Kingsbury County independent. (DeSmet, Kingsbury County, S.D.) 1894-1929, 1907-12-20

Ills DSdulIIul lUiiudy DN tilt very ECdl
with which we observe 1t? Is ii Dot true
that the secret feeling of many toward
Christmas is one OF dread? There is so
much work to be done for il. so much
expense, n so many perpleNing prob
lens to be solved.
Many there are who bemoan the
modern methods of observance. but
few as yet who have the courage of
their convictions sufficiently TO attempt
any reform. They say n say truly,
that il is easier to criticize than TO
correct. Yet IL we know hat a thing
we are doing Is wrong. there should
be no evading u duty to try TO right
II.
Perhaps the greatest evil of the sea-
son is the indiscriminate. extravaganza
exchange of gifts. Long lists OF names
are made out. Of people who have sent
gifts last year and who therefore must
receive this year a present or at least
equal value. The tendency in such ex-
changes is for the gifts to grow more
expensive each Christmas. II the truth
were known. both parties to the tran
saction would be greatly relieved III
the exchange were to be eliminated by
the simple method OF cancellation. Or
ten the receipt OF a handsome gift
brings only dismay to the recipient.
Lillian Bell tells of a woman who was
presented with a fish set costing at
least 5000. She viewed the magnificent
gift with white face and clenched
hands. She knew an exchange was ex-
pected by the giver--a thing simply Inn
possible for her to do. In this case the
matter seemed to the unhappy woman
nothing short OF a tragedy.
Desperate cases require desperate
remedies, 30 In some instances the best
cure will be to write all ones friends
early in the autumn that one will give
absolutely no Christmas presents that
year and requesting that as a token or
their friendship they should send none
to the writer. The following year the
field will be clear so that a list can be
made out just of those to whom n a
really give in the true Christmas spirit.
II the least idea of exchange Is embod-
led in any NAME, 1t should be omitted.
There are many friends for whom one
has the most genuine kindly feelings.
Yet to express this feeling to all these
friends by means OF m~erchantable ar
ticles is a heavy burden n places
them under an obligation. Why not ex-
press these sentiments directly In words
instead Of obscurely conveying them
through the medium OF things which
they could easily buy for themselves.
A Christmas letter may give free ex-
preston to oil the appreciative loving
thoughts one has of ones friend. And
as in our day we do not often permit
ourselves unreserved expressions of u
deepest feelings, the receipt of such a
letter will warm the heart OF ones true
friend as few presents would.
Two classes Of people there are. how
ever. who should be remembered with
tangible gifts-the little children and
the poor. In thus adding to their hap
piness we will be CARRYING out the
beautiful idea OF the little child who
said: W. must make Jesus enjoy this
birthday. mustn't we mamma"
Tracing the custom OF giving pres
ents at Christmas back to It's origin we
find 1t began on that first holy Christ
mas day when the wise men OF the
east brought gifts of gold, franklin
cense and myrrh and laid before the
child. They brought OF their best, as a
token OF their love and reverence for
the One who was to be the Savior Of
mankind. We can do no better than
to remember in all our Christmas plans
their spirit INC that OF the song OF the
angels, Peace on earth, good will to
men,"
Historic Customs and Superstitions of
Christmas.
In everything that Is connected with
our Christmas time tradition plays a
large part.
The holly with which our homes are
decorated was, In olden times. consid-
cred sacred, for the legend ran that
II was the crown of Christ.
The old story told OF the Christmas
tree Is this: When Eve plucked the
fatal apple Immediately the leaves be-
came needle points and the bright
green turned dark. 1t changed its ma
ture and became evergreen the whole
year round, thereby preaching the story
OF mans fall, and only on Christmas
does 1t bloom with lights and love
gifts. The curse Is changed to a
blessing by the coming OF the Christ
child, so we have our Christmas tree"
The custom Of feasting and merri-
ment on Christmas day dates back for
centuries. In the days OF Queen Eliza
beth we are told that sixteen courses
Of meat were often served" Bears
head vas the piece de resistance, fol-
lowed by Drawn, geese. turkeys, ca
pons and sometimes roasted swan.
Jill ~ DigoN IL IN BhNS hSao
called, and plum buildings Of huge
dimensions were the accepted articles
OF dessert. Drinking was an import
ant part OF the feast. The wassail
bowl with its contents of spiced sweet
ened wine. with an apple floating on
the top. vas passed around The table
again and again.
At the latter part of the eighteenth
century the feasting seemed to be the
one important feature of Christmas
observance. Benjamin Franklin con-
tributed to these occasions his receipt
for punch in the following verse:
boy, brig a BOWL OF china here!
Fill it with water, cool and clear,
Decanter with jamaica ripe.
And spoon of silver. clear and bright,
Sugar, twice fin'd, in pieces cut,
Knife. sieve and glass In order put;
Bring forth the fragrant fruit and then
Were happy till the clock strikes ten!'
We still cat, drink and make merry
on his festal day. The old traditions
come down TO US through the centuries
softened but invested with the charm
of the long ago. Though fanciful. cx-
travagant and at times ever gruesome.
these traditions were always reverent.
J We OF the twentieth century with all
our new ideas may learn from these
old legends the spirit Of reverence.
Concerning Christmas Gifto-
In selecting presents for ones
Fr;o,ds tho narsonaI eme should AL