Evening journal. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1888-1932, 1906-12-18
KRIS AND THE KID.
NOW UPPERMOSI
yes Of All Little Ones Turn
ed to the Holiday
Season
IRE GOING TO BE GOOi


Kris. Christmas and the "kids"--a
trio that IS linked together through
nnumerable generations-is with us
again. bringing TO some reconectious
Of JOY. to others sad "reminiscences.
children's day is this 25th Of Decem-
Der, and IS Ushered in by the blare Of
brass trumpets. the ron OF miniature
drums and the joyous shouts Of glad
little voices. Already there is a scent
Of 1t in the odor OF FIR aud the presence
Of holly berries and the stir OF expec-
fancy which pervades the Christian
world.
In the nurseries there is a general
hustllng to bed at an early hour Of the
little ones in order that they may
dream longer Of the treasures in "Old
Kriss pack.
From the dirty-fsted CANON % the
street corner to the dainty heir OF
the millionaire, all thoughts are turned
to the portly figure Of Old Kris. whose
back Is bent by the burden OF innumer-
able toys.
The streets and shops are fun or
bright-eye1. excited youngsters scurry-
ing about "Santaing" on their own
account. The great day FOR which they
have saved Up nearly a whole year has
come at last, the toy bank is opened
the little pile OF pennies and dimes
which represent so many self-denials
is counted, counted again. Then the
shopping tour begins.
Some there are OF these Juvenile
shoppers with minds made up who
push their way through the waiting
line Of buyers. Others there are who
cling timidly to their mothers hand.
hositating long and asking much ad-
vice over the expenditure OF their
precious savings; still others who 90
not buy at an, but only stand and look.
look with w'de-eyed wistfulness at the
haxen-haired dolls and woolly bears m
the gaily decked windows.
"Chris'mus gif' is the gleeful greet
ing Of the children. as they steal out OF
their cots ct dawn-time on that mo-
mentous day and descend In a body
below stairs, where the night before
they hung up a row Of stockings. In
many humble homes the stockings by
the chimney place are darned and
patched, but within nestles an untold
wealth Of tig oranges, candy toys,
apples, and peppermint sticks.
In the corner. labeled "Billie from
Santa Claus" Is an express wagon, a
bag Of marbles and a singing top.
and IN the corner opposite Is a rag doll
and a set OF little tin dishes. II ism
much, but It is enough 10 cali forth
shouts OF JOY az the little ones hug each
other In rapture.
Another fcene is enacted by the
juniors Of the wealthy. The floor oil
their luxurious nursery Is covered Will
handsome mechanical toys. A tree
brilliantly lighted by tiny incandescsn
lights. stands in the centre Of thl
room; there is an automobile equlppe,
with siren horn and gasoline motor
there is a dollhouse completely fur
nished. and doll. not a doll N a pinl
sun bonnet. but a petite Partisan lad,
with golden ringlets and Paquir
gown Of lace with just a touch OF err
mine.
There are scores Of costly things Il
delight these extravagant sclons o.
wealth, but there is not one whit mor'
real happiness here than I'm that mod
est room where the pink bonnete'
dollie reigned.
Jest before Christmas I'm goin' 4
be good" is the sentiment OF the small
boy just al present. Not since this tim'
last year year have the Sunday schoo
classes been so punctualiy or so vel
attended. in anticipation OF the tree
and the presents that are to come from
teacher"
The messenger boy now doffs his
blue visored cap with an unwontsd 90
likeness. He says 'yes. sir" and hus,
ties Off 10 deliver his package and
brings back the answer with step thai
Is brisk ana businesslike and manner
that is wholly CHEEKY. The newsboy
too, has his eye on the 25th. He doesn'
believe in this santa Claus business,
and no toys for him. He is worldly
wise. is this diminutive cfier Of tn
days events, and he is going to a shov
on Christmas Day. He has saved ~
his pennies and will sit UP in the seat
OF the mighty, where the leading lad.
can see him. He is going to whistle III
choruses Of her songs and her smile
will all be for him. Already he rubs hi
eyes IN anticipation.
The Christmas spirit has a wonder
full potency At this season il steal
stealthiiy into the hearts OF young an
old, triumphing over poverty ana ag
alike. Born with a little child II wi
always be distinctly the children's sea
! son.
But the hanging Of the holly and IN
) lighting OF the Yule log brings TO IN
II silver-haired members OF a past gener
/, alton a train OF memories poignantl
! sweet. The ghost Of their dead yout
still joins the dance around the lighte
tree.
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