The Osceola times., 1882-12-30
Christmas in Osceola.

dlids, MIS- hrnikle, HdNe cOiit anu
gone. The stores that day or two
before presented such attractions for
young and old, with their shelves
loaded with toys, fruits, candies, fire
works, and other hundreds Of hand
somely displayed articles suitable
for Christmas presents, now, by con-
trast, look like they had been struck
by one of Prof. Vennor's cylones and
completely wrecked, and their con-
tents scattered far and wide and safe
ly deposited in numerous little. stock
ings, with.Aere a~.l there az old sock.
During Christmas day, giving and
receiving presents, and entertaining
friends was the order. Among those
of our hospitable citizens who had
Christmas turkey and trimmings, and
who entertained their friends, were,
Mess. r. c. Prewitt, w. P. Hale,
w. F. Williams, H. NJ. McVeigh,
and A. B. Young. Others, no doubt,
there were, who did likewise, but we
have not been apprized. and hence
can make no mention Of them. A
Christmas Tree was displayed at
the residence Of Mr.. George Boyce,
where the hearts Of the family pets
and those of relatives were made TO
throb with delight, Mr.. Boyce per-
sonating the old man Of heavy beard,
who drives team drawing sleigh.
The little folks were also given a de-
lightful entertainment and dance at
the residence of Mr.. Ed. II. Mathes,
where, amid merry pcals of joyous
laughter, the juveniles of the town
chased the rosy hours with flying
feet
In comparison with former years,
among the grown up men, drunken
ness was the exceptioa--tvo or three
cases, perhaps. would cover the num-
ber seen under the mellowing iniiu-
ence Of their favorite, but prohibited
beverage; who utterly oblivious Of
the general sobriety surrounding
them, were staggering from one
point to another. soliciting money
contributions with which to employ
a statesman to attend the next legis-
lature to "slobber" In the lobbies in
the interest of Liquor License, or in
other words, to bribe the legislature.
Taken, all in all, the day was very
pleasantly and proftably spent.
Peace on earth, aud good will to men,
seemed to be the ruling sentiment.
Would that this spirit was more gen.
orally cultivated aud pract;ced in
every day life; and the tendency of
the Christmas festivals to make us
more thoughtful of the wants and
wishes of others, not so soon forgot
ten. 1t is at this season when we
realize, in its fullest and broadest
sense, the truth of the saying that,
it is more blessed to give than to
receive" There are some, no doubt,
who regard Christmas obseryances
as waste Of time and money, who
grudge the outlay required to meet
the social demands of the season;
who take no pleasure in the real en-
joyment of which the occasion is sus-
ceptible; making others happy. But
they are in small majority, and if
they should disappear altogether,
they would not be missed, and the
world would be benefited.
Before another issue OF the TIMES
will have been published, the year
1888 will be ushcred; and in looking
back oyer the year 1882, we feel that
we of Mississippi county have been
highly favored, and have cause for
self-congratulation. The crops have
been abundant, and our people are
comparatively free from debt, and
are beginning to "know the luscious
sweets Of plenty, sleep with full con-
tent about. their beds, and never
wake but to a joyful morning" The
TIMES greet and congratulate you,
and wishes you continued success
and prosperity during 'te coming
year 1888.