By Andy Silvester Consumer confidence has increased amid Christmas cheer in a small but much-needed boost for retailers, figures show. GfK’s long-running Consumer Confidence Index increased two points in December but remains firmly in negative territory at minus 22. Expectations for the general economic situation over the next 12 months increased by one point to minus 25 but has risen to 28 points higher than a year ago. Notably, confidence in personal finances – reflecting household financial optimism and control over budgets – has recovered from the depressed minus 29 of a year ago to minus …