The weekly Portage sentinel. [volume] (Ravenna, Ohio) 1854-1861, 1855-12-22
The Holidays.

tiful poem entitled "The Old Mans Christ
mas Reverie." Read it.
We like these annual holidays, and
could wish that they might be universally
observed. They belong to oil the civilized
countries Of the wOrldi and they have their
influence too, upon the characters Of cOms
munities and nations. We believe it Is
good influence. In the play Of Hamlet,
Marcellus, taking with HoratiO in regard to
the disappearance of the Ghost Of the muir
dered King, says:
"some say that ever 'gainst Mai season comes,
Wherein our savour's births celebrated
That bird Of dawnine shgeth all night long;
And then they say no spirit dares stir abroadi .
The nights are wholesome; then no planets strike,
Nc fairy takes, nor witch hath power to shHrm'
This thought is drawn from the common.
but beautiful superstition, if we may so call
it, which prevailed at that time among many
nations in regard to the anniversary of the
Savior's birth. Though not literally true,
it has that about it which leaves pleasant
but solemn impression upon the mind. 1t
calls US back to the history Of the "BaBe Of
Beth lehem," his birth in manger, his pure
character, his sinless life, his glorious mis-
sion on earth, and finally his death and res
direction.
OF all the holydays, we know Of none
more appropriate and fitting the observance
Of refined and enlightened people, than
Christmas, and there is perhaps none more
universally adhered to. In some places and
by some classes of religions ts, it is recog'
hiAed BY professions and church illumina'
tions; to some, it is day of dancing and
revelry. While each mode is perhaps
highly appropriate, it seems to us, thai
there can be no more charming custom thar
that of the gathering of friends and kindred
around the family hearths:one.
The past yer has been one of plenty
Abundance has rewarded the husbandmal
for his toll. His crops are gathered in, an
his graneries are full. As the stormy day
and long nights Of winter come on, ther
is atf6Tded time for rest and enjoyment. Thi
is right; and when Christmas comes with 1t
happy associations, let It be sign for tn
assembling Of all who belong to the hom
circle. Gather them in. Let the fire bur
brightly in the CRATE; let tile laugh of chi
dren ring out merrily and free; let the ol
forget their age, let care be banished, dis
cord hushed, and harmony and love presid
over the holy Sanctuary ofhome
At such times there is also an opportuni
ty for the exercise of we'll directed benev
I olence; not that hypocritical long-face
kind which operates only through the aid {
pompous "Moral Reform Societies" s"EwKic
beholds objects of charity, only when tho,
+. sands of miles off, forgetting the poor I
home-but practical unobtrusive benevt
g olence, which manilests itself in acts
Y kindness and charity to those about our ow
: doors. Bounteous as has been the yea
there are still needy. ones in every con
7 munity.
, Your graneries may be full, but others al
empty; your dwelling may be warm, ar
Q bid defiance to the cold and rain, but thel
Q are rude novels whose trembling inmat,
shiver at every blast; your firesde may
i pleasant, but there are many cherries
e hearths; the glow and animation OF heal
may mantle your cheek, but hunger, wan
consumption, and disease of every kind al
: lowering like vultures around the homes
g thousands in our land. What then can yc
u do? You can spare something from yo'
J. abundance. DO you not know of some or
j. who would bless you for even a little kim
e ness! 1t will add to your holiday pleasure
20 know that Others are happier and bett,
through your efforts; it will make your Ell
joyment of higher and nobler kind.
will make you nobler being.