Connecticut western news., 1913-12-18
THAT CHRISTMAS HINT
Why Not Big, Lighted Tree on the
 Town Hall Green?


 Town Hall Green?
 Editor of News:
 We were glad to note that little hint of yours regarding Christmas tree elec- trically lighted on our village green. Those of us who have read about that wonderful Christmas tree of last year in Madison square, & full account of which appears in Ladies' Home Journal for December, have noted that the beautiful idea started in New York is being taken up in other cities and towns this Christ mas season.
 Last week we meditated writing an article for The News on this subject, that of a aiightedtree; but fear of bhtting in the home paper too often stayed the hand that held the pen. It was with de- light that we espied that little hint drop ped sort of casual.liKe from the editors pen. or pencil, Lnd we now teel embold- ened to follow up the editors hint. not with kick, but another hint.
 Let anyone who has not yet read that wonderful accountof the Madison square Christmas tree in the aforesaid journal, take the trouble to read it and they will be impressed with the beauty of the idea. Of course there was much to make that memorable Christmas night in Madison square, with it's huge lighted tree, i'm pressiyely beautiful; a great crowd, mu sic of bands playing and many voices. singing the peace Oh eaath and good will songs, but the same idea could be carried out in the smallest town.
 Say, MT. Editor, drop another hint - something about how lovely it would be If tile urches got together and planned for Christmas songs to be sung at stated hour around that tree in the park or on the green on Christmas nigh. Just think. how spiritually uplifting and beautiful it would sound on the night air, if a choir of voices sang as the tree was lighted. "Silent Night" and after ward, o Little Town of Bethlehem" '" and While Shepherds Watched" or "Harkl what mean those holy voices" "
 Think, O ye towpspeople, what an in. fiuence for good it might be, aside from it's novelty. And also what no one could fail to see, its spiritual beauty and sig nificance. The sad truth is, that mate riaIism. and the dull grind of everyday has pretty nearly overwhelmed our ] higher selves, and our need for some thing different that is uplifting instead of demoralizing IS acute. This applies to every town. They who go their sor- did ways through the year. would pause on Christmas night to hear blessed mu. sic around an open.air Christmas tree. Just short time out of one night in the year we might foreeo our business, our cares, our pleasures, drop our animal dances, that are disgrace to any decent community; forget our profits and losses, the high cost of living; forget our enmi. ties. or personal grievances and sorrows, , and. instead of three or four Christmas trees we might gather together around one big brotherhood and sisterhood tree in our little park or village green long enough to sing few carols and exchange peace on earth and good will greetings to all.
 The United churches and Brotherhood movement is as the Spirit of God moving upon the social waters. We hope and pray for it's highest possible success. It is surely splendid step in the right di- rection, this getting together. One big Christmas tree out ill the open for all to zee and enjoy and to sing together around is, or would be, another step in the right direction. Old New York, wicked and wasteful, has set the world, nevertheless. a shinlngly beautiful and gracious exam pie. Already the park Christmas tree idea is being taken up in cities and towns but say, MT. Editor. can't you hear the , objections to having one in our little park? It will cost something. Peo. pie will catch cold standing around an open-air Christmas tree; and. Gra- ciousl the night may be very cold and somebody might freeze to deathl It might be stormy and somebody might , perish in the storml It's too much bother. It is n't practical. Whats the use? Shucksl Let's not initiate New York, except Tn some ways - but, Mir. Editor. we thank you for that hint just the same. It really and truly and hon estly would be s-o-o lovely and so new and novel and 500 Christmassyl Keep on limiting, Hints are the fuse into action. B. H.