Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1884-12-20
CHRISTMAS PRELUDE.
ny Way Of Substitute cor a Christina.
Carol.

To the Editor Of TIE EVENING STAR:
Christmas time is accompanied by good deal
OF struggle. The head of a family who is not
bondholder knows all about it, He knows
how well he would like to get many presents.
and see the delighted faces of the young recipi-
ents and all the rest hear their happy. grateful
voices. and participate in the Kindness OF heart
and feeling that prevails all round. But. what
can one do when circumstances with iron
severity compel him 70 forego this pleasure. and
Trim ana trim until he is disguised with himself,
ana until he finds that he can only expend a
dollar. or such a matter, when a hundred would
hardiy measure his Inclination? Confound it,
why can't We have money TO spend without
regret. without making US feel that We ought to
even return some purchased article and get the
money back, simply because We really coald not
afford II! And probably some one says under
his breath. ask something easy Now, | would
Just like to be able to get what feel inclined TO
buy. what need or desire without compunc-
ton. hate the condition that makes Ii neces-
sary to stop and consider. and calculate and
worry, until sense OF recklessness leads to the
expenditure, or wholesome but disayreeable
restraint. screws selt-denial to the sticking point
have said. mentally, what are you going to
do about ft-addressing myself in executive ses-
sion, you know-the holiday season is about
here. You ought to make due acknowledge
ment. buy presents, and have good time of
course? Come stir around. new: this must be
attended TO; something must be done. Ii won't
do to let the precious moments go by In default
fon'li regret 1t awfuily if YOU do. Turn that
weasel-skin inside out and buy some presents.
and do it like lord
Then came the stunning consciousness that
the election went wrong. The other party. by
series OF cOmica accidents. has become domi-
nant. and the able clerks will have to co. Ii
was accompanied by sadness. also a phase of
mental rebellion. And there was sel:-rebuke
for not being able to acquire larger means aud
be more independent. | made a memorandum
Of presents | wanted to get for members OF the
family. and here it is:
For wife, one seal-skin sacque. ......... 5000
For The young law student book case and
For the young lady. village cart and horse. $50
For the boy, one bicycle. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. 81
For sell, one gold watch. Observation-Disclosures. 10
Total. ...................... 1868
Snug little sum. though not much compared
to the national debt. But. my conscience what
a glow OF comfort and happiness those presents
would produce. What evidence OF stability aud
Importance they would snow. and what beauti-
full serenity the giver could maintain, He would
say: Mere trfes; don't mention it: only slight
indications OF affection, and all that. I looked
over the list and wrote imperceptible checks on
imaginary banks. and clasped my hands behind
me. and walked about nv room with feeling
of opuence that was quite exhilarating. Aud
then the tide went down.
Christmas morning there will he a small table
in middle OF the floor to hold up the presents
have purchased, as follows:
For wife, pair stockings OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES. .a5
For student, package cigarettes. ............ rs
For girl, wooden napkin ring ................. .l2
For boy. one handkerchief ................l O
For self, one morning paper. q
Total. .75
j. C. B.