The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-12-24
CHRISTMAS IS COMING.

Christmas comes but once year." says
the old song. Perhaps if it came oftener
it would be less welcome, and certainly if it
came less often it would be missed. Sup
pose, for instance, that Christmas fell on
the 18th of February and came only once
in four years, what dreary waste of time
there would be without an oasis of senti-
ment for the world to rest on and revive
itself. Or, worse yet, suppose there was no
Christmas at all and never had been-that
the day, with its origin, its traditions it's
customs, its memories, its associations, it's
observances and its influences were all
blotted outflow immeasurably poorer man
kind would be in all that goes to differen-
tate man from the rest of the animal crea-
ton! Other holidays have interesting OBJ
servances and associations-New Years,
with its merrymaking. Fourth of July
with its patriotism and noise, Thanksgiving,
with its family reunions and feasting, and
others with their special observances; but
there is only one day that is worldwide in
its recognition, that is observed throughout
Christendom, that makes children happy
makes the old feel young again, that opens
hearts and softens natures which do not
yield to the process on any other day, and
that sheds peace on earth and good will
among men as the sun does light and heat
upon the world. There is but one Christ
mas, and we should rejoice that we have
it and that it does come once year.
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and interesting. The preparations begin
months beforehand when the holly and
other green things are grown betimes to
furnish the proper decorations. Men may
forget in midsummer that Christmas is COM
ing. but nature never does. Not even
war with Spain can make her forget When
Christmas arrives the greenery is forthcom-
ing. The annual appearance of the street
vendors of holly is one of the first reminders
of the near approach of Christmas They
are advance agents of Santa Claus Like
robins or blue birds in the spring. nobody
knows just when they arrive or where they
come from. They simply appear. The town
goes to bed one night and there is no holly
to be seen; the next morning it is on every
COuNSIHSill ILLS time on the
signs increase and multiply Children have
an expectant look. The attendance at Sun
day schools increases and that at the public
schools falls off in interest If not in num-
bers. AS the days grow shorter the hours
till Christmas grow longer. The shops begin
to be crowded. Placards announce that
until Christmas this store will be open
evenings" Proprietors look pleased and
saleswomen tired. A majority of people one
sees on the streets are carrying packages.
Delivery wagons are much I'm evidence and
the express wagons are loaded. The stamp
windows at the postoffice are crowded all
day long and the clerks weigh packages,
hand out stamps and make change with
unwearying patience. They and the express
messengers handle tons upon tons of happi-
ness and distribute oceans of pleasure
throughout the length and breadth of the
land. The mails are loaded down. likewise
the delivery clerks. Presents from a dis
lance begin to arrive early. and the post
men are glad that Christmas comes but
once year. yet they willingly do their
share to make it success just once more.