In response to Daniel Henninger’s Dec. 24 Wonder Land column “The Year Christmas Died”:

 Reading Mr. Henninger’s column and the accompanying “Inclusive Holidays at Cornell,” I am dismayed by how we have as a society, given in to the demands of the “cry-bullies” and whitewashed what was once an enchanting time of the year. As a Jew growing up in the Midwest, I never felt threatened by Christmas displays in town, and in fact I looked forward to seeing the Christmas windows at major department stores.

Walking through Los Angeles this December, I had to look hard for any store windows that would be enchanting for my grandchildren with the magic of Christmas, Chanukah or any other holiday celebration. In the cause of “diversity and inclusiveness” would we not be better off encouraging everyone to display signs of their religion, and actually celebrating our differences with each other? How sad that we have instead caved in to those who go out of their way to be offended by others’ differences and insist that religious celebration be hidden from sight. We can’t learn about, much less respect, each other and live together peacefully if we cannot celebrate our differences.

Sharon L Krischer

Beverly Hills, Calif.