The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-12-18
The Proper Christmas Gift.

A letter from Brooklyn asks of US a ques- |
ton which. doubtless, Is perplexing the
minds of many thousands of the readers of
THE Sun at this time, when the season for
giving gifts is so near at hand. The lines
Of public transportation are crowded daily
even In the hours when usually the lessened
demand on their accommodations favors
the comfort of the remaining travellers,
and q great part, If not the majority. of the
women who occupy chiefly the seats and
cling to the straps Of the cars are loaded
down with parcels Individually containing
Christmas gifts.
1t is a sight which increases respect for
human nature and is altogether touching.
We may describe it as an outward and
visible sign Of an inward and spiritual
grace, using without irreverence the words
Of the Catechism's definition of q sacra-
ment, for 1t affords a conspicuous NANTES.
tation of the self.sacrifcing human affec-
tion which is 80 closely akin to the very
| essence of religious sentiment. Mr.. STEAD
of London puts New York in the regions
under the special rule of Satan, but the
great enemy of souls must feel that q dan.
gerous rebellion against his diabolical au.
thority Is going on hereabouts In these
holiday days.
The letter of inquiry to which we have
referred Is to this effect:
"To rHE EDITOR OF THE suS-sir: Kindly mention
q few things, either Of which you consider approprt.
ate to offer tn q young lady as a holiday gift. have
only been acquainted with the aforesaid about three
months. She works where do. and at q press. Ono
day she accidentally cut her nnger so badly as TO pro-
vent her from resuming the Hame work for about nve
Neeka- During that time I had her In INV rhaFuO in
another branch OF the business.
~ have escorted her homo almost nightly for sig
weeks; and have been out with her on several occH.
sions afterv ard. and am very fond of her company.
As You will readily detect
About three weeks have elapsed since the death
OF her sister. to whom abe wa so closely attached
that she seems TO imagine that there 10 little or no
Joy In life for her.
"If you will please respond at once I shall feel
greatly obliged to you for your extreme kindness.
"BRooKLYs. Dec. 49,"
The multitude Of gifts proper for Christ,
mas is endless In variety, and, happily, It
includes numberless articles whose prices
are within the means of every giver, nc
matter how light his purse. The ~cheapness
of many really beautiful manufactures Is
amazing. Our friend, however. it is evil
dent, desires that his gift shall represent
and signify In Its Importance and appropri
) ateness the great depth of his affection
and sympathy for the woman of whom
he is enamored. Most of all, he wishes
that 1t should touch her heart and reveal tt
her the richness Of his sentiment toward
her. But magnitude In the gift Is no
requisite for that purpose. 1t Is the giving
+. rather than the mere material form of tn,
r gift which expresses that feeling. The gif
0 is only the outward and visible sign tn
emotion that prompts the giving is the in
: ward ana spiritual grace.
Hence 1t Is not Of much matter what tn
gift is, 80 long as he gives it and she &C
l cepts 1t as a revelation of that spirit. If
is possible for him to discover what sh
Q desires particularly, hat will be an ar
!. propriate gift; but so also will any gift b
appropriate. 1t is not the gold in the wee
y ding ring which makes the matron cheris
n it through life with an almost superstition
d regard, but the marriage it typifes an
Q symbolizes. The veriest trife may be Ell
riched beyond price by the inward grace {
Q which it is the outward expression. Dii
monds and rubies can tell no more of tha
spiritual sentiment than the cheapest art