The courier., 1902-12-06

eth Christmas-and this reminds me Of
the small boys definition of that sea-
son as time when people give things
they can't afford to people who don't
want them.
Margaret Deland in a recent article
said: 1T is a pity that the date of
Christ's birth should be made an occa-
sion for the interchange of trash, and 1t
Is still more to be regretted that this
trash should so often cost money that
the givers can ill afford. The giving of
presents at Christmas is certainly a
beautiful custom, and one would scarce
ly wish to see 1t go out of fashion, but
it might be well If people would give
fewer presents and think a little more
about them. For 1t is just the thought
for ones self which gift indicates that
constitutes the chief pleasure of receiv-
ing it-not its cOstliness or it's usefulness,
or anything else about it, though it
ought to be valuable, materially or
spiritually, and may. and indeed ought,
in many cases to be costly as ones purse
can buy, for we do not want to give to
our friends that which costs us nothing.
There is a delicate fiattery in the appro-
pirate gift, showing that the giver has
must be forever pleasant to the human
soul; and such presents cannot be picked
up by the dozen in an afternoons bar
gain hunting, nor yet can they be manu-
factured by the Dozen"
A lady who always does the right
thing at the right time. and is conse-
quently always serene, and ready to
help her friends out of difficulties. told
-; II,
friends to remember at Christmas time,
and that her gifts are not only all Sc
lected. but most of them are already in
their tissue paper wrappings, tied with
ribbons, and the Christmas messages are
enclosed. all ready to be sent out That
woman should be happy.
The most dazzling function of this
week was the Putnam reception and ball
Thursday evening. but there were ever
so many other affairs which were very
delightful.
The interest of society for next week
will center on Miss Burr's wedding.
K K 4
At the Lincoln hotel, Thursday
evening, was given with great eclat, by
Mrs. A.. NJ. Putnam, Miss Putnam and
Miss Saunders, a large reception and
dance, in honor of their guest, Miss
Truax, charming young lady from
Chicago.
The decorations were in exquisite
taste. The parlors were adorned with
palms and white chrysanthemums and
the lights had red shades. The ordinary
was converted into n supper room and
was lavishly decorated. A large mound
Of pink roses, surrounded by white chrys-
and maiden-hair ferns,
the centrepiece on the table, and
strands of smilax extended to the
White candles in crystal
sticks under delicate pink shades were
on the tables. The candlesticks We're
tied with bows of pink satin ribbon.
The supper was elaborate and punch
was served all evening in the hall.
The. reception lasted until ten o'clock,
when dancing to the inspiring strains of
a full orchestra began in the big dining
room.
This was the first large party of the
season and if future entertainments
equal it Lincoln will witness a success
sion of brilliant affairs this winter.
The gowns were conspicuously lovely.
Mrs. Putnam wore lavender silk, and
diamonds; Miss Putnam, white net over
.affeta, with capuchon of Duchesse lace
md rhinestone buckles on the corsage,
md bands of rhinestones down the seams
If the skirt Miss Saunders appeared in
IN elegant costume of green velvet
Mss Truax, a slender graceful girl, wore
,ink point de Paris over satin, with
,arnitures of pearls in medallions.
The assisting ladies were Mrs. W. F.
Kelley, who wore white crepe trimmed
With Venetian point: Miss Mcclure
.owned in black and white; Mrs. John
in pola hI,,a hroa do1ofh shirt