The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1890-12-26
Frgz Wednesdays Daily,
CHRISTMAS.

Christmas is for al, old and young
alike, who have been touched by the
awakening light of Christianity, the
most Joyous and purely happy day on
the entire calendar. Hundreds Of mil
Lions of peopls viii awake tomorrow
morning with the idea single Of making
their fellow beiRgs happy. In this
laudable enterprise they pursue the
surest course of rendering the. day one
of complete enjoyment TO themselves
TO this end the beautiful and time-hon-
ored custom of gift giving cuts no inslg-
nifcant figure. On this annual occa-
sion each indiyldual seeks TO embodg
his affection and friendship for others
IN material form, presenting to them to-
kens by which the links of affection may
be manifested. Where this alone en-
tiers into the feelings of the giver, the
giff. be il ever SO small or cheap. accom-
nlishes the end sought, and, among ma
ture people, is sunk II the feeling OF
which it is symbalic. The custom OF
gift giving has frequently been decried,
on account OF the increased cost II
would indeed be q Worldwide misfor-
time # smell, an idea could ever be effect
i've in causing the disconiinuance OF the
custom. 1t Is not necessary, nor Is II
true. that persons Affection should Dc
measured BY the cost of the preseni
which he gives. 1t is not the pelf, but
! the feeling which inspires lis gift, that
is the main thing considered by the
right minded recipient. Ii S doubtless.
IN some cases, the desire TO make the
oft intrinsically valuable that turns
Christmas Adopting into burden. IN
stead Of PLEASURE. In giving, 10 one
should allow this desire to leave behind
It's pang Of bitterness in the shape Of "a
unduly drained bank account, CT gift
begruaced. TIE holy symbolism Is
then broken. and the custom turned
into something more than farce
Christmas Is day devoted 10 the en-
iovment of all innoce NJ, unselfsh pleas
ure. when the heart Is unbrilded and
duh care is thrown aside. The purer,
sweeter motives of life should on this
day revert to the mind, and be moor
paraIed into the feelings and actions OF
the coming year Lie Is not conun-
nous strife for money opposition. mere
is more to be sought IN our little span
thnn this, and if everyone could but see
~our old world would become much
Sleasanter abode for many whose cup
! of bitterness seems oyerdowing, and q
paradise would succeed the empty strife
Of the present
Nor should we forget, on the eve OF
! the celebration of this festival OF happi-
ness, that q large part of the world i
sill eeped in the deep gloom OF bar
barism, and ruled by The Ignorance and
Misery of abiect superstition. The hob
COLLINS and giants that invade the night
| hours of nurse reared childhood, are
more real, powerful and terrible and
more multitudinous, 10 whole nations OF
mature people, whose lives are cursed
and souls held prisoners by these tradl-
| tons of the past. To these there Is nc
Joyous Christmas-they viii awake to
morros, uncertain, as usual, whether
they viii survive the dav, and deemInE
Ii rare clemency if their heather gods
spare them the fate that they believe
constantly hanging over their heads
Into these countries and upon the lives
of these people must he pouref-ths
bright light Of Christianity and civili
Zation.
Nearer home are those who need GU
help, and to-morroR VIII be an occasion
| 10 demonstrate that II Is more blessed 4
give than TO receive.
Let everyone devote the GLORIOUS
Christmas dav 10 the pursuit OF happi
n 90, forgetting not the sacred even
that Is cummemorate cd.