New-York tribune., 1917-12-26
Celebration in New York
Sobered by Sight of
Khaki-Clad Men
Broadway Thronged
And Hotels Crowded
Thousands Of Soldiers and
Sailors Entertained in
City Homes

There was a distinctly sober note IN
New York's celebration Of its first war
Christmas. The edge was of the usual
levity and festivals and display OF
prosperity we're toned down. Not that
there was any abridgement Of the old
fashioned holiday customs-there were
Christmas trees and Christmas feasts
and gifts in plenty, but the city that is
accustomed 70 work hard and play
hard seemed too reflective yesterday
20 celebrate really . merry Christmas.
With thousands Of young men who
otherwise would have eaten their
Christmas turkey under the paternal
roof somewhere in camp either on this
or the other side Of the Atlantic, the
gayety Of incomplete family reunions
was subdued. A further reminder Of
was wos seen in the cyerincreasing
number Of khaki uniforms on the
streets and IN hotels and restaurants.
The war Christmas mood infected the
brightest OF Broadway haunts that live
in perennial celebrations. holiday or
no holiday. The great "White Way did
not even have 10 be reminded that over
in France several thousand American
Youngsters are holding down a section
Of cold trenches and thinking Of home.
Children All Remembered
But for the children, whose special
property Christmas is, there was no
difference between this Christmas and
last. Rich or poor, they had their illu-
minated trees and presents and, IN
spite Of high prices, feasts that salts
fed body and spirit. Nor were the
poor and unfortunate forgotten. Every
charitable organization in greater New
York dispensed dinners and presents.
Every hospital, public and private asy-
lum and every prison had its celebra-
tion. If anybody was forgotten II was
because he went out Of his way not TO
be remembered.
Il was at least as happy a Christmas
as any city. great or small, whose sons
are engaged in the serious business OF
war could observe, but 10 was without
hilarity and without excess.
The merriost spots IN the city we're
the homes OF soldiers who had been
given holiday leave. Thousands Of men
in training camps near by were gwen
permission 10 spend Christmas al
home But there were thousands more
who were not able TO join their faml-
lies. A glance through the uptown
hotels gave proof that other American
communities were in the same boat. Az
least one Of the big hotels was so
hacked with officers that the manager
remarked business would be dull these
days If his house had TO depend on
civilian patronage.
The holiday fell on Meatless Tues
day; hence no meat was served except
poultry and turtle meat. But there was
no shortage Of turkey or other fowl, OF
any Of the trimmings that customarlly
60 with Christmas dinners.
Hotels Are Crowded
At the NcAlpin Hotel many officers
Temporarily stationed in New York City
were Joined by their families. Many
others accepted the invitations Of the
Nassau Hotel. at Long Beach, or the
Laurel House. at Lakewood, y. j., TO
amend Christmas Day as the guests OF
these hostleries, and amuse themselves
In trap shooting or playing golf. John
Mccormack, the singer, sent tickets Tor
two boxes az the Metropolitan Opera
House matinee, which were distributed
among officers al the McAlpin. Packs
Of tickets 20 other matinecs were sent
around the hotels where officers were
registered.
Many New York women who COM
lined thoughtfulness with patriotism
sent gifts OF sweaters, wristIets and
other articles which soldiers need to
the hotels occupied temporarily by Off
GERS, so that few Of the visitors were
without Christmas presents. The en-
listed men who happened TO be strand
ed IN New FORK over Christmas were
taken care Of In social way by the
Young Womcn's Christian Association,
the Young Mems Christian Association
and other organizations. More than
GOO jackics from the fleet stationed
around New York Ilarbor ate Christmas
dinner in the restaurant Of the Young
Women's Christian Association and
were later taken to a concert.