year family party illustrated a crisis of our time – the startling growth in the number of old folk, coupled with a sharp decline in births. Remember the traditional family party of yore? There would be one ancient and revered granny, a scattering of young parents and hordes of children who were, in theory, seen but not heard. We kids were, as my father repeatedly informed us, “the smallest and least important” members of the clan.

Fast forward a couple of generations and our party last weekend was a lesson in 21st century demographics, stuffed with pensioners, grandparents and young adults. There was only one small child, a three-year-old who, far from being unimportant or unheard, seemed to be the focus of the entire event, loved by all and showered with presents. I can't guess what the future will bring in terms of population balance but this year is the best of times to be three.

One of our party slipped away early to spend New Year's Eve in Venice where the rain was not only as bad as in England but the temperature hovered at a stark 6C. The difference is that, even at its damp, misty and wintry worst, Venice is enigmatic, soulful, romantic and suffused with fine espresso,while Britain is simply perishing and smells of wet socks.

Quote of the year (so far) comes from Home Secretary James Cleverly, replying on Radio 4 to a question on why the Government was claiming to have cleared the asylum backlog: “Because it has,” he said.

Let's see how that shapes up . . .