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Customs Of Christmas

Customs Of Christmas image
Parent Issue
Day
11
Month
February
Year
1898
Copyright
Public Domain
OCR Text

"üiftinaking is one of the most gracious features of Christmas, and one that I pray may survive all other outgrowa oustoms, ' ' writes Florence Huil Winterburn in The Woman's Home Companion. "When love and sympathy are close counselors, there is little fear that we shall make the mistake of leaving out of our little one's stockiug the particular thinghohas set his heart upon getting. And if his choice is beyond us to gratify, let us come as near to it as we eau, and not convert this season into a sort of convenience for purselves, thrusting upon his reluctant acceptance such prosaio articles as shoes, hats and other essentials of the toilet. Par prettier is the Germán custom of bestowing gaudy trifles that have no use in themselves, bnt are part of the glitter and fashion of the holiday. When it is possible, nothing is so good to have as the traditional Christmas tree. In after years memory hangs abont it fondly, and we bless in our hearls the kind .hands thai took so much ' trouble to give us pïeasure. "Then the stocking hung up on Christmas eve has a romance all its own. The bfeakfast table dressed with holly berries and gif ts piled under snowy napkins is a graceful custom and is far nicer than the blunt handing out of our gifts. Some trouble shonld be taken to créate the welcome element of surprise. We all like it, but it ie one of the greatest delights in a child'sexperience. He linds out before we would choose to have him that what is looked forward to most eagerly seldoru turns out well. It is sad philosophy, yet true, that it is dangerous to set one's heart on anything in this world. But the love that hides its intention until the hour of fulfillment and then Iets out its secret in an outbtirst of generosity is the best substitute that is ever offered for the special Providence - Santa Claus, and all other gracious myths. "Au example of generosity is seldom lost upon children if it is true, not artificial. They are very willing to live up to their little knovvledge, if we allow them the chance, and part of our duty to the day is to encourage in our young people the same kindliness we cultívate ia ourselves. It is so much easier to learn in youth to be genial, sympathetic and generons than it is after ern bittering experiences have hardened our heaits. "

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Subjects
Ann Arbor Argus
Old News