True, I have to admit.

Regarding “To get in the holiday spirit, these Houstonians spend $5,000+ on massive Christmas light displays,” (Dec. 1): I don’t mean to sound like Ebenezer Scrooge, but I was reading the Houston Chronicle’s article about the extensive pre-Christmas lighting and decorations, especially in the upscale River Oaks and Tanglewood neighborhoods, and thought to myself about the many thousands of dollars spent by the homeowners to decorate their homes. And I wouldn’t ordinarily begrudge them from spending this money which is obviously expendable income in ordinary times. But these are not ordinary times. So many fellow Houstonians have lost their jobs and income and are in the position of being unable to put food on the table for their families and are in danger of losing their homes and apartments and being left essentially homeless. And I thought to myself just how much more it would matter if the monies used for the decorations were used instead for food for those unable to provided it or for other necessaries which are now beyond reach — just how much more the spirit of the Christmas season would be shown over and above the temporary lighting and decorating of homes.

Mitch (Scrooge) Glassman, Houston