Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1918-12-22
yUlET|DE.
SPIRIT IN.
SWAY.
IN OMAHA.
First Peace Observance Of
Holiday Since 1918 Sees
Streets Of City Thronged
With Happy Folks.

1t is real victory Christmas-the
first Christmas since 1913 the world
has not been at war. And never be-
fore has Omaha seen such happy
holiday crowds and perhaps never
in the history of the world has
there been such universal spirit of
joy. For the first time in nearly
five years peace again reigns on
earth and the deep felt gratitude is
reflected in the gladness of the
Yuletide feeling.
Soldiers who left a year ago amid
tears and sorrow are being well
coined with smiles and happiness.
Already several hundred boys from
Omaha, who were in the service
have been released and are home
from war to pass the holidays with
home folks. They were everywhere
in evidence among the Christmas
shoppers last night.
Managers of Omaha's large stores
say that never before were there
such crowds and such true holiday
spirit. They are not tired Christ
mas shoppers" this year. They are
patient and courteous and the busy
girls behind the counters find it a
pleasure to wait on them. The
spirit of real democracy and good
fellowship is abroad in the land,
all agree, in stores, the shop and
factory, as we'll as the homes.
Sisters They Are. I
For instance. in a large depart
ment store last night, pretty So
ciety girl was buying sox for her
brother. II don't know what size
to get" she studied. He is only 10
but it seems like his feet are aw-
fully big" She smiled at the girl
behind the counter as she added:
He has been in the army but has
been mustered out and we expect
him home tomorrow"
Il think size 10 would be all
right" suggested the shop girl, Il
had a kid brother just that age, he
wore los. He was in the army. too,
was killed in action at Verdun." She
turned abruptly to wrap a package
Later when she got her package
the shopper asked, ANY folks?"
mo, there was just he and l."
What are you going to do
Christmas?"
"Oh, | don't know. nothing much,
| guess"
Won't you come out and have
Christmas dinner with us? Id love
to have you meet my brother and
I'll come down and get you if you'll
tell me where you live"
And so it was arranged.
Soldier Boys Lucky.
The soldier boys stationed in
Omaha all will be remembered with
Christmas presents, Many of them
will be guests in Omaha and ev-
erything possible will be done to
give them, every one, merry
Christmas. At Fort Omaha a big
Christmas party will be held in the |
Knights of Columbus hall tomorrow
night. All the soldiers stationed !
there have been invited and each one
will receive box of Christmas pre-
sents. ! /
Although the influenza epidemic
prevents the usual Christmas trees
and programs in the churches there
will be religious services and beau
tiful programs of songs and Christ
mas carols. Choirs in all of the
have pMnned special song
services and the sweet old songs of
peace ON Earth, Good Will to
Men," will be sing with a new fer
vor and listened to with a new joy
this Christmas.
The influenza, too, has caused I
suffering in Omaha this
year and the call on charity has
been greater than it ordinarily
wou'tl have BEEN But Omahans
have made a generous response.
More than twice as much money has
been donated to the poor as on any
previous Christmas.
Bee Shoe Fund.
The Bee shoe fund provided warm
shoes for hundreds of poor@1ittle
kiddies and the Associated Charities
has helped scores of families who
have been victims of the epidemic.
The civilian relief department. of the
Red Cross has been busy in FORKS
of mercy among the poor and needy
Of the city and the Volunteers of
America will provide Christmas
dinners for many poor families.
The Salvation Army. apostles of
Christianity among persons whom
many of the other charities do not
reach, will also bring Christmas
cheer and comfort to hundreds.