Don't mention the C-word

Madam, - In recent weeks I have noticed a number of advertisements urging people to book their Christmas parties now

Madam, - In recent weeks I have noticed a number of advertisements urging people to book their Christmas parties now. Surely, a civilised society would outlaw this kind of thing at the height of a warm summer.

A punishment that would fit the crime would be to lock offenders up until Christmas in a stone cell into which would be continuously played muzak featuring such ditties as Jingle Bells, Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer and Last Christmas I Gave You My Heart.

Bah, humbug. - Yours, etc,

PAUL D'ALTON, Carrickbrennan Road, Monkstown, Co Dublin.