The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1879-12-27
THE CHRISTMAS SEASON.

Christmas has always been a joyous season
from time mmcmoral, and has been duly
celebrated in our American cities, although
not perhaps to the extent that the residents
of the old world have always greeted This
first of all the holidays. OF late years,
however, there has been Il noted increase in
this observance Of the Christmas festival in
our land, until now not even Germany eX-
ceeds us i'll the respect We pay 10 this time
honorcd and sacred holiday.
For weeks beforehand our principal streets
are crowded with happy people intent on
making Others happy on the day which, by
common consent leads all others. The
beautiful decorated stores are crowded with
eager customers, and although the joyous
Christmas season with us lasts not Il day
only, but entire weeks, and leavens the
whole year with its happy influences.
This train of thought WAS suggested by
call on Monday ut the establishment Of
MesSrs. rawbridge & Clothier at Eighth
and Market streets, where the sight pre-
scented was calculated to arouse enthusiasm
in the breast of the teriest stole. One week
ago, when we paid the last of many visits
this season, i'll search of articles for house
keepin. needs, We found the great house
thronged with buyers, but all intent on
goods for personal apparel of housekeeping
uses. :. II the season the same business at
tivity prevailed to All extent that we have
never seen rivalled in other cities, bat there
was no sign or token of Christmas in the air.
Yesterday how changed the scene. In
one short week, as if by magic. Tie great
house presented an altered ASPECT and on
every side Of the counters exhibited articles
of beauty Us well rs Of use, chosen months
ago at the sources of production in the old
world, but only within Il few days placed
on sale.
While everything appertainins to the
usual stock OF The house was still exhibited,
get the vast display of articles belonging
especially to the domain of art and beauty
made the scene one that could not fail to
impress every observer with the beauty and
life of the Cha iStmaS season. \ well might
Il reporter attempt to catalogue one of our
great libraries by simply spending an hour
in Inspection, or to give IN index OF the
British MUSEUM in II haSty newspaper arti-
Gle, rs TO try to enuIuerate the lnyriads Of
beautiful things displayed. 1t is sufficient
to say that any one who has not fixed upon
4 gift in special line of business. rs, for in
stance, book or .ieUeiry, can hardly fail to
find in this vast collection just what would
be most acceptable to the recipient.
We lave never in any season OF the year,
III pleasant weather happened in 1T Mcssrs.
Stlawbridge \ Clorliar'S establishment
without being Interested, bat the spectacle
presented just now cannot, we believe, be-
seen elsewhere, and is one that must he iii
the highest degree interesting to every Oh
server We desire 20 add our sincere apprc-
citation of a fria that is doing so much to
raise the standard of Philadelphia merchan
tile reputation, and by their business, skill,
genius and weil-directed energy contribute
SO much to place our city, in business
sense, in the foremost rank of the great
cities of the great i:eputiic.
Philadelphia Press, Der: tfth, !sf2