Sir, - When we were very young. Santa Claus visited us on Christmas Eve, sometime during the night, and left Christmas stockings on the end of our beds. They were filled with small things, a paper hat, a tiny doll, a simple board game such as draughts or ludo, and in the toe, a mandarin orange. The fact that he came at all was wonderful, particularly as there was always the proviso of having been "good" during the year and knowing in your own heart that there was definitely a question mark over that one.
I feel sorry for Santa nowadays. Parents put him under terrific pressure to bring gifts to their children which are way beyond his original intentions. Maybe they are hankering after memories of years gone by? I remember that, we listened to him on RTE radio. He took a break at 4 o'clock, and that was when Christmas really started, and still does for me.
For as long as I can remember, the service of nine lessons and carols has been broadcast from St. Patrick's Cathedral at 4 p.m. When there's a change of organist, there's a change in the carols chosen and in the style of presentation and improvements in broadcasting technology mean greater enjoyment for the listener.
However, this Christmas, John Dexter's wishes have come true as the service was absolutely beautiful, from beginning to end. May I thank and congratulate all involved in presenting us with what is really a most appropriate and much-appreciated start to Christmas. Yours etc.,
Kilgolan House, Kilcormac, Birr, Co. Offaly.