The river press. [volume] (Fort Benton, Mont.) 1880-current, 1881-12-21
CHRISTMAS.

The hOlidaY-tlde is near enough to warrant
reference to the first and most precious Of
the festal days-Christmas. From the early
Christian times it has been customary to cele-
brate the birthday Of the Savior, although at
first there was no uniformity in the period of
observing the nativity. Sometimes the
festival was held in the month Of May,
sometimes in April, and again in January
and December. The principal cause that
operated to fix the date Of the Christmas
festival in the latter month is found in the
fact that all heather nations regarded the
winter solstice as 9 most important time Of
the year, particularly the northern nations,
and they observed it with various ceremonies.
doing homage to their gods. Afterwards
the church sought to purify these %heathenish
practices by introducing dramatic represen-
tations Of the birth Of Christ and other fes-
tivities Of q religious caste. Thus the 25th Of
December became in time observed by all
Christian people as the natal day of the
Saviour and has been held through all the
ages since a sacred holiday day Of glad
ness and rejoicing, Of gift giving and general
festivity. Even il this matter Of fact day
and age Of the world the festival is by no
means neglected. Year by year it seems to
grow in favor, and to receive greater atten-
ton from the people, young and old alike.
1t is true that
Although Christmas comes but once q year,
When it comes it brings good cheer
The custom of bestoWing presents at
Christmas time seems to be growing in
favor, and the fact is evidenced by the re-
markable yearly increase in, the holiday
trade. Ten dollars are paid out in this way
now for every one q decade Ago.. Here il
Benton, it is safe to say, several thousand
dollars will be invested in prcsents-and
think Of the happiness, the good feeling,
the general JOY they will call into exist
ence! It is a pleasant custom and as it
tends to make the world happier for q time
at least deserves 10 be perpetuated.
1t is the children, however, that appreciate
Christmas in the liyeliest manner. How
they look forward to its coming with bright
hA0 ndppy dAtlStpdtAOISs 1 AC dQpCuL Ol
Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, the various
presents expected and ali the probabilities OF
the day are discussed and carefully can
Vassed for weeks before. The DAYS pre-
ceeding Christmas drag YEARLY with them,
and bitter indeed is the disappointment if
Santa Claus Sights them; if the expected
toys or presents are not forthcoming. Il
does not require much to make glad the
parents and friends should certainly not
neglect the opportunity Of doing so. We
hope that every little boy and little girl in
the circle Of the RIVER Press readers will
be kindly remembered by merry old Kris
Kringle.
But it is not the young alone who drink
from the fountains Of pleasure that start up
anew at Christmas time. Youth and hoary
age meet upon a common level on that
occasion, and all are children again. Dickens
forgot his drollery and nonsense, when writ
ing the diVerting history OF PickWick and
bis followers, long enough to preface a chap
ter with these reflections On Christmas, full
worthy Of Introduction here:
sGay and merry was the time and CAV and
merry were at least four Of the numer-
Gus hearts gladdened ny Its coming. And
numerous indeed are the hearts to which
Christmas brings q brief season Of happi-
ness and enjoyment. How many families
whose members have been scattered far and
vide, IN the restless struggles Of life, are
happy state of companionship and mutual
GOOD will, which ID d source Of such pure
and unaIloyed delight, and one SO incompati-
die with tie cares and sorrows of The world