IN reading VJ Connor’s letter (HAS, Jan 12), I was sorry to see that his father was a heavy drinker, meaning money was short at Christmas time.

It seems he was an unhappy child, until he was taken into care and he woke up on Christmas morning to find a pillowcase full of toys.

I had loving parents and a happy childhood. We always woke up on Christmas morning to find our pillowcases full of toys.

Today, I imagine children need large sacks to accommodate their toys.

Yes Mr Connor, there is still some Christmas goodwill in Britain today, when we have food banks for the homeless and needy and hundreds of shoeboxes, filled with necessary essentials for children in Romania.

Roland Bramham, Richmond.