So, Susan Grinch Devoy has done a U-turn after stating that Aucklanders, in particular, ought not to display images relating to the Christian celebration of Christmas in case it offends immigrants of other religions. Hard Cheese.

When in Rome, do as the Romans, and when immigrants come to New Zealand they should be asked to sign a pledge to respect and obey our laws, and our celebration of Christian festivals.

Many religions respect the Ten Commandments, and perhaps we could insist immigrants obey them too. There is some good stuff in them: for would-be terrorists, ‘Thou shalt not kill'; for teenagers, ‘Honour your father and mother'; for politicians, ‘Thou shalt not bear false witness'; for the light-fingered, corporate, and benefit cheats, ‘Thou shalt not steal'; and for mainly young people, ‘Thou shalt not worship false gods', such as iPads, iPhones, and so-called celebrities such as the ghastly Kardashians.

We all know the story of the birth of Christ and how the three wise men brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh (although I wonder what a baby would do with frankincense and myrrh?). Christian or not, let us hang out the holly, deck the tree, and enjoy the one time of the year when families try to get together in peace.

Mary Brooks, Tauranga City.