In the December 24, 2025 edition of the Toronto Sun, readers shared passionate letters reflecting on the state of Christmas celebrations and the performance of a beloved hockey team, offering a snapshot of public sentiment during the holiday season.
A Season's Meaning in Question
One letter writer, A. Heslin of Orillia, expressed deep concern that the fundamental reason for the Christmas season is being eroded. Heslin described searching television listings for programming about 'the reason for the season' and finding nothing explicitly labeled, only 'various programming.' The writer fears that children now believe December 25 is Santa Claus's birthday, disconnected from its traditional roots.
'Our culture, our country, is slowly, slyly being taken away and no one seems to care,' Heslin wrote, linking the issue to broader societal trends like consumer debt from expensive toys and over-reliance on electronics. The letter concludes with a call for both parents and the country's leaders to reclaim and teach the cultural foundations of the celebration, while also extending a 'Merry Christmas to all.' The Sun's editorial response appended to the letter agreed, stating, 'We should not be shy to say it and celebrate it.'
Maple Leafs' Demeanor Draws Ire
Another letter from Doug Smith of St. Catharines shifted focus from the festive to the rink, offering sharp criticism of the Toronto Maple Leafs' conduct with the media. Smith dismissed common on-ice performance questions, instead highlighting the players' behavior during interviews.
The reader criticized players for being 'camera shy,' citing heads down, caps low, and avoiding eye contact with reporters and cameras as signs of failing to accept responsibility. Smith accused the team of hiding behind platitudes while collecting millions, urging them to 'grow up' and remember their privileged position. The Sun's reply noted the behavior was 'not a good look' and pondered if it stemmed from embarrassment over poor performance.
Reflecting Public Discourse
These letters, published on Christmas Eve 2025, highlight two enduring threads in Canadian public life: reflection on cultural identity and tradition, and passionate scrutiny of national sports institutions. They serve as a direct channel for reader opinion on issues that resonate beyond the holiday period, from the preservation of heritage to the expectations placed on professional athletes in the public eye. The inclusion of the Sun's brief editorial responses adds a layer of dialogue, emphasizing the newspaper's role as a platform for community conversation.
