Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1904-12-22

ment feature of the celebration are al
most infinite. First determine the kind
Of entertainment, that is, whether it
shall be a cantata, a part programme
in which the boys and girls sing and
speak, or an entertainment furnished
by some outside talent The latter is
desirable with schools of over 500
membership, but in smaller schools it
is undoubtedly better to have the pro-
gramme furnished by the talent in the
school, as it appeals to the sympathy,
pride and loyalty of it's members and
parents love to see their children shar-
ing in the exercises. Space will not
permit our going into details, but we
may be able to make some suggestions
that will prove helpful to those having
the matter of entertainment in charge.
Don't have the programme too long.
Have it full of bright, sweet Christmas
fun and frolic, but do not forget TO
have a strong undercurrent of the true
purpose and spirit of the blessed Christ
mas time. You do not need TO give the
children a Christmas sermon or lee
luIt, Dul you uO ltti ~ Bt tdl il VI llIGI
the dear Jesus, in whose name the cele-
bration is held, has opportunity to
make his presence felt. The entertain
ment committee ought to pray earn
estly over the plans, and seek Divine
guidance. At some specially favorable
and appropriate part of the programme
let the thought of the claims of Christ
l, Il To
the heart of the child. | remember one
entertainment where, after a very
touching piece, sweetly spoken, entitled
mo Room for Jesus" the pastor in a
few well-chosen words drove the
thought home to the hearts of the boys
and girls, and the influence of which
was noted in the weeks following by
many making open confession of the
Christ whom they made room for at
the Christmas entertainment. One
school | know of planned a Surprise
Christmas" Each class provided a
surprise for the school. Some arranged
the entertainment, some looked after
the decorations. while the older classes
provided treats and little souvenirs for
the younger classes. The work was so
divided that no one specially felt the
burden md every one was made bless
edly happy in planning for the happi-
ness of some one else. | have not said
anything about a Santa Claus, because
feel that there are so many other
and more attractive features which can
be provided. Have your Santa Claus
if you must but pray over the matter
and let Jesus show you a more ex-
cellent way"
Now as to the gifts and offerings.
1t is right and proper that the school
should provide something for its boys
and girls, but whether it is wise and
best TO put so much money in cheap
candy, nuts, etc, is a question which
each school must decide for itself. One
thing is becoming more and more rec
ognized among the schools of the land,
especially of the larger cities, and that
is that "it is more blessed to give than
to receive" The school that overlooks
this means of JOY and blessing misses
the very heart and spirit of Christmas.
Give to the children by all means, but
be sure that carefully laid plans are
made to enlist their sympathies and to
encourage them to give. Provide a
definite object for the children's benef-
cence. Be sure they understand exactly
what is wanted and that it is within
their easy means of giving. Present
the matter in such attractive way that
there will be uniqueness and charm in
the giving. Announce that the classes
are to make their offerings in stockings
made of bright colored cambria; that
these stockings are to be hung up be-
fore the school and the classes are to
see which class will have the largest
stocking. In one school where this was
tried some of the stockings were so big
and heavy that they could not be hung
up, but had to be stood against the wall
at the back of the pulpit And such
fun and laughter as there was, with