New-York tribune., 1907-12-12
A NEW CHRISTMAS.
" nr The Tribune.

To the Editor or Inc IrlDune
Sir: Like the Athen1ans OF old, we or to-day
are always looking for something new. New
thought, theology, new methods. why rots
then. new Christmas?
Tine was when the day was observed only by ths
members of the Episcopal. or Anglican, and Catho-
lie churches. When 1 was a child we commfserated
our little Presbyterian friends. who had few pres
ents and no Christmas greens in their homes. But
the custom has been adopted now by all sects. and
the result is that Christmas shopping has become
universal that for the last fifteen years the sea-
son. which begins before the month of Decen1-
ber. has become such rushing. whirl;ng one that
it is grave doubt il it does not bring with 1t as
much pain as pleasure.
Now a time has come when the scarcity OF
money forces people to be moderate in their
gifts. Why not take advantage Of the opportunity
to call halt in the extravagant mode Of keeping
Christmas. which has wellngh destroyed its trus
spirit? In one of the Christmas hymns, which IS,
perhaps, the most beautiful OF ell to many Of
who have borne the burden and heat OF the day.
there occurs the line Pause and hear the angels
sing What do they sing? Peace on earth, good
will to men" Not only good will, but peace! Good
viii has led 20 the mad rush, but where Is the
peace?
Not where brains are racked to think OF the
presents for those who already burdened with
large share of this worlds goods; not where dis
content is felt because there is not enough money
to spend: not where IL has become the custom to
give grudgingly to return a politeness gift.
not where the salesman or saieswomen are worked
long after their usual time until the week before
Christmas has become time TO De dreaded!
In my experience something occurred sew
eral years ago which sobered my own joy. gift
was brought to me late the afternoon of Christi
mas Day. and in the spirit OF good will gave the
expreSsman something, and remarked that 1T had
been a beautiful Christmas Day His answer
was: Well. I'm glad it's over. / have not been
In bed for two nights Another incident occurred
on the day before Christmas last year-in shop.
A pale wearied saIeswoman had failed to ind
something that l had asked tor. and sharp
Iy rebuked by the principal that involuntarily.
gave hlrn d look and reply that may have cost her
her place To pour oil on the troubled waters I
said: 1T must be a great reI.ef 10
unorrew will be Chris mas Yes. she red.
suenIy. is d good thing. for We could not stand
1t much longer
Pause this year and try hear ''rhe angels sing
Money is not pIentiful. but gifts may De given
whether nave ltt!e ucn 70 spend. Let Us
yshe t4n-e ere trou3Is sise tnsEs wne.S they
axe uosr needed t.e De4f. 70 ne d. coulassd-
20 tie lovely. q Christmas card brings JOY,
and cue poor Tins year. as least may be found
without much trouble Every cent spent helps 20
maze some Christmas less saXIeus. tnere
are noJ many ScTOoses the wO.ld. fortunately.
Rattle, people il Will be trial TO be de-
prived of the pleasure of giving generously as
usual BY using a little discrimination each OF Us
can make one or more pc. happy
The new Christmas viii be found to De like
most new things-only return to the old festival
of the Nativity-and with joy will hear
rustic of the angels wings. and hearts Will
echo their song, Peace earth. good viii to
men," " H.
New York. Dec. 10. 1907