Dear Editor,
Last December, I noticed how differently families in our street celebrate the holidays. My neighbours, the Farrells, always go for a long walk before their Christmas lunch. They say it helps them enjoy the meal. At my friend Priya's house, Diwali means making sweets with her grandmother and lighting small lamps in every window. My own family opens presents after breakfast and then phones our relatives in Ireland. We also play card games until late.
None of these customs is better than another. Each one gives people a sense of belonging and a chance to share time together. I think newspapers should print more stories about such simple traditions, because they remind us that community is built from many different habits.
Yours faithfully, Ruth Callaghan