New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-21
A SPUR TO THE SELFISH.

II the pursuit Of happiness be one of the inalien-
able rights Of mankind. then custom Of Christ
giving has surely much 10 defend it. Many
people are absorbed in their strenuous daily
lives and personal interests that they would hardly
get opportunity to find out how much happiness
giving can bestow upon them unless there were a
time especially set apart for it.
At the Christmas season by common consent,
nearly every considers it his duty devote time
and energy to thinking what he shall give to some
one else and the general observance OF the custom
draws into its train many who, left to their
initiative would have no leaning toward unseash
ness or generosity.
Perhaps such persons do not derive much pleas
ure this giving but there is always hope that,
like the famous Mr.. scrooge, they may enter upon
a new phase Of life.
The fact that some people have allowed their
giving 10 degenerate into mere barter OF equally
valuable objects does not change in the least the
innate whOlesomeness OF the custom MOST rlg ht-
minded persons Will certainly derive great pleasure
from giving to those whom they love or to those
who need their help. and no one VIII deny that
both these classes Of gifts are in accord with the
loving thought on the part of the giver, and not
mere desire to return a value equal 10 %haC b one
OF every gift thinks about the friend for whom 1t s
Intended and considers each ones tastes and
wishes will ind happiness in the carrying out or
his generous impulses and on the other hand the
recipient Of a gift chosen must have warm
feeling his heart the thought of the loving
attention which the gift represents a,.s+ .,++ g.
can give pleasure to both participants than
As the holidays draw near one notices the change
even in the general atmosphere, for holiday SHOP
pers-Inost Of them-are by no means cross or tlred
and in public places there is noticeable increase
IN mutual consideration and kindness. one class
esuecialIy whom ii is worth while 10 please take
the utmost pleasure in Christmas-the little chill
dren How many of us would give up our chlldlsh
memories of Christmas Joys?
rTbe evils Of holiday giving arise chiefly from eX-
travagance due 10 the false idea that must give
a r.o6ey equivalent for what receive.
knother real evil IS the heavy work entailed upon
certain classes especially those who sell deliver
holiday presents. Most employers are seeking to
isgen tbis strain by providing extra help ana short
err hours and for our part we should see to 1t that
eli o,Ir buying and sending OF presents IS not left
io o. lI ,he whole the custom OF Christmas giving
,s 81 bo We a good effect upon the givers the re
seeta IND the community In general. Lest this
odod custom should fall into any disrepute through
81 Ia, ns take good heed TO our motives, and mix
": Grains of common sense with money. as
we go on our happy erIa"us' EVA w. SftHi'
Brooklyn, n. y
w, have in our home fine mahogany sideboard
a,l, two hundred years old. OF late I have no.
,,oad when I busted the shelves and drawers fine
- dust ,l.e wood filings. and fea- that worms are
req a. ~ Although after looking II very
woie,ifSv I fail 10 find either worms or holes.
800, there must be something to cause the saw
dust. $500. m. Through M. rzo,.svtyor