The Eaton Democrat. (Eaton, Ohio) 1875-1903, 1886-06-24
BIRTHDAY OBSERVANCE.

A Pleasant Way of Making Family Life
More Attractive.
We are convinced that the average
American household should make far
more of the birthdays of its members
than it does, and that if this were done,
the result would be a large increase in
the attractiveness of our family life. In
the large majority of households these
occasions pass by unnoticed, and a rare
opportunity of relief from the monoton-
Gus routine of daily existence, of in
creasing our love for each other, and
for the practice of those gentle courtesies
upon which the Joy of living so much
depends, is thoughtlessly sacrificed.
We are apt at times to have a feeling
that we are of little significance in the
family life, and that we could not be
much missed if we were gone. 1t is r u
that this is generally a mistake. If we
go away to a distance upon a lengthy
visit the frequent letters loon undeceive
us. Or if a member of the family dies,
a vast store of latent affection is poured
forth in vain regrets, and lavished in
kind offices upon the lifeless remains.
But why should we not utilize these
treasures of affection to brighten each
others daily pathway at home while we
live? Why should moi the tired husband
be made to forget his load of care in a
festal observance of his natal day, which
| ought surely to be as Joyous an occasion
to his family as the birthday of Wash
being made a holiday? Or the weary
~,1tkor cho,1I MT Tho ~poo1 fhso 1-a
be prepared by other hands than her
own-and the bouquet be laid beside
her plate, and made bright and beauti-
full to her by tender offices of affection?
Or should not each child, even down to
the smallest toddler, be made to feel
! that the occasion of his coming into the
family is a red-letter day of gladness in
its calendar? Hard knocks and rough
words enough does this old world give
us, good friends; why should we not
recompense ourselves a little for them
by making more OF life, within the sa-
cred walls of home?
Let there then be a reformation IN
this respect in our households. The eX-
actions of business, and the necessary
demands of church and outside social
engagement do SO. strain the cords of
American family life that we greatly
need to strengthen them byevery mean
within our power. Let the birthday of
father, or mother, Or children be noted
and planned for in advance; all the bet
ter if the one most concerned has for
gotten it. Such a custom might help
many "A forgetful father to remember
the birthdays of his children. What if
there are festivals for every month in
the year; is that too much time to give
for the sake of a deal husband or wife
OR little one? And if there are twins in
the family, let it be a high day indeed.
Let the stealthily purchased or slyly
manufactured present-not too costly
be cunningly provided. AS far as pos
sible let the daily round of toll be stop
ped. at least for a brief space. Perhaps
it might be well to invite in SOME close
friends. Above all, let there be a holt
day in the tones of the voices of the
household, in the glance of the kindly
eye, and the hearty wish for many re.
turns of the happy day. Over the
heightened vista OF years such an oc-
casion will shed a rosy light. These
festal days will be resting places Of
gladness beside life's dusty paths, where
we can turn aside to be cheered by the
ministries of those we love, and refresh.
ed by the tenderness of true Affection
l IbrjcfiOD A2rocufe