Readers of the Guardian have responded with a mix of heartfelt praise, sharp criticism, and wry observation in the latest batch of letters to the editor, covering topics from the National Health Service to television schedules and international aid.
A Heartfelt Defence of the NHS's 'Priceless' Care
Christine Batley from Cromer, Norfolk, wrote in strong agreement with a recent column by Anne Perkins, published on 29 December, which highlighted the NHS's enduring virtues despite its well-documented challenges. Batley described a personal experience where her seriously ill husband was nursed back from the brink of death.
She eloquently noted that the health service operates quietly in the background when not needed, but springs into action with "care, love and support beyond words" when it is. Batley concluded her letter by stating that the service remains a "priceless resource" and that the British public are "very fortunate" to have it.
Celebrity Saturation and Aid Agency Irony
In other correspondence, Margaret Squires of St Andrews, Fife, took issue with a headline from 30 December suggesting 2025 was the year the public grew tired of celebrity for celebrity's sake. Squires pointed to the schedule of 22 December as evidence to the contrary, listing a slew of celebrity-themed programmes that aired, including celebrity editions of Antiques Road Trip, The Chase, Escape to the Country, Mastermind, and Masterchef.
On the grave subject of international aid, David Duell from Durham commented on the report that Israel plans to ban dozens of aid agencies from operating in Gaza. He singled out the potential prohibition of Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), stating such a move would be "beyond irony," given the organisation's critical medical role in conflict zones.
Quirky Queries on Measurement and 'Twixtmas'
The letters also featured lighter, more whimsical contributions. Elli Woollard of London chimed in on a style guide article from 29 December concerning units of measurement. Noting a recent Guardian piece that compared the size of Mexico's Espíritu Santo island to Manhattan, Woollard humorously inquired what that measurement would be in the colloquial British units of "football pitches and/or Waleses".
Finally, John Stiles from Orpington, London, offered a succinct thought on the debate over whether to term the period between Christmas and New Year as "Twixtmas" or "Twixmas". His solution was simple: "Why use either?"
The Guardian continues to invite readers to submit their opinions on any topic covered by the publication for potential inclusion in its daily letters section.
