The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-08
THE CHRISTMAS TINGE.

In the enjoyment of these Indian summer
days, perfect from the ruddy dawn of the
morning to the flaming after-glow of the
sunset it is difficult to realize that Christ
mas is so near at hand. In this climate it
not infrequently happens that mild weather
precedes the holidays, but the tradition that
they should be heralded by snow and cold
has so impressed itself upon most minds
that there is an unconscious tendency to
wait for "winter," with all that the word
implies, before seriously considering the an
nual holiday festivities. Good housewives
with many gifts to provide go about among
the shops with stern determination to make
their purchases at once, and be done; but
the resolution wavers. and they go home
with empty hands and the intention of
repeating the attempt 1t is the weather
toxicates and prevents the accomplishment
of prosaic though pleasant duties. In Italy,
where Americans go to rest, they would,
having leisure to enjoy them, rave over the
rare days and the wonderful skies. Here,
when 1.-The Lord hath made us perfect day.
we may, indeed, 'be glad" but scarcely take
time to consider the cause
Nevertheless, though the air deceives, it is
not spring that approaches, but Christmas.
The gaily bedecked window, the tempting
array of wares in the shops-above all, the
speculations of the children of the
intention of Santa Claus-all prove
that the chief of holidays is near. AS
it comes closer, the most Indifferent and
cynical man cannot escape the influence
which belongs to the day. He may close
his eyes to the attractions of the
stores, but he cannot harden his heart to the
eager, hopeful eyes of the children or the
pleased faces of parents who go proudly to
their homes bearing clumsy packages and
suspicious-looking bundles. In his morning
paper he is confronted with crowded col
umns of advertisements, and before he is
aware is studying the pages with view to
future purchases. He is a deluded individ-
ual by the way, who fancies that it does not
pay to advertise Itpays at this season surely,
if at no other. is the universal experience
of all who habitually make gifts that wits
desert them when the question arises as to
what the gifts are to be. 1t is then that the
advertisement is a refuge and comfort, and
the merchant who catalogues his goods with
particularly is wise man in his generation.
Mothers of families consult the lists in
search of helpful IDEAS young men with
sisters of their own, or without them, pore
over the columns for suggestions, while
sisters themselves essay to discover an an
swer to that most distressing of questions,
"What present is suitable for a gentleman"
Altogether advertisement are the most at
tractive species of literature at this time of
year. 1t is not worth while to attempt re-
sstance to their seductive influences.
"They say" that there is much giving
nowadays Perhaps so, and perhaps not 1t
cannot be true if the gifts are to children, to
whom, above all Others, Christmas day and
joys belong Give to the children. Do not
resist the spirit of the day, but make little
hearts happy. christmas gifts cost money!
to be sure, but what is money for but for
the happiness of its possessors and their
neighbors? If you have little money, gi We
any way--it takes but little to please a
child and it is blessed to give. Then too,
christmas comes but once a year." and
what is spent now will not be missed next
December.