The Mena weekly star., 1921-12-22
IS THERE A SANTA CLAUS i?

1 SANIA CLAOO / .,~-.-~~>---e-~-~----~-~-~>-
 | By Jean Kentworthy in soverign Visitor YTxEI.L ME, mother, really--is there
 Santa Claus? Some of the
 A girls say that it is only fairy story, and say that there really never was a Santa Claus at all. Now, you tell me, mother, for l know you vii tell me the truth.
 Two pleading blue eyes sought tho mothers face, and showed in theil clear depths that craving for fact anc yet a fear that a beautiful fancy might be dispelled.
 The mother read the dear face anc with a mothers loving heart sought for an answer that would leave the cherished ideal, but interpreted ir such a way that the spirit might shine forth thru the fair mental picture and lead her little one to a recognition of the great principle that was symbol. ized by the beloved Santa Claus. So, taking her little daughter in her arms, she held her to her heart and taught her, saying:
 Sweetheart, I will tell you the truth, and beautiful truth it is, too Do you remember how al thru the year you have planned many loving little tokens for those whom you love Do you remember how much you wanted to do something real nice for Jack Williams the day he rescued Catkins from the little terrier? Do you recall how you planned to make a pair of warm wristlets for Annie to wear while hanging out the clothes on washday? Oh, l could mention ever and ever so many plans that you have told me, and l know you have many more that you have never mentioned. Well, all these desires il, your heart were the thought monitors prompting you to do something for someone who had been kind to you then, dear, do you remember the day Nan broke your best china tea set, and said such cross words to you, and how mother urged you to speak first after your week of silence2
 At first you did not want to do it. but after bit you had little feeling away down in your heart that made you want to be kind to Nan, and the minute you listened to it you went up to her and offered her one of your choice chocolates that grandpa had given you. Do you recall all this Then, listen, if you were to save all these loving impulses, every one o1 them, up for a whole year and then just let go of them all at once, you would have an idea of what Santa Claus really is.
 Santa Claus is the name given to the loving spirit which puts it into the hearts of people to be kind to each other. When you are seeking to do something for someone else you have forgotten yourself for the moment, and it is your supreme pleasure to give the very best you have. Of course, it is always easier to do favors for those we love, but, but by forget ting our hurt feelings and going to those who have not been so kind to us, we are truly showing forth the true Santa Claus spirit, for Santa Claus always has something tucked away for the children, even if they nave not been just as they ought tc | be all the year. You know, dear. the children are always warned 70 gC right to sleep the minute they are tucked under the covers on Christmas Eve, and to make no effort to sec Santa Claus when he slides down tho wide chimney with his bag of good 1 things, and the reason is that We want l the children to learn that the spirii IS never seen. It is the life back oi ! the action. It is that which show, itself only thru some outward sion 70, when you see your gifts Or Christmas morning it is really Santa claus who has sent them, for it is tho ,oEng spirit working thru youl friends and relatives, thru yourself when you give. Is it not sweet tr realize that 1t is your dear ones right close to you who have poured oui their treasure of affection upon vo1 i And 1t $ their gifts that express te you their love-
 When children are such lttl. folks they could not be told this littl, story, for they would not understand
 so to put 1t so they can get an idea o+ y We mothers and fathers draw a pie ture for them of this wonderful love which makes father, mother and al want to prepare beautiful dolls. toys books and warm clothing to be givel me children at Christmas time. an, Dy learning to know Santa Claus an, love nature, they learn to understand now to give good gifts to each othe ] and to become, in a small way. littl santa Clauses themselves. Now tha you are getting to be a big girl vol can know many beautiful truths an
 learn that there is a deep meanin l back of each festival we celebrate. Santa Claus will now mean mor
 10 you than be ever did before fo
 men know that he is the spirit If lov
 working thru every real flesh an ] blood person who wants to do lovIn tnings. You wonder why we cen. 2 ciaiiy give our best gifts on Chris,
 mas dayg Why, that is because v
 are trying to do just as near as -
 can do what our loving Father deel
 aDo you nos watch mother sr' , 1sthsr and your friends, whom vn tasak are good and true and then sr