Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1880-12-22

Christmas is first of all the childrens
day, and the little ones who are not encour-
aged to hang up their stockings, and left to
believe as implicitly in Santa Claus as they
do in their parents, are robbed Of portion
Of their birthright The illusion will be
dispelled soon enough, with the swift adj
vance Of the little feet into the years ahead
and 1t is no more hurtfu, and vastly more
full of pleasure, than some of the decisions
they will be taught TO cherish later in life.
There is, at least, enough of truth in the
saying that "The art of life consists in be-
ing well deceived" TO save for the little ones
their Santa Claus. There is something
lacking in the mature nature that does not
find pleasure in arranging the Christmas
gifts, stuffing the stockings, bedecking the
tree and preparing sweet surprise for friends.
Never is the deep truth that ait is more
blessed to give than TO receive" brought
home more understandingly than by the low
ing forethought and kindly deeds at Christ
mas time. The mere thought of the early
waking, eager children on Christmas morn
ing-a new crusade of the innocents-is
enough to mellow the heart of the crustiest
old bachelor; while the thought of the jolly
Christmas dinners, betting the world with
their steam, ought to make dyspeptic for
get his stomach. Talk about the morning
drum-beat" of England following the sun
rise round the world what is that to the
joyous tumult which the children will raise
with their noisy treasures on Christmas
morning, in every land and on every island
OF the sea where knowledge of tht Christ
Child has gone Renew your own child
heart in the happiness of the young people.
Don't let work-a-day worries, or the wretched
habit of eschewing everything that is en-
thusiastic and spontaneous and natural, lead
you to make Christmas common day, for
yourselves or others. First among your
presents, give yourselves TO your children on
that day. In too many homes we fear this
would be as surprising gift as any that
could be made. Christmas is like music.
The streets of continents ring with its carols
Cathedral choirs chant the glad refrain
Day of gladness its joyful hours are antc-
ipated upon the evening before its dawn.
Evergreens are its symbols, since the day
shall never die. Tables are loaded with
richest viands. Day of gifts Even among
the poorest there are few who receive no re-
Ininder of its bounties. Tradesmen cease
their traffic the streets are in holiday appa-
rel; the hum of the factory ceases the fire
at the forge is put out the schoolhouse door
is shut. Wonderful day 1t brings every
great enterprise under its control. Parlia-
ment, congresses and courts make it the time
Of vacation. No law holds it sacred but
there has come in its history an echo of the
angelic anthem, and we must sing. There
has come to earth the unexampled gift, and
gift-making crowns the day. Good will to
men " sang the angels to the lowly shep.
herds, and princes and peasants rejoice to-
gether. The night-watchers on the slopes
Of Bethlehem were amazed at the scene, and
our gladness must partake largely of sur
prises in our giving and receiving. A JOY
full Christmas to all l-Seiected