Evening journal., 1909-12-10
AIR FULL OF
The XMAS SPIRIT
Holiday Only Two Weeks Off
and Stores do Big
Business

Boys and girls who have been check
ing off the days on the calendar know
that Christmas is but two weeks away,
but the nearness of the holidays would
be plain enough to anybody who had
eyes, even though he had lost all idea
of time II dwelling in some land
where Christmas is unknown should
drop down suddenly from an airship in
Market street, he would know at a
glance that he had arrived at the eve
of festive season, of which the key
note is unselfshness and the joy OF Civ
ing. and i'm which men relax for
time the passion for gain and the in
stinct for keeping.
The spirit of Christmas is every
where in the air. It is proclaimed in
the windows of every shop and in the
happy countenances seen among the
crowds in the streets. The greatest
shopping throngs of the year MI the
aises of the department stores, but
their errand, that of giving instead Of
seeking. pleasure and happiness give
them an appearance which is unmis-
taxable and which distinguishes the
Christmas shopping crowds from those
Of any other time Of the year.
The stores themselves have for some
time assumed their customary holiday
air. Holly and mistletoe have made
their appearance as decorations and
myraids Of miniature Christmas trees
with their glittering fruit, scattered
through the aisles, call attention TO
tempting displays of gifts that are both
useful and beautiful. Counters are
heaped high with costly treasures
gathered from every land, as we'll as
with less expensive gifts and with the
thousands OF pretty and ingenious
trldes and novelties that every season
| brings forth.
But it is the toy counters that are
reaping their one great golden har-
vest of the year. They are haunted
daily by children of all ages and OF
all degrees. Some who are poorly
dressed are there merely TO see. and
that is likely to be all the satisfaction
they will ever get from the wonderful
TOYS that are now invented for the
delights of children. Others are choos
ing their own gifts or gathering hints
TO throw out to generous parents and
other supporters of Santa Claus. II
these shops. also, the discovery viii
be made that this liberal patron sain
| OF klll-blNlnkf WlAipuA NiAo eAcheNo
difficulty. can be in several places a
once. although this may have som'
connection with the advertisement
that have been appearing lately fol
elderly men Of benevolent aspect tC
wear white boards and fur suits a
the entrance of the toy department
during the holiday season.
The lesson that has been dinned In
to the ears Of the Christmas shopper
for years is to buy early in the seasoi
and early I'm the day is being bette
observed than ever. Although tw
weeks elapse before the day for whicl
all this hustle and preparation is made
the rush already has been on for som
time The return OF prosperity /
j. making itself felt more clearly i'm tn
o buying Of Christmas gifts, perhaps
I than in any other field. Universe
satisfaction is felt among business me
Il with the early start, and in many II
k spects record breaking proportions, {
the holiday trade thus far, and seN
e eral Of the big department stores, hay
made the prediction that befoI
s Christmas is past they will have dor
d the greatest business Of their histor,