Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1884-12-18
Rightly Restrained, q Hap
by Holiday.
CATCHING THE FsooD-TlDE
Proper Preparation for the Poor and
pleihoric Purse.
IMPORTANT DEPORTATION.
NV Novelties, NsmbrsIess Nstlsss, Nsas'
ssus Niek-Nseks, ca Namsisss Nom
dessr,pm Nss rtll new Nsuced.
alEvElAsDs cHRETsas COMING.

OF course everybody wants some OF the
pretty prscnts that are being tsmptlngly
offered on every hand. All, both rich and
pccr. should have some souvenir, be 1t ever
20 small. to gladden. the heart on the Joyous
morn. Especially should the little ones be
msde happy. Pspa must loosen his purse
str,ngs, and mamma will be only too pleased
to Join the gay throue Of holiday shoppers.
Our last. or rather first. notice Of Christmas
vas read In rainy and enervsting weather,
when people knew not what to wear or
where TO venture. II the weather was more
seasonable. and the atmosphere cold aud
brscips. shopping would be rendered really
enchanting 10 the ladies. We could re-
rune the theme OF Christmas, with all Its
festivities, eayeties, passions. and social
Joys. with nj least feeling OF great salts
faction. For mild Christmas, withoutfrost
II not snow. Il like picnic without tree
and luuch-basket. What would the world
be without Christmasi The grand idea Of the
anniversary Of tb" birth Of One who took
upon Himself the sorrows and sins OF man,
and opened the WY to aicnemcnt TO those
who Of themselves had not the means Of
satisfaction for their moral dellnquencies,
has. Il IL true. heen exaggerated into an
hilarious felicitatiOr OF humanity, which
viii not bear the rigid criticism Of austere
pieiy. But there Is that In the socialities OF
the season, In the spirit Of affection, boun-
tiful hospitality, sympathy for suffering,
and the humanity even Of excess itself, that
turns the mind Of the youth especially in
line OF good impulses. The better part OF
mans nature Is warmed up into vigorous
growth. and for the time at least gets the
better Of the selfish and sordid inciina-
lions that too much govern CONNER
cial and social economy the year
round. In the Joy and iollity OF the
season men lay aside the FEELINGS that
direct them ia the struggle for business !;
and generosity. charity, and social, paternal.
and fraternal attachments, which are en-
shrlned MS the cherished virtues Of religion.
predomiuate. So, II Christmas has the
buoyancy Of youth. II has the generosity OF
humanity and charity; II 1t has the in
discretions Of excess. IL has the piety Of
friendship and affection; and II 1t has the
frivolity Of festivity. II has the truihiulness
OF enthusiasm, the innocence OF mirth. All
the rentler and better impulses Of nature
are In the ascendant at this festive period,
and, with all its excess. there are thousands
who are better men during Its joyous days
tbsn they are ut any other time OF the year.
But, dear reader, in our moral musings
we are forgetting our dutiful resolution OF
showing you where the prettier presents
may be found. The stores are Just filed
with them, aud our memory Is overtaxed
with the retention OF the fittest. Our OBJ
servat;ons must Their be at once reduced TO
writing as guide for your christmas pur.
chases.