Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1881-01-01
Christmas Pleasures.

~
| for that which has obtained o
strong hold upon the heart of the
people and probably there is no
festival-no experience in the
whole range of human enjoyment
which is participated ia by so
many, which Is anticipated with
such eager delight, which creates
such vivid transformation in the
look of the outer world, and de-
velops 80 many new and pretty
Industries, at this old yet ever-new
celebration.
One of the hardest things to en-
dure in life that has few pleas
ures, that is circumscribed and
limited by want of opportunities,
and narrow means, Is the routine.
Whatever occurs to break this up,
to change the current of thought, to-
stimulate activity, to give mo-
tive that Is sweet and pleasurable
to life and work, IL Of benefit to
body and mind, and when 1t
comes to us as part of the general
order OF things, and can be enjoy
ed without breaking In upon our
lives, or interfering with the per-
formance of our regular duties, we
should cultivate 1t religiously as
an invaluable aid to health and
happiness.
The theological aspect off skins
into utter insignitlcance beside
the hnman, the physiological, and
the hygienic aspects, of which so
few ertimate the importance. We
can remember the day, and the
event which gives its significance
upon our knees; but the gift we
presented may have occupied our
thoughts, and warmed our hearts,
and given brightness TO life for
weeks, though 1t were only o tri-'
file OF our own making. The en-
blematic green also smiles down
upon as as reminder, and sa-
cred promise; while the hospita-
BILE preparations which we make,
even Mt little sacrifice. enlarge
the boundary of our daily vision
and compel US to put a new and
broader interest into our lives.
Christmas loses its character and
its significance when ii is made
mere excuse for display, for grand
entertainments which mean moth
ing, or grudging hospitality
which counts its cost as more than
its gain. 1t Is, above all other
festivals, the one that typifies love
and care for others, and its great
est charm is In sincerity and spon-
taneity.
1t Is especially, too, the family
festival, beloved for the children,
and "Christmas' would not be
Christmas from which they were
excluded. Its proper and joyous
observance Is one OF the privileges,
not to say possibilities, of the fam
lily, one that can be enjoyed by
the bachelor, and compensates for
somewhat of that freedom of
which he boasts, and which he
would gladly barter, as the years
roll on, for a chubby, hearty boy,
or sweet, rosy girl. fla bachelor
enjoys Christmas at all. II must be
In the house of some married man.
If he never envied him before, he
does then; with his children about
him, his board spread with home
made Christmas dainties, and the
light OF q conscious integrity, and
harmony between himself and the
plan of Gods creation expressing
itself in the serene satisfaction of
his soul.
Life is difficult at best and those
who cut themselves off from the
blessing ola home OF their own,
from children, from the constant
surprises and delight which the
growth, the varied circumstances,
and development of new lives af-
ford,are subjects for profound pity
and commiseration-none the less
80 because an ignorant selfishness,
and fear of manly responsibility,
often lies at the bottom OF 1t. The
way to really get all the good and
happiness out of life is to take hold
of il strongly" as Goethe says,
and not be afraid of Its duties or
its responsibilities. Be sure we
shall find: unexpected times of
comfort in them In the days that
are to come, when pleasure as
pleasure, has palled upon US, and
even Christmas is cared for more
for the delight 10 is to others, than
the actual enjoyment 1t affords to
ourselves.