HO! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! As we all know its that time again. Drink and be merry, but don't drive. Walk home or get a taxi.

I was brought up to believe Christmas was a time of celebration of the coming of the Lord, but in this day and age it seems to have taken second place, i.e. a time of commercial spending.

Goods are offered at sometimes outrageous prices, a lot aimed at the children. When they know little Johnny next door is going to get an expensive mechanical toy they want one also.

Parents spend far more than they can afford, just in order to keep up with the young ones (and the Joneses!)

Let's not forget the way shops fool customers by knocking off a penny, i.e instead of £20, charge £19.99, or even from £25 to £24.99, making goods seem cheaper.

Come on, Christmas can be enjoyable in a more simple way without it costing a fortune and let us all remember what Christmas is really about.

ROSEMARY SPEDDING (Mrs), Oswald Street, Accrington.