Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1880-12-24
Christmas.


Merry Christmas" we send greet.
ing to-day is none the less sincere
than that which, in the exuberance
of youth, we wished you score OF
years ago. 1t is with more pathos
and deeper feeling that we now
treasure those words and acts which
seem attuned to the literal siSniii-
canoe of the divine message, Peace
on earth and good will to men.
1t may be that familiarity with the
world has led to closer estimate Of
tie depth Of human professions; or
that enthusiasm has leen supplanted
by steadfast conviction of good
effects resulting from the season
which breaks down the barriers of II
selfshness so obtrusive at all other
times; or possibly, that we have inn
bibed greater respect for the tradi-
tons which lie at the very founda-
ton of Christian civilizations; but
certain it is that the words of cheer
now uttered have less formality and
deeper meaning than ever before.
1t has been the custom of the
STANDARD upon each recurrence of
this most halloved anniversary, to
give some account of the many tradi-
tons which surround the Nativity,
and of the peculiar customs which in
former ages attended the season set
apart to commemorate the advent of
the Messiah. This pleasing duty
has been so Thoroughly performed by
constant iteration, that we now pro-
pose to substitute charming little
poem from the pen of Sophia p.
Snow, believing that even chose who
may have seen it before will thank
us for its reproduction. 1t is en-
titled
A CHRISTMAS STORY.
Twas the eve before Christmas; " Good night had
been said,
And Ann lie and Willie had crept into bed
There were tears their pillows and tears in their
| eyes,
| And each little bosom was heavy with signs,
For tonight their fathers stern command had been
given
| That they must retire precisely AT seven
Instead of eight: for they troubled him more
| With questions unheard of than ever before
He told them he thought this dclusion a sin.
No such thing as " Santa Claus" ever had been,
And he hoped, after this, he should nevermore hear
How he scrambled down chimneys with presents
each year.
And this is the reason why two little heads
So rcstlessly tossed on their soft, downy beds.
| Eight nine and the clock on the mantle toed ten
Not word had been spoken by either till them
| When Willies sad face from the blanket did peep,
And whispered, - Dear Annie, is You fast asleep
"Why, no, brother Willie,' a sweet voice replies,
"Tve tried in vain, but l can't shut my eyes,
| For somch ow it makes me sorry because
| Dear papa has said there is no Santa Claus
| For WE know there is, and it can't he denied,
| For he came every year fore dear mampia died;
And then I've been thinking that she Used to pray.
And God would hear everything that mamma would
| say,
And perhaps she asked him to send Santa Claus here
With the sack full of presents he brought every
year,
WE'LL why tsn't we pay dest as mamma did then
And ask him to send him wifi presents aden:'
| ave been thinking so, too" and without word
more
Enur ho E,t c,oth ,, ,l,1 tI,a
And four little knees the soft carpet pressed,
And two tiny hands were casped to each breast.
Now, Willie, you know we must firmly believe
That the presents ask for we're sure to receive,
You must wait just as still till say amen,
And by that you will know that your turn has come
then.
Dear Jesus, look down on my brother and me,
And grant us the favor we're asking of Thee:
want a nice book full of pictures. ring,
wrtingdesk, too, that shuts with spring.
Bless papa dear Jesus, anG lead him TO
That Santa Claus loves us much even as he;
Dent let him get fretfnl and angry again
At dear brother Willie and Annie amen!''
:" Please Desus ct Santa Taus tome down tonight,
And bring us some presents before it is light.
want he soud dive me bright little box,
Full Of &C 'obats and some other nice blocks
And bag full of tandy, a book and toy.
Amen, and then Desus, I'll be dood boy
Their prayers being ended, they raised up their
heads,
And with hearts light and cheerful, again sought
their beds:
They were soon lost in slumber-both peaceful and
deep,
And with fairies in Dreamland were roaming in
sleep.
Eight, nine. and the little French clock had struck
ten
Ere the father had thought Of his children again.
He seems to hear Annie's half-smotherci signs
And to see the big tears standing i'll Willies blue
eyes.
" l was harsh with my darngs," he mentally said
" And should not have sent them so early to bed
But when was troubled my feelings found vent
For bank-stock to-day has gone down ten per cent.
But Of course they have forgotten their troubles ere
this,
But then denied them the thrice askcd-for kiss
But just to made sure. I'll steal up TO the door.
For never spoke harsh to my darling. before