New-York daily tribune., 1865-12-23
CIhRNsTNAS.
Preparations for the Decentralization
Observation Of the Holidays Antici.
Pated-Tne Churches and the Markets.
-Profusion aud Poverty-splendor and
Suffering.

The preparations that have been made for the
approaching Holidays probably excel in spendor and
magiiiccnce any tho metropolis heretofore has known
Human ingenuity has been exercised for months and
tho resources OF and science have been exhausted
in the manufacture Of and elegant articles to sat
sy the demands Of giyers and CRAFTY the tastes Of
those destined to be tie receivers Of gifts.
The bazaars of Broadway contain in profusion that
seems boundless, everything that could be desired
whether useal ornamental foreign domestic and
those who have determined TO be donors become be.
wildered by tie display from which they compelled
to choose. The opuenco OF tho city displays Itself id
this splendid thoroughfare. whose windows blaze with
such gifts would not pcof even IL the giyers
should prove unkDd.
new apocalypse Is daily made to those who desire
to purchase. and ,nc apparently exhsustess variety
puzzles tue inlp to such extent that many buy in all
the despr Of reckessness and perpexty All that the
mind Ioncoiyes or the heart wishes may be found in
srch an e1uberance Of plenty, such superfuity OF
abundance that how what to choose becomes ques
tion FAR more difficult solve than the riddle which the
Theban Sphinx proposed.
The markets abound in all that could tempt the ap-
petite ard are daily and nightly thronged with buyers
who propose TO feast their friends and, We regret TO
add, with many who are friendless and only feast
their eyes At Washington, Fulton and Jefferson
markets tee display is wondrous fine, and consists o;
oil things edible animal and vegetable, that earth,
or air can furnish
The preparations for religious observance Of the day
arc also general aud many of the churches in various
parts Of the city have besn already decorated for the
occasion. This is particularly the case however,
with those Of the Episcopal and Catholic faith, in all OF
which we learn services viii be held
While the world lays its richest stores at the feet Of
the metropolis Of the Western world, and while every
part Of it finds market here for its treasures dc
not forget that IL is only the opulen who purchase
aud enjoy. Here poverty abounds well p,ofusion
and suffering exists to greater extent than spendor
This walks abroad and expresses itself to the admring
gaze OF the world that hides itself and shuns the curl
Gus eyes of the multitude. The dazzles because II
Is seen; the other is too apt TO be forgotten because
shrinks from exposure.
Christmas, however, comes 10 both alike. and
arouses similar emotions in ALL The poor wish for anu
want what the rich receive but do need and giving
Is usually linked with this great error that gifts are
bestowed upon those who require them not and dehied
TO those who live in penury and pain. Lei US NOT.
therefore forget the poverty that shives Win tue eod
aud dies Of hunger but seek tObesowa part a' @'s'
OF our wealth upon the suffering poor TO wnom tne
splendor OF our preparations for Christmas brngs nc"
pangs, and, we fear, additional sorrows.