Christmas came early on December 20 for many Barbadians who took advantage of Government’s surprise Value Added Tax (VAT) free day.With the announcement coming late over the weekend, retailers were left scrambling to put all the necessary measures in place - some back office, such as required changes to their pricing systems, and others, front office - which included scheduling sufficient staff to manage the crowds that were expected and sourcing supplies to replenish shelves.As expected, it was the supermarkets which saw the crush of people seeking respite from the 17.5 per cent tax. The long lines of shoppers who gathered from as early as 4.30 in the morning, not only speak to just how burdensome the cost of food is in Barbados, but that they were prepared to expose themselves to increased risk during a pandemic with several highly infectious variants in circulation.