“Xmas”

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29994, 1 December 1962, Page 3

“Xmas”

Sir,—Congratulations to “A Xtian” on drawing attention to the growing custom of abbreviating toe name of Christman. I cannot believe that economic necessity is the reason for this practice; it must arise, therefore, either from indifference or from a deliberate desire to rob the festive season of its foundation—Christ In moot cases where that mee rung lees term. “Xmas.” is used, it is probably due simply to thoughtlessness. Business people. in displays and advertisements, could give a valuable lead in this matter. We can play our part by patronising those businesses which give Christ His rightful place in Christmas—Yours, etc., WJL November 30. 1962.

Sir. “Noughts and Crosses” could have nuaie his point more efficaciously by expressing it in plain English rather than in a jumble of prep-school flacetiousness and painfully limping, high-faJutin' prose. I take it “Xmas'* is food enough for ham. and. indeed, it should be for anyone who recognises that one letter can be advantageously used to take the place of six in a world governed by cummercialism. It says something tor the message implicit in tltis Christian festival that the churches on Christmas Day corutmiue to be full, tliough loudly amplified l.erald Angels have been telling us all about it during our slu>f>ping excursions for three weeks beforehand, and so many modem thinkers instruct their young that it is j ust another pleasant myth, worth observing for the material advantages accruing to it.—Yours, etc., IST. November 30. 1962.