Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1886-12-25
A Mothers Idea of Christmas.

As everybody likes to turn over new leaf at
the commencement of a new year, 4 good plan
is to settle before Christmas all business that
one does not care to carry intoit. Debts ought
to be paid first of all, money being acceptable
to every one at that season. Letters ought to
be answered and winter clothing put in perfect
order. Carrots and closets should also be in
spected. as many pieces of discarded apparel
will be found that can be put up i'll bundles for
the poor; and, besides being out of the way,
will give pleasure and warmth to many persons
who otherwise would be insufficicntly clad for
the winter. When all these preparations are
completed one can enter the holidays with a
feeling of rest and ease which can never be eX-
perienced with everything pell nell and in
confusion. The social entertainments of the
week can then befully enjoyed. Our first duty
on Christmas morning should be to attend
church; it will be comfort to both rich and
poor. AS during school days children have lit
tie leisure to indulge in amusements, the
mother should do all she can to make them
happy and joyous during the holiday vacations.
Taking the little ones out to ride or to attend
matinee or concert will fill them with de-
light and prove both recreative and instructive.
Those happy moments will be remembered
during many months and anticipated for future
years. People in moderate circumstances need
not necessarily give costly gifts to their chill
dren; any useful article of dress will be Just
as much appreciated, if they do not possess an
very poor mother who cannot even fill the
stockings of her loved ores Let all who are
able spare what they can for the needy. A few
pieces of cake, few apples or oranges, will
prove treat to the unfortunate children and
brighten their little hearts. We mothers should
never care for our own personal disappoint-
ments, but feel thankful to God if Christmas
finds our family circle unbroken with all our
precious children by our side. So let all in our
power De done to make that day one of unal-
loyed cOntentment for them, so that if God
sees tit in His all-wise providence to transplant
any of our darllngs from our hearth stones to
g Heavenly home above, We can be comforted
with the remembrance that their last Christ
mas on earth was a happy one. The Christmas
pys of my childhood still linger before me.
The sparkling tree prepared by my devoted
parents, covered and surrounded with toys and
keepsakes for children and friends that assem-
bled in our parlors that night. No one was
forgotten, My brothers disguised as Santa
Claus would generally come i'll with immense
baskets, where, blindfoldod, all had a grab.
Later i'll the week dinner for the poor always
took place. A number of bags We're made days
beforehand, each one containing provisions and
carried them home, showerng blessings for
their bountiful treat Children can also do
much to cheer parents hearts. On Christmas
day they can present them with some little
token of their love-a book-mark, bit of
poetry; even an affectionatc letter will bring a
ray of sunshine to the most troubled. A pair Of
sweet little vases bought bymy eldest daughter,
with money saved for this object, and given me
last Christmas day, were received with mex
plicable pleasure. l never see them without
emotion.