To the editor:

J.R. Labbe’s column of Dec. 13 makes the excellent point that when the religious observance of Christmas was established as a national – hence secular – holiday, it became a … secular holiday. The secularization of Christmas shouldn’t be surprising since the date of Dec. 25 was chosen by the early Christian church to co-opt existing secular festivals for the winter solstice.

What is surprising is Ms. Labbe’s statement that the winter “holiday season” ends on Jan. 1. We all remember the carol telling us that there are 12 days of Christmas, from the feast of the Nativity on Dec. 25 to the Epiphany (visit of the Magi) on Jan. 6. Those who’ve experienced (perhaps years ago) a traditional Christmas in Europe or Mexico know that children there eagerly waited for Jan. 6, when their presents were delivered by the Three Kings.

In the U.S., we tend to decorate the tree early, rip open the packages on Christmas Day, and toss the tree on New Year’s. Might it not be more relaxing, and more religious, to celebrate the Nativity on Dec. 25, trim the tree over the 12 days of Christmas, and exchange gifts on Epiphany? The “good” presents may be sold out by then, but as Ms. Labbe reminds us, the poor will always be with us.

Peter Gegenheimer,

Lawrence