Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-12-23
THE cHRISTNAS TIVE.

THE CHRISTMAS TINE.
There is no certainty that Christ was
born on the 25th of December, but we
celebrate that joyous event at this season
of the year in accordance with custom
established nearly a century after his
death. If the selection of the time were
altogether arbitrary, chosen only because
of its fitness to the occasion TO be com
memorated. there was deep wisdom
manifested in fixing it at the winter sol
stice. For the better feelings of mankind
are not so active in the season OF sunny
DAYS as when the cold and SNOW Of via
ter reign Men who are gloomy and mo-
rose in November, and contemplate sui
eide in April through dread of coming TO
want, can crack jokes and open their
purses with benevolence at Christmas.
At Spring and Fail biliousness colors eve
rything with an unhealthy hue; in the Sum-
mer 'languor pervades all our faculties;
but as bleak December comes down with
its out door discomforts, the physical sys-
the highest point of which they are capa-
BILE, cheerfulness rules at the fireside, and
palace and hut, city and country ring with
social festivities. Ii we are not merry at
Christmas it is not the fault Of the season,
cherries as it appears outwardly. wish
ron Merry Christmas is not a form, but
the real expression OF hearty good will,
expanding the soul of man towards man.
Our Santa Claus loading the stockings OF
the children, the attractions exhibited at
all places OF trade, the preparations for
the Christmas pic. the busy needle at work
upon some choice gift. the churches dec
grated with flowers and evergreen, all
speak Of the prevailing sentiment OF kind
ness.
In the days OF the Purtans Christmas
festivities were frowned upon and repress-
Ell. Stout hearted Oliver Cromwell and
his followers thought they ,sayored too
much of Popery and carnal things. They
turned the occasion into season of Ia
mentation over the folly and wickedness
OF mankind. But over all the places
where Puri.auism once held sway, the
teachings and example of those stern and
no doubt conscientious and true hearted
men are disregarded, and Christmas trees,
frolics, and good cheer abound, while
Santa Claus is received as household de-
ity. 1t is true, however, that New Eng
land does not enter into Christmas festiv-
tiles like other parts of the country The
shades Of the Puritans cast a restraining
influence over the land, saving Us, per-
haps, FROM indalging the grossness of ap
petite and forming the habits of intempcr-
ance which custom permits ia some of
onr sister States. Men NAV be merry and
not sinpletons. They may have generous
hearts without putting the wine-cup to
their neightors lips They can give and
bless, not destroy They may dance and
sing and not become bacchanalian~. Oar
neighbors in New York think we are rath-
is only wine makes the difference between
us and them, and we find that the more
thoughtful among them are beginning to
see that we are in the right, and to ask
the abolition of the custom that makes
drunkards Of their young men nnder the
plea Of sociabilty and the garb of Chris
tianity. But the Christmas time is at hand |
We see its pleasures inviting us at every
door and window of the stores and shops.
Parents and children. lovers and maidens,
friends and ncighbors are preparing for
the joyful event. The social world is
smiling its brightest though the snow
lies deep on hill and valley. The yule log
may not glow upon our hcarths, but we
shall keep the Christmas with warm and
thankful hearts, with comfort and abun-
dance around us, and with firm faith in
the symbolism Of the holly and mistletoe
May the children be made rich and happy
with gifts. 1t is their harvest. Aud may
charity flow on all sides to relieve the
needy and suffering, so that they too may
have merry Christmas.
Forget not the poor III your plenty; as
you give so will your joy be heightened
and your friends increased. Charity is |
the duty OF the season.
THE CREDIT NOBILIER.