Sir, – Matt Harper (December 14th) laments the "hordes of heathens enthusiastically indulging in unrestrained debauchery to celebrate the birth of a Christ they do not believe in". One could just as easily accuse Christianity of hijacking the winter solstice for its own motives. It's no coincidence that the birth of Jesus is celebrated at about the same time as pagan celebrations, including the Roman Saturnalia and the Norse celebration of Yule. Can't we agree that we all need a celebration to look forward to in the dark days of winter? – Yours, etc,
GREG BYRNE,
Balbriggan,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Matt Harper should lighten up, or is he just one of those curmudgeons who insist on spoiling Christmas by bringing religion into it? – Yours, etc,
NORMAN DAVIES,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.