The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1897-12-30
HOME THOUGHTS,
The Magic OF ChristnRs Evs-The Infee-
uous Germs OF Happiness h Its AtmO'-

I
The Magic OF Chr,stniRs Evs-The Infec-
uous Germs OF Happiness In its Atmos-
phsrs.
New York Post; To the mother and
father sitting late before the low-burn-
ing midnight fire there comes a con-
seriousness of atmospheric Cat this end
of the century one hesistates to say
splrltuaD influence in the world about
them. The broad smile of derislon with
which at midsummer they might have
chatted about Christmas superstltions,
and amused themselves with the fancies
which picture the cattle kneehns In
their stalls, and dumb beasts every
where Joining In the alteration of Him
! who found his first bed In q manger,
changes to dreamy talk OF curious
| traditions. There seems to be q motion
| IN the air, d stir ih vacant places, VI
tally In lnanlmate things. II the Christ
! mas tree stands dressed for the morrow
and the dying flame plays over Its gay
branches, the Pickering glitter OF It's
| giided toys, the mingiiHg ce|ofs OF us
strange fruItage, seem to come and co.
! the laden boughs seem To wave gently
and the little hlmsy angel on the PIN
nacle to ilutter Its gauze wings and
show happy consciousness OF the
watch and ward 1t keeps,
Pleasant ripples OF anticipation at
tach themselves to the names OF those
for whom this harvest has been brought
In md gulylA nDrpnlE
heaped about the generous tree; the
muftled animals easily recognized be-
meath theip wraps; the preternaturally
staring eyes OF pendent dolls each has
visionary figure close at hand. Around
the white, woolly efigy of a lamb the
mother sees the shadowy embraces OF
the chubby arms; across the SADDLE OF
the rocking horse sturdy pair OF legs;
and tn the soft, sheltered chair, hcaped
with love- tokens, they can see an aged
| figure with face OF fearful Joy, and
they smile already at the thought, grow
chlldishly happy over the faithful love
of her children,
And In the nursery, what visions or
sugar-plums dance" through the rest
less young heads! How easily they
wake; a closing door brings quickly
| opened eyes. II they Haburdened their
hearts, what ecstatie antlclpations
would they unfold, based on that de-
lightful cracking Of paper which has
found its way to their ears! What pre-
cioHs possession might not have been
covered and marked for them, when
that stiff wrapping rustled and ratified?
No child in happy home but has had
share In this enchanting, transparent
mystery, which Is sure OF happy solu'
ton.
Among the photographs which are
made by love-light, and have no need
OF negatives in that perfect camera
which mothers heart contains. | know
one OF large yet coy chamber. with
two small white beds, in which broth
err and sister sleep The dim nursery
taper gave just light enough to make
things plain 90 eyes that might open
startled by bad dreams. AT the fire.
place hung two stockings, with a bit OF
holly at each top. Slowly the ftttie
maid, doubtless awakened by her Gag
err hopes raised her bright head and
looked about her. Pendent from the toe
of her stocking dangled tiny ermine
mun II had been the longing Of hef
lust dawning feminine desires. Noise
less as a fairy. she stole from her bed,
clambering with some peril over It's
high guard and thrust her little head
into the soft aperture awaiting 1t. Next
her round cheek was laid gently
aaainst the duwny fur and then she
kissed her treasure. Bot her grateful
heart did not forget It's duty; knecling
dowp upon the rug. she drew close 10
the open chimney and whispered,
"Thanl. you, Santa Claus; 1t Is Just
what / wanted most" Her mother,
watching behind curtained door, dix
turbcd her not bat. with true Christ
massive benevolenCe and sympathylet
her tuck herself away again In her crib.
and only took the picture back With her
to keep in the gallery that no man sees,
And IL. at this parental vigil there
appear faces never more to be seen on
earth, and memories arise OF Joyous
voices nov forever stilled, they are ten
der, happy memories, not TO be mingled
with the cioutied seGailections Of other
anniversaries; they do not wound They
are part OF llfe's few incorruptible
treasurer ana on Christmas Eve these
shadow children viii come back, joy
Gus happy. glad; and when, though In
visible TO others, they are plainly seen
by mothers eyes, they make perfect
and do not mike the happiness, The
others Will outgrow all the falryland
stories ana drink deep Of disappoint-
ment. OF, grown selfish and worldly
wise learn to care little for the Christ
chlld's tree and its fruits; but these
will remain to father and mother the
eveY.happy children who never grew
too old 10 clap their hands for JOY.
This Christmas magic Is wonderfully
alive IN places such as tiiose 10 which
Mr.. Rlis leads w, Could any other
night have wltchery enough to make n
hungry child SIT Up In its poor bed and
cry joyfully Were having Christ
mas?" because a toii-worh mother tack
cd a discarded bit OF green dopped from
tree and thrown into the street,
against the dscolorcd wall decorated
II with an end OF pink twlnc, and light
cd tuiiow candle?
No this something for which we have
no name varies not,nOr even loses force.
Climate aud custom country ur race
make little difference, II kindles the
same heart warmth; Il auctions the
same glow OF human love, II makes the
ear ready to hear, the eye clear to see,
the hand open to give, wherever men
keep tho feast There Ia a picture made
By virginia Breton. which, Ike all she
doea. ~ lusllnct with understanding OF
maternal love. It show a Breton peas-
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