New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-12-17

THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS.
What would we do without the Joy of Christmas
giving?
ries?
As 7 look back upon happy and eventfui life
I recall two Christmastides-one in the Old World
one in the New-whIch. though utterly unlike be-
cause Of such different conditions. were still alike
in the true Christmas spirit
One Christmas was spent in Scotland. where l.
vorne American girl, was visiting my fathers
relatives and friends. was so fortunate as to be
guest at house party in a typical Scotch country
house and as I look back upon that happy time
I remember that the house was full TO overlooking
with happiness-even the servants beaIning.
It was like the Christmas that We read OF in
English stories. with holly and Yule logs and
frumenty and cakes-and Christmas carols sound
ing clear upon the frosty air
God save YOU merry gentlemen;
Let nothing you disnayi
And vet. as look back upon that happy time I
have forgotten all about the gifts. though they
were there in plenty; the Christmas spirit IS all
that I remember.
The next Christmas I spent in E., far, far
Western spot where my husband was the rector
IN charge Of the tniest church have ever SEEN
The promised missionary box had been delayed. a
heavy snowstorm falling, which made travel
to the nearest town impossible, and. except for a
great box Of holly sent from my old home in Vir-
ginia there was nothing suggestive OF Christmas.
We impressed the thought upon the children Of
the little parish that since had other gifts
We must give ourselves and the children rose
beautifully to the occasion.
AS look back upon that Christmas. remember
the little church bright with holly and candles. and
the happy faces of the children gathered TO sing
their Christmas carols Do you wonder that no
little Western missionary church could ever appeal
TO me in vain?
And yet that a blessed Christmas and
took heart its lessons-to that my promised
gifts reached their destination Il week ahead of
time, rather than day too late-and learned,
also, that, given an atmosphere OF cheer ana nap
piness, 1t takes very little TO make people happy
1t seems 10 me- in giving To little cnl4dre IL Is
better to give substantial well made toy
rather than quantity of cheap poorly made arti-
cles, which hardly outlast the day We ought TO
seek lasting qualities in our gifts 10 chluIeil ana
toys nave a greater influence upon Character tHan
most gToWn-ups realize.
AT this season OF the year the papers are Iull of
appeals TO every one 10 help III giving Il merry
Christmas to the children Of the Pooir., MANY a
woman lays aside her morning paper VIII s!sIl
AN, well! IL must be lovely TO be rlch' wish
that could g1ye!" But
THE poorest disciple cannot say
She has no aims to give away
II love be in her heart
What OF the pantry shelves stocked with jars of
jellieS and preserves? What or the cIoSet where
1.-THE little cloaks hung M while the coats in daily
user what or the pretty WAIST Srta 20 ~ nous
the worse for seasons wear WHat az 'e pieces
OF SILK ana ribbon that would dress Uo'' LOT some
Little Mother?
/ wonder that a Christmas appeal should ever be
necessary Surely the little tLIiS' N'u 10 10 oes
gari Ito, la. -, -.
A great deal is said in connection WIFE Christ
| mas giving OF the mercenary spirit even In lttlo