In the spirit of the season

Re “A Very Wary Christmas,” Dec. 9

May I propose a simple solution? Everyone who feels there is something special about this time of year simply wishes others the wish they would like to receive. Thus Christians can wish their friends “Merry Christmas.” And blacks who feel so inclined can wish “Happy Kwanzaa,” Jews can wish “Happy Hanukkah,” atheists are welcome to wish “Happy Winter Solstice.” Then anyone who gets good wishes they don’t personally happen to agree with could smile and say “thank you” in the spirit of the season. Whichever season they think it is.

JANICE HOUGH

Palo Alto

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Re holiday trees: I’m confused. Please clarify what a pre-lit, petrochemical based, made-in-China tree has to do with the birth of Christ. I can understand frankincense and myrrh having religious significance, but a tree that has long been used to welcome the New Year or celebrate the winter solstice? How shallow is it to trivialize the “king of kings” with a decorated tree? It is a holiday tree, not a religious icon.

LINDA SHAHINIAN

Culver City