Omaha daily bee., 1902-12-02
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING.
SeasOnRbIe sermon on n Text of COM
mon Interest
Raltlmore Amerlcan.

Baltimore American.
Not so very long from now the Christ
mas shopping will begin. as a word in
times means nine, a few suggestions on
the subject may not be premature. A
wise man takes thought Of the future be-
fore it becomes actually the present, and
a little thought on this subject may save
a world Of time and trouble. Some very
provident people begin the planning Of their
Christmas presents In midsummer, or even
earlier, just as holiday stories are accepted
in July and Thanksgiving ones written in
April by the author who aspires to lead the
rush.
But unless one has a long string OF pres
ents and a slender exchequer from which
to evolve them, this is rather going to the
other extreme. 1t is we'll to begin now,
though, in the plans Of the holiday, espe-
cially the important detail Of present. Civ
ing. To know at once just what gift to
give each friend is a talent which very
few possess. The majority must think, and
think to get suitability and variety, and
after much mental anguish on the subject
are often forced to go to the shops and
throw themselves on the mercy Of the dis
corning clerk, who is supposed to know ali
men and satisfy all women.
To some holiday shopping is a pure de-
light. They would not deprive themselves
of one iota of the crowds, the rush, the
hurry, the hustle, the full stock OF holiday
goods saved up for the rush. To these
economy Of time is no consideration and
lack Of taste in selection no worry. But
many suffer from an inability to choose
the right thing at the right price. While
a little careful looking around, a little tour
around the shops when a leisure morning
offers, will reveal much in the way of pos
sibilities and give ideas, even II no imme-
diate result is reached.
Method economies in every direction, and
though few would like to admit, except in
strict confidence, that present giving is a
nerve racking, mind burdening ceremony
they so find 1t, and In the secret depths
of their souls groan that the hour Of trouble
is at hand. BY quietly recollecting the
tastes and fancies OF those to whom pres
ents are to be made; by giving oneself
sufficient time to prepare those homemade
tokens, which are often the best, and by
a judicious watch over patience and pocket,
results will be obtained which will surprise
by proving that the shopping has not only
resulted in proper and pretty gifts, but
has been a pleasure In itself as we'll.
The sensible man or woman will dis
miss at once the idea OF making presents
which one can i'll afford, which are in
tended merely for show and effect and
bear no real sentiment with them. But
one should not refrain from joining in this
pretty custom II means limit one to a very
narrow field OF choice. The pride which,
to save itself, will sacrifice a tribute to a
friend. is not a proper feeling for the season
OF good will to all, and the moment the
worth, and not the meaning, of the gift
is considered, 1t ceases to have worth at all.
In short, a timely and judicious prepare
ton for the season will be a pleasant way
Of anticipating 1t and make the season it.
self more enjoyable by removing one Of its
little worries-for no worries, big or little,
should be suffered to grow on Christmas
trees.