The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1883-12-14
Christmas and Its Gifts.

It is delicate matter to speak on the
question of Christmas-gifts made with
money belonging to others, and there
may be some who would exclairn
against any structures being made in the
matter at all. The custom of bestow-
ing gifts, tokens of love and remem-
brance, on this most hallowed of all an
niversaries, is very pretty one, and it
is not the purpose here to argue its dis
continuance. But, while the usage is
beautiful and commendable, it has come
to be greatly abused and perverted.
The simplicity Of early days has long
since been greatly lost sight of, and the
sweet, simple significance that attached
to presents is no longer there. Starting
as a children's holiday, to be kept in
remembrance of the birth at Bethlehem,
it was eminently proper that the little
ones should receive some memento that
would serve pleasantly to recall it in
after days, and always with some
thought of the Christ-child and His
marvellous life and love. The day, as a
day especially set apart for juvenile en-
joyment, was first observed in the
Southern German States and along the
Rhine, where it yet prevails. But even
there the Christ Kindlein Corrupted
now into Kris Kringle) has given way
to Santa Klaus and St. Nicholas. and
the original significance of the celebra-
ton is largely lost.
1t is easy to see how, from giving
simple presents to the younger members
of the family, the custom spread to
those older, and over whom the delu-
sions of childhood no longer held sway
The intent of the holiday lost, the pur-
pose of Christmas gifts went with it.
Instead of serving as mementoes of the
day, they were intended to recall the
donor, and, as natural consequence,
extravaganza notions soon prevailed.
Time was when a kerchief for a lady's
neck or bow was enough, and if be-
hind it the recipient saw, or thought
she saw, a sentiment that the donor
dared not put into words, the trinket
was treasured with jealous care, and
both were as happy as though da-
dem of pearls hadpassed between them
But the kerch;ef and bit of ribbon will
no longer suffice. Ny lady would scorn
such fippery, while my lord would dis
dain to tender them, though both of
them know well enough that his limited
means will honestly guarantee nothing
extrayagant The tender must be OF
gold and precious stones now;
necklace, or watch, a fine ring OIL
bracelets, jewel case literally
filled, or other offering equally expen-
sive. Aping the RICH and even surpass-
ing the sensible rich, the salaried man
and the young man of fashion, whose
ingenuity is taxed to find means to
clothe himself, is compelled to 90 fai
beyond his ability to pay. It is alto
gether safe to say that hundreds and
thousands of presents will be made this
season that will never be paid for, or
paid for with money rightfully belong
ing to others. Numberless ladies and
gentlemen, too proud to admit that
they are not rich, will make rich gifts.
The day with all its hallowed associa-
lions will not sanction such gifts, and ii
were far better that the knot of ribbon
and the pretty scarf. paid for, be SUBJ
stituted for the jewels and laces dis
honorably acquired. No man who owes
another, with little prospect of paving,
has any right to make expensive pres
ents on Christmas or at any other time.
No self-respecting person can receive
such a gift, and no one conscientiously
honest will make it. A debt paid on
Christmas is Observation-Disclosures than
one contracted on that Indian
GpoLis Journal