Norwich bulletin., 1921-12-03
OPHELIA.
THE TRUE SPIRIT OF. CHRISTMAS

Dear Editor of the Social Corner: Ever since the Social Corners first days, I have always read the page with much
 interest and profit, although I have not been a member. But here come with a few suggestions which I hope may prove timely and of benefit to some of the readers.
 Christmas is only few weeks away. We are reminded of the approaching date by the younger members Of the family, especially if from no other source, for they are eagerly anticipating visit from good old Santa. Then if we, perchance. enter one of the big department stores down town, still again the decorations and whole atmosphere bespeak the pre- holiday hurry and preparation.
 But as I sit down apart from all the noise and hustle attendant upon Santa,s annual arrival and visit, I wonder and ask if we "grpwnups" really gather the 1 true meaning of Christmas ourselves i; and if the Christmas spirit of other days is being perpetuated in the lives and hearts of this present day generation? If not, then what can we do to revive and rekindle those ernbers which should burn i with a living fire iu our hearts today. sending it's glow to those in need as did | the star which showed SC long ago on the first Christmas.
 The Christmas season should have a I far deeper meaning than simply the ex- change of gifts, or the giving of some gift just because we were remembered by that friend last year. We should l teach our boys and girls that Christmas has a grander and foftier meaning for each of them, than just the visit of San tta Claus (though he may bring heaps
 of toys) or a dinner of; turkey and all 1 that goes to make a feast. All these blessings will be enjoyed and appreciated
 more if the true Christmas spirit is a part of the children's life ana activity.
 Christmas is, and should be a most joyous and exultant season. for it was
 the day when Christ was born to live
 work and help men. There is then,i nc better way to celebrate this Christmas season Of 1921, than by beginning tc I teach our boys and girls bow to int ways in serving those in need
 For instance, there are many , poo, children in institutions or private home. who might not have a real happy Christ mas So our boy or girl might be glat to select present for them. A good 1 idea is to allow them to select 8 pres ent which they themselves would bt j pleased with. Then we may be quit4
 sure some other child that age and sig
 
 this might not be true in every case, bu
 It usually is a safe rule to follow.
 At the same time your own child ha, exercised his judgment and learned val uable lesson in finding out that we shoul,
 live to help and bring happiness to oth CTS.
 | Then. as the Salvation Army kettle O
 similar ways of contributing come t ! our notice, teach your child that sucl opportunities are not for grown up peo pie alone, but allow him to have par : in this kind of work as well. , There may be some playmate or cliil a1 who is not going to have any kind of
 nice Christmas. Perhaps your child woul : take unbounded comfort in preparing 3 collection of little gifts for such an un fortunate one.
 Fl Perhaps some old lady, not far ava T will have no. one to cook her 8 goo l dinner on Christmas day. Then how de : lighted your child may be to carry sue . a person 8 serving of the dinner fror n your more bouniful table.
 n The birds and animals, too, may b j gladdened with extra food and srelte n provided by the &nd of your chilt h teaching the childsthat God loves thel n all.
 t others wiser tkan myself will be ab 0 to think of cou.al-u.ss oGner opportunitie e for inspiring their children with th 6 Christmas spirit of joy and service r will close before I prove an unwelcorn ? visitor.
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