Arizona republican., 1895-12-25
THE CHRISTMAS EVE.
Shop Displays of Beauty and Throngs
 of Buyers.

Chris5mastide is here and today throughout the civilized world there l is rejoicing over the birth of the Saviour who 1900 years ago came upon earth.
 1 In most countries Christmas is synonymous with snow and ice but in this far off western land in a spot es- ipecially favored by nature the sun shines brightly and all around can be observed the genial warmth and com fort of a bright summers day; where even the trees have as yet failed to be- come entirely denuded of their leaves , AS in all countries active prepara- tions have been going on in Phoenix for the proper observance of the day which brings gladness and joy to all, and even in the humble dwelling of the poor and needy Santa Claus pre- sents his benign countenance leaving a cheery word for the inmates and mayhap toy for the children who await with anxiety and impatience the appearance of venerable Kris Kingle down the chimney while perchance l their infantile minds in imagination hear the merry tinkle of the sleigh bells attached to Santa's long pronged steeds.
 For several days past the stores of the city have been besieged with eager customers who in impatience awaited their turns to become the purchasers of Itrinkets to gladden. the hearts of loved ones at home or relatives in far off chimes. The rush was continued at the shops yesterday and the hearts of the proprietors were made glad for in many places the stock in trade was nearly exhausted The rush ended last night and the tired clerks wended their way homeward tired and weary but with the pleasing knowledge that someone at least would extend to them merry Christmas greeting.
 Many of the business houses were gaily decorated for the occasion and presented an attractive appearance The windows of Wilson & Wards shoe store presented a pleasing sight. One window was strongly suggestive of 3, winter scene in an ice bound climate. Everything was covered with seem ing snow and invisible cords attached to pieces of wool gave the appearance of the white flakes falling thick and fast. The other window was pret.ily festooned with chrysanthemums and was in marked contrast with the other; one represented winter, the other-spring
 The window Of Greene's hat store is also 8 sight well worth viewing. |. is 8 typical Arizona scene In the back ground is 3 canvas painted picture showing a cactus dotted plain reach ing in the distance and ending by a chain of rugged mountains The window is filled with sand and gravel, with several specimens of cactus placed promiscuously about giving a very realistic appearance. Miniature horses browse on the scanty feed but live quail larger than the horses dispel the illusion that one is gazing on a desert scene from a distance. Behind two of the cactus peep the heads of snakes which 8. first glance would give person a fright. Close examin- ation however, show the snakes to be artificial and in size with the quail or horses they may be taken for the deadly python from the jungles Of Africa or the boa constructor that abound in the impenetrable forests of South America. On the whole the scene is good one and reflects credit on the artist
 Leonard's candy store presents a pleasing appearance with it's gay : decorations of evergreens and nic-nacs. Phillips candy store likewise makes a pretty sight with pepper and ever green decoration.
 The majority of the stores in some - way or another, with their goods or ornate decorations are nicely and pret- t tily arranged, giving a true tone of bolido1rc