Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-12-22
Daily Aennrbet soarnal
AU q U T A.
TUESDAY MORNING. Dec. ~. ls74.
CHRISTMAS WEEK.

CHRISTMAS WEEK.
The few days left before Christmas ar
rives will be days Of busy preparation for
that event In nearly every household in
the land something is being done to mark
the coming day as one ofhappiness. The
children must have their stockings filled
on Christmas eve, those more mature an
years will exchange gifts and keepsakes
long TO be kept as tokens offriendship and
love, and there are greetings of friends
and merry-makings to be provided for.
All this requires time and thought. 1t is
no easy task to select with good judgment
and taste, with adaptability to persons and
purse, these Christmas gifts. What may
do for one will not do for another. Cir
cumstances must be considered. The in
tent however is alike in all. The meagre
gift of the poor speaks as eloquently ofthe
sincere and friendly heart as the costly
gift of the rich.
We have thought as the report OF hard
times, stagnation in business. scarcity OF
labor, came under our observation, that
the trade peculiar to Christmas would be
pinched this year below the usual amount,
but our exchanges from the larger cities
show by their columns crowded with ad-
yertisements that business is brisk. Trade
never was better they say at this season.
Those dealers who prepared in confidence
for Christmas are making handsome profits
notwithstanding the cry of hard times.
The truth is there is as much money in the
country as there ever was, and though it
may not be brisklv circulating it is here
for use and will come from its hiding
places when there is anything to call it
out. II Christmas unlocks the boards.
setting them free to pass from the hands
of the merchant to the mechanic, farmer
and laborer, so much the better for the
community. Hoarded treasures do no
one any good. When they are legitimate
ly put in circulation they feed the hungry.
clothe the naked and heal the sick.
The most benefcent feature of Christ
mas is that relating to charity. 1t is the
season of all seasons when the poor are
remembered, when private bcnevolence
is manifested 10 the largest extent, and
associated means through charitable Or
CARNATIONS are active. 1t is the season
when the poor most need help, when they
require protection from the inclemencies
of the weather as well as something to
keep starvation from the door In nearly
every neighborhood there are some unfor-
tunates to be relieved. Happily in our
State the amount of suffering from ex-
treme poverty is not large, but yet there
is ample opportunity for the exercise of
charity here. Employment is scarce this
winter, and it is very likely that many
families are rendered destitute on this ac-
count. If our benevolent and charitable
societies have not already made prepare
tions for work, this is the time for them to
get ready for the winter campaign. The
good cheer of Christmas IN comfortable
homes will be all the more enjoyed if sea-
soned with charity. Much as our public
means may do to relieve the poor there is
enough beside for individuals to do. The
old and decrepit, the sick and feeble, all
need attention. the giving of which will
confer blessings upon the bcstower
II there are any who are inclined to be
respondent in these Christmas days, let
them throw away anxiety, open their
hearts and hands and they will discover
that the effort will make them richer and
happier. Hopefulness is characteristic OF
the season. Hope and trust are lessons
which the decorations Of churches and
homes teach. May it be Merry Christmas
to all.