New Iberia enterprise and independent observer. (New Iberia, La.) 1902-1944, 1910-12-24
CHILDHOOD AND CHRISTMAS

Nnat sweet, narrowed memories
llnger around the glad Christmas
time, when all the world grows
CHEEKY and frolicsome, and plans
for the pleasure and comfort of
those about them No. not all the
world, for there are those wi G
cannot enter. into the Joys and
blessings of the Christmas season
Poverty. the bitterest and saddest
OF all misfortunes. stands guard
at many doors anlpreven The
entrance of "Santa Claus" Yet,
if every one who has more than is
actually necessary for comfort ard
pleasure. will give a little to some
one who hs nothing, we ventur'
the assertion that the comm
Christmas viii be the most won
derful that the world has ever
known. SO. until we shall succeed
in entirely abolishing poverty.
there will always be need of the
glad Christmas spirit.
As has been truly said, the
birthright of every child is happi-
ness. Upon its memories of child
hood will depend its future, and
The future Of the nation. as every
body knows, depends upon the fu-
ture of the children filling our
streets and homes. Some day.
maybe, the Christmas spirit wi !
last all the year round. But M
til that joyous period comes. W.
should make the most of it in the
brief time that precedes The Yule-
tide celebration. To pass by the
shop windows and note the daz-
zling and attractive displays, is
enough to make the child of the
very poor envious indeed. The
dealers have exerted themselves t.
catch the eye Of prospective pur
chasers, and in doing so have
caused many children to long for
the things that they cannot have
Many little tragedies are dali
enacted before the windows where
Christmas novelties are displayed
in at at'ractive array; many little
hearts are saddened because thev
cannot have that big doll in all
her finery, Or that wonderful too
chest, air gun and other things so
dear to childhood. And the par
ents. too. suffer untold agony be-
cause their circumsi ances will not
permit them to crafty the natura
longings and desires Of their chil-
dren.
II is so easy to make happiness
contagious. Step into a sick-room
and smile at patient, and there
will be an answering smile. Lay
on the bed a flower or pretty pic
ture. and see how the pale face,
brightens, and how gratitude leaps
into the tired eyes. Go into
home where a mother is dreadinp
the dawn Of Christmas. knowing
that there will be nothing to Civ
her children. and leave some trif
ling present for each of the lit :
ones that are sitting pale and s
ent around the small fire. In s~
instant the place will be in ioo
ous uproar, and you will leave
with an exaggerated idea Of yorf
Importance and generosity tia
will be worth more than the cost
iliest gift that could be bestowed
upon you.
Truly. unless you lead a sine
ularlv desolate and selfish l'fe
vou have abundant opportunity
'or spreading the joy Of Christmas
light at your door. The family
around the corner-no father. 8
mother forced to work. the chi
'ren with ragged clothing ana
shoes full of holes-it would cost.
perhaps. five dollars TO give that
family the happiest day Of its ca
reer. That sum might buy you
some gaudv finery," or enable
you to "treat'' few friends 10
a Christmas eeg-nog. Would it
not be better to spend il in max
ing your self little more salts
fled or in bringing heaven down
to that familyf The delight Of
all childhood is surprise. It is
the mystery surrounding Christ
mas. as we celebrate its material
side. that gives its magic charm TO
all children. The unexpected hap
piness that you can bring into the
lives of the unfortunate by a III
tie judicious expenditure is worth
far more than any gift that luck
Ter children look forward t" as
their natural right. And then