Sir, – I was surprised that your recent A to Z Guide of Christmas had Virgin Birth not Vouchers at V (December 2nd) but the (December 5th) report that nearly half of vouchers go unused, yet 51 per cent of people plan to buy them, redresses the balance.
Everyone has their own horror stories regarding these things, so it beggars belief that so many persist in giving money to a complete stranger instead of a loved one.
What’s the logic? It is, “It felt too mercenary to give you cash so I gave it to somebody else. Here’s a bit of paper. If you show it to the person I gave it to, perhaps they’ll allow you to have their goods or avail of their services – but only if you do it within a time they specify and always at full cost.” Idiotic. – Yours, etc,
GODFREY SHAW,
Blackhorse Avenue,
Dublin 7.