School Nativity play with parts for everyone
SIR – As the former head of a small school where our Nativity play was written and cast carefully for each child, it may be of interest that at different times we had a Sikh Mary and a Sikh Archangel Gabriel (“God help us if multicultural liberals abolish Christmas”, Comment, December 9).
The parents and children were all delighted, and we were gratified to discover how much the Sikh children knew about the Christian faith.
Beverley Buczacki
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire SIR – You report (December 11) that Barclays bank has avoided any reference to the word “Christmas” in its holiday opening hours.
I have worked in the Middle East for the last 13 years, mainly in Oman. I also have a rather obvious and large white beard. When I am there in December I am eternally asked by Muslims what I am going to bring them for Christmas. The stores all have Father Christmas figures and decorated Christmas trees.
Muslim children are looking forward to their presents. Jesus Christ is their second most respected prophet (after Mohammed) and Mary, along with Jesus, features in the Koran.
Given that the Muslims celebrate Christmas in the Middle East, what right has Barclays to deprive the Muslim population here?
Dr Brian Wareing
Penyffordd, Flintshire
SIR – My local Barclays branch in Chester-le-Street, Co Durham, has a delightful Nativity scene on display.
It has been beautifully knitted by a member of staff, and I understand that whenever this lady moves to another branch she takes it with her for others to enjoy.
Pat Walker
Chester-le-Street, Co Durham SIR – With handwritten envelopes increasingly being replaced by printed address labels, and the disappearance of local postmarks, there is little opportunity to try to guess from whom one’s Christmas cards have been sent before they are opened.
Jeremy Broadway
Hartlebury, Worcestershire SIR – Can anyone enlighten me as to what the little red dots are on the second-class Christmas stamps?
John Powell
Tavistock, Devon SIR – It should be a human right that I can buy the food I need for survival without having to endure the torture of Christmas jingles wherever I shop.
A campaign for Shopping in Silence is urgently needed.
Elizabeth Anne Fox
Hayfield, Derbyshire SIR – Can someone please tell us how many products we must buy to avoid an “imperfect” Christmas?
Andrew Blake
Marlborough, Wiltshire