The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1896-12-14
A Pleasure Ereriion

S1LAdLLHd EiICHJ may O$ IOi-
given much that is in her books in
consideration of her claims az the
inventor of that painfully true
phrase, ga pleasure exertior," as
applied TO occasions demanding
forced enjoyment
Many pens will be busted in de-
claring what the Christmas season
should be; may not one be usefullY
employed in warning against max
ing 1t a pleasure exertion" As
spring lightly turns the young
mans fancy to thoughts of love, so
winter often turns the older mans
fancy heavily 20 thoughts of love,
also, with the difference that the
elders thoughts are weighted by
the obligation of Christmas gifts.
It is not that he does not wish 70
make presents, the trouble lies in
the conflict between the prompt
ings of generosity and the dictates
of prudence.
In many family, the giving of
Christmas tokens is q burden
borne by the parents and mature
relatives for the sake of the chill
dren; and as The family ceases TO
number its ages in the teens, there
is a tacit abandonment Of the in
terchaRge Of gifts, usually with an
unconfessed sense Of relief.
/ have seen several instances Of
this, resulting in a gradual omis-
sion of all that should mark the
day, and a final conversion of at
least the merely social side of
Christmas into the regular Ameri-
can holiday-a lazy day of half
welcome rest. This result is usu-
ally ascribed to the growing up"
of a family, and regarded as nor
NAL and inevitable. l am con.
WINGED, however, that it is due TO
the foolish conversion of what was
meant TO be a mere Specification OF
good will and Christian fellowship,
into an attempt to fulfill mutual
obligations.
Whether my opinion is justifiec
is easily tested in any given case
A simple experiment will decide.
Let there be an understanding
among the members of family
that there is to be 10 giving ot
presents that have considerable in
trinsic value; but, on the cthel
hand, let it be understood as wei
that each must give soHe trifle Il
every other of the circle. And II
choosing the token of kindliness
there should be proof Of the kindl,
thought which the gift typifies. Ii
this way, I have been mad. sur,
By at least one experience, TIE true
spirit of Christmas giving may b,
evoked ard made manifest.
1t is not easy TO follow thest
suggestions. There is always tn
temptation to buy for the love-
membess of the family those thing
which they long to have and W,
long to give them. 1t seems sucl
an excellent opportunity for all t.
club together and buy for tn
father that expensive set of book
he will never afford for himself; 0
TO order for the SON the bicy Gle 70
which he Is too unselfish to ask
But is it not true, and have yo,
not known it true, that the gift
carries with it an obligation O
gratitude or a realization of the VI
selhshness of the givers that rob
possession of half its joy'
1t is not the spirit of the Goldel
Rule-the spirit of Christmas da,
to deprive ourselves fer others I
give them more than they desire
or to receive from them what W
wish they would not give VIII
has not seen a new meaning in 81
is more blessed to give than 90 rt
ceive," when trying to find word
of gratitude for token of remen
brance that must have cost ii
giver dear, willingly as it