Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1908-12-24
CHRISTMAS.

IT1kiS MAO
By the time most people snail nave
fallen asleep tonight the 25.h Of Deem
Der will again be upon US, and almost
before the stsrs cease TO glimmer tomor-
row morning little ones, some hslf-clad'
with their eyes glowing with delight
will be gathered around Christmas trees
and exploring into Kris KriOgle'S mu'
n,6cepce. They will fall sleep imagining
thew heard the juggling of his sleigh
bells. and doubtless their slumbers will be
marked with glimpses of the fur-coversd
elf and his miscellaneous assortment
calculated to please old and young
Christmas, or The spirit Of CbrlStua''
extends beyond the Christmas era Long
before the Appearance of the babe in the
msuger at Bethlehem the closing days OF
the wear had been devoted to fesIivi'y,
family gatherings and fessis. Our
English forefsthers followed the trsdi'
tIops of the aucients, and the boars
head, yule log and misileioe, probably
regarded as necessary sdjuncts for the
occasion by the Druids, were provided
in every household. Eating, drinking
and reveling we're the order of the sea-
SOD, which was by no means confined To
one day, but at one time festivities be
Gan at Halloween and were continued
until Caudiemss Day. "The Lord Of
Misrule" during all this time exercised
his authority,
As time went on much of the crude
ness incident to the season passed away,
and attempts were made by the church
to make the day one of devotion as we'll
as feasting with but little success, how
ever.
Christmas is still regarded by some as
a time to give loose reins to passions aud
appetites, and the "LOrd of Misrule' is
unfortunately still in evidence at time
when all things should be done decently
and in order.
The day, among Christian people, Is
regarded rs sacred from the universal
belief thst the Saviour of mankind made
his advent into the world on the 25th Of
December while stars were still in the
sky. This date, however, has been dis
putsd for centuries, and nearly every
day 10 the calendar hss been Fixed upon
by different people as that on which the
angels proclaimed peace upon earth and
directed the shepherds TO the mauger at
Bethlehem. By aImos, universal agree
ment however, The 25th Of December
has been fixed upon as the anniversary
of that event, and, after all the conirO-
versy, the day may be as close as any
other.
With no desire to place limit upon
the enjoyment Of any one, it may be
proper to remark tia devotion and good
cheer are by no means incompatible,
and thai the spirit which animated the
heavenly host to proclaim "Peace on
earth, good will to men," should inspire
Us all.
AS is often the case, many are BY sd-
verse fortune declared from most of the
innocent epjoymeuIs Of Christmas, while
others in the possession of abundance
leave nothing undone that could in any
manner enhance the JOYS Of the occasion.
In some cases Kriss Ktingle brings to
houses costly automobiles, rsrs gems,
etc. ; to Others a few cheap and hmsy
toys, while he makes no stops at some
habitrtiOns.
The poor are always With US, q fact
that should never be forgotten, and
while Christmas bells are ringing and
bringing joy to many homes, the reciPi-
ents of the fsvors Of heaven should not
forget those who struggle against adverse
tides.
The great n aj,rity Of the people of
this world sre OF the class which is not
blessed by much of this worlds goods.
The Being whose birth we will celebrate
wss evidently one of this Glass. The Of
fering of the turtle doves or young
pigeons is 40 evidence of this. We sre
told the great mess Of "hose rich In
faith and heirs of the kingdom" are not
the opulent, 50 that all such st this or
any other festive season can thank God
e. a rOnrono