The central Presbyterian. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1856-1908, 1875-12-22
About Holiday Presents.

A time honored custom, observed in every Chris.
tian land, and which is as beautiful as it is wide.
spread, is that OF giving or exchanging presents at
Christmas 1t seems peculiarly appropriate to the
season which celebrates the advent upon the earth
OF the Great Present Bearer the Author of every
good and perfect gift, who gave himself as ran
som for our sins and for the sins Of the whole
world. But aside from this higher Specification,
there is something that is exceedingly genial and
beautiful in the custom. looked at from human
standpoint and in it's social Influences merely.
How varied are the gifts which this deigh
holiday season witnesses. and how vast are the
numbers of the givers and recipients Whether
the gift be great or raing-a toy, truket, book,
or houses and lands-they all have this remarka
BILE property, that they are twice blessed for they
gladden. the hearts both Of the receiver and the
giver Indeed, it is hard to decide which expert
ences the greater epjoyment-the parent. or broth
er or sister, friend who INDUCES in the luxury of
premeditating present, of choosing the one that
shall be the most suitable or acceptable, OF ponder
ing affectionately over the surprise and pleasure
which will follow; or the parent, brother, sister,
or friend who will be surprised and made happy
by these presents. and will treasure them through
long years OF sunshine or cloud. as keepsakes OF
this generous and joyous holiday and gift bearing
season.
Then consider what vast difference there is be-
tween the 10y OF possession, when IL comes IN this
charming way, and when it comes by purchase A
pound of tea sent to poor widow in this way will
be infinitely more fragrant and full of enjoyment
than if it bad been bought over the counter of a
corner grocery. 1t will have a bouquet that the
other would lack utterly. And SO all through the
catalogue it is not the intrinsic value OF the thing
that regulates its worth, but its worth-.even
though it be the merest trife-is inestmably en-.
HANGED by the sentiment of esteem or friendship,
love or affection, which it represents and reflects
And thus it comes, that mere bawble. or q book,
or bit of needle-work or embroidery or toilet
ornament, or picture, becomes endowed with
worth which is priceless, causing it to be preserved
after all other possessions resgned-to be treas
ured and worn, as Shakespeare says,
'' In my hearts core, ay, in my heart of heart"
A holiday present to be suitable and acceptable
should be appropriate to the taste or the needs the
youth or the age, the refinement or simplicity of
mind, the disposition or temper of the recipient
A drum or trumpet would please FIVE year old
topical representative of Young America, who
would regard with digni6ed contempt the wax doll
over which his little sister would shed tears of de
light. And we are all children, only of larger
growth. So, when We are preparing for the sweet
surprise Of holiday gift let US be alert to adapt it
to the particular disposition or taste of the one for
whom it is intended that its value may be en-
HANGED to the utmost in his or her eyes, Christian
Iateligencer.