Norwich bulletin., 1914-12-26
THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT.

Dear Editor and Social Corner Sis ters: l wish you one and all Merry, Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
 Most persons at this time of the year are filled with love and kindly thoughts for others. This should be; for did not our Heavenly Father in r. loving thought tor mankind present to the world on this day His son, whose life was spent in helping everyone?
 To most people our Saviour's birth day seems sacred, and above all other birthdays should be celebrated. so they join heartily with the younger persons and little folks in making it there should be great rejoicing. It almost seems as if one could not make Christmas day too jovial.
 The old legend of Santa Claus is said to have originated from Saint Nickolas a bishop who long years ago surreptitioUsly left money on the window of three destitute maidens. This gift was made at the time we call Christmas, so he was called St. Nick or Santa Claus, and the children in Flanders and Holland were taught to love him, and to believe that if they put out their shoes and stockings he would fill them with presents.
 Thus, this imaginary story of Santa Claus the bearer of gifts on Christmas eve has been handed down from one e ratiVe has become a memorial of our ancestors.
 Some persons argue that this f1cti- tious tale brings sorrow and disap- pointment when the children are old enOueh to understand that there is not personal Santa Claus. It will not, if he older people will stand for him. Why should they not believe in him as they do the stories which are told or read to them?
 aF,; ZIl .1.ze. to understand, tell them that this story of Santa Claus is a very, very old one and then explain that the true Santa Claus is the spirit or disposi- tion that prompts the giving and do- ing for others, and that any person who freely gives of his or her sub stance at Christmas is Santa Claus and that they, the children, can be- come his little helpers.
 The knowledge that someone whom they love is Santa Claus will not bring disappointment. but rather giadness, for when older they can be Santa to someone, too, and even when young can do so in a small way. -.-.
 One should give gifts outside the family and friendly circle. Children should be taught that a true Santa Claus will help the poor and unfortu- nate according to his or her own means; so they ought to share their toys and good things with those who have none and save pennies not only to give gifts to those whom they love, but to contribute towards the funds used by the Sunday schools to pro- vide useful as well as other gifts to those who would otherwise be forgot ten.
 Older people who have prospered in worldly goods help the poor and un- fortunate in substantial ways and many overburdened persons are re- lieved to have timely help to supply their needs.
 Small boys. believe, look forward with pleasure to the time when they can personate dear old Santa Claus and snuse others as they are now amused by his funny speeches and manners.
 It is fact that grown ups enjoy the Christmas time. and their gifts, too, as too old to enjoy the dear old Christmas time. nor so sad but it's comfort and cheer will hrighten one
 Each year let us strive to make Christmas a glad and cheery one Very many will recall sweet memories of other Christmases, when loved ones who are now in the Eternal Home made the. day a happy one for us. Let us never let the dear sweet myth of Santa, Claus pass into obliv- ion; but let us be glad in the joy of inc children and others, also in bring l ing cheer to the poor and unfortunate r1as dav the haDpiest day in the whole wear fer all those with whom we come in contact Then when our life on earth is finished someone on this an- niversarv day will retain sweet mem ories of us.