I WAS appalled to read the Rev Ian Johnson's jaundiced view of his usual Christmas and the run-up to it. Surely all Christians should rejoice in Christmas, one of the two most important festivals in the Christian Year (From the Heart, Daily Echo, December 29).

To describe "the dread'' he has of the Christmas season - too many services to take, sermons, children to be nice to, carols sung etc would be understandable in an atheist or agnostic, but in a priest of the church of England?

It seems to me, and perhaps too many other churchgoers also, that the Rev Johnson has lost his way as a minister. As a start, he should relinquish his Echo column, then his ministry, for his parishioners will surely not want to feel they are a pain to him at what should be one of the happiest times of the year. Go, Mr Johnson, you've outstayed your welcome.

MRS SHEILA CLAYTON, Southampton.