Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1861-12-19
Christmas.


This dav week will be the 18th of December and al
though fall week off, we yet feel like indulging few
reflections and perhaps offering few suggestions that
if delayed longer could have practical character.
Without referring now to the religious associations
connected with the day. the great event in common
Grafton of which it is set apart, we wish to say some
thing about it social anniversary,-ap of good
feeiug-of family reunions-of mutual courtesies-of
gifts and sOuUsnirs
How many families that at this time last year.
united around the domestic hearth, are now scattered
far apart never to meet agairin this world Then a.
though the muterng8 of the thunder heard, and
the dark shadows of the coming tempest throwQ
forward still the storm had not yet burst and on the
surface, at least, there peace Would that, on this
anniversary, voice Ike that which, nearly nineteen
centuries ago to the shepherds abiding in the field
in Judea, watching their focks by night, could
again be heard proclaming Glory to God in the high
est and earth peace, good will towards men. But
this NAV not be. 1t only remains tor US to afford as
much mutual assistance possibly can, alternating
the suferngs inevitably connected with state of war,
king glad the hearts OF those deprived of their naur
al protectors and sending to the soldiers in camp such
evidences of remembrance as will show that if absent,
they are not forgotten.
Expensive presents, costly toys, jewery or fancy ar
tices will not we Think be in much request this Christ
mas. But good warm articles Of clothing to send to
friends in camp or articles Of necessity to cheer their
families at home, will be the order for Christmas pres
ents in this wear OF Our Lord one thousand eight hun
dred and sixty-ore, and we doubt not that they will
communicate more real pleasure to the givers as well as
the receivers than would the most gorgeous objects of
Mo- natl ut bioy
however severe the lessons of adversely may their
general Influence will not be otherwise than wholesome.
If the circumstances cf the times and the country have
developed speculation and cXOrOn, they have also de-
vlopcd patriotism and selEsacree They have brought
the people more nearly together. They have broken
the hus1 of sefshness with which long peace and much
do,a-worship is apt to envelope the nObest national
character. Something perhaps necessary to check
this peculiarly deteroratiye tendency before it had gone
too far or before its effects had assumed chronic type
May we not trust that before the new year neal
at hand has rua its course, may again be blessed
with peace and prosperity. hat families may AGAR
be united and the avocations Of civil life be resumed
That speaking iguratvey, we may be able to say The
winter is past, the rain is over and gone
But however hopefully we may look forward to thi
good time coming and be prepared to avail ourselves
It's advantages and accept its blessings thankfully WI
cannot forget that the winter is not yet past and thai
while the rain pours we must act so best to guard
against its effects This can only be done by common
sacrifices and mutual help. Say for instance that eacl
person who under other circumstances would have spen
for mere pleasure amusement given away in pres
ens certain sum, would this year send its equivalent
in some useful article to friend 10 camp, to some
society for the relief Of the suffering. There is time
enough yet to arrange these things within week w
think thai t!c suggestion is worthy of consideration.
Daily Journal, 18th inst.