Dear Editor,

I write in reference to the letter from a midlands mother questioning the length of Christmas holidays (E&L, December 12th), for she obviously does not have teenagers in secondary school.

I am a sixth year student studying for my Leaving Certificate. I have found Christmas holidays in the past a blessing and I could not wait for the break last month. Not only was it a break from the rigours of school and a chance to relax, it is also a chance to catch up on any study or work that I'd fallen behind on.

In reference to what the woman said - businesses not having holidays as long as schools - working people usually work from nine to five, whereas students are at school from nine to four, then we come home and even a first year student does about two hours' homework - and a sixth year student at least three and a half to four hours' homework and study every night, so of course we need a longer holiday.

I hope that this woman does not begrudge her children their holidays, as everyone needs a break. Yours,

The Old Barracks,

Julianstown,

Drogheda, Co Louth.