AS a regular churchgoer I am sad that some people feel we have to choose between church or secular Christmas celebrations.

Thanking God and celebrating the birth of Jesus in church on Christmas morning is wonderful, but I really do not think going home and carrying on having fun with my lovely family and seven wonderful grandchildren is wrong. In fact, if some Christians smiled more and condemned innocent fun less, there may be more people in church.

Secondly, of course, homeless people should take priority over stray animals but can't we help both? No one can support all charities. Personally, I think 'Sight Savers' are wonderful because they do such wonderful things but I also give regularly to AICR (Cancer Research), RSPCA and have a Children's Society box and still feel guilty when I ignore the many other appeals I receive in the post. Most of them are worthy causes and it is good that each one has its supporters.

I am also a member of Mothers' Union and they help all kinds of people at home and abroad.

Please let us all support the charities we prefer and let our neighbour do likewise without criticism.

MRS LYDIA DOVEY, Tanhouse Lane, Malvern.