The Washington times., 1935-12-25
Bethlehem
RITES LEAD
CHURCHES
Italian Soldiers &c t
Gifts; King George
AtCountry Place
International News Service

3, With the thoughts of millions
turned towards Bethlehem, Chris
tan countries throughout the
world celebrated Christmas today,
each with its own peculiar Gus
toms.
: AS the first rays of dawn broke
over the Holy Land, an electric
star, Signifying the heavenly light
That guided the three Wise Men
to the stable where Christ was
born, shone over the Church Of
the Nativity.
:, The voices Of hundreds Of men
and women were lifted in devo-
tional hymns and Christmas
Earols as both the Protestant and
catholic churches in Bethlehem
were packed with worShippers,
many Of whom had come from
the far corners Of the earth.
Meat Ban Lifted
In Italy. joy was added to the
Yuletide celebration by Mussolini's
lifting Of the meatleSS ban during
the entire Christmas week. Re
straint in the holiday mood was
evident, however, because many
families have one or more Of their
loved ones on the East African
front fighting the EthiopianS.
The government has planned
that every soldier shall receive at
least one gift, and hundreds of
donations "for the boys down
there" have. been pouring III.
- In order that the troops may
not have "dry" Christmas, gifts
Of liquors, wines, and vermouths
have been acceptable.
=. Christmas is not the children's
general holiday in Italy as in
other countries. They have a
feast peculiarly their own, the
Epiphany, January 6, in honor of
the Three Wise Men from the East
and their tribute to the infant
Jesus.
Have Own Feast
: On that day La Befana'-not
Santa Claus-brings gifts to good
italian children, in commemora-
ton of the gifts of the three
kings to the infant.
Despite court mourning for the
recent death Of King Georges
sister, Christmas in England Is
being celebrated with more than
the usual festivity.
Increasing employment and
higher wages among the working
GLASSES coupled with the feeling
among business men that the
local trade barometer is set fair,
are probably responsible for the
greater celebration.
Led by King George and Queen
Mary, who are gathering with
their children and grandchildren
for q quiet family party at Sand
bingham House, the royal man.
sion in Norfolk county, the entire
fation has ceased business for a
holiday that will last from two
to five days in some industries.
Michael Gets Camera
The German Yuletide cele-
bration is always tremendously
begun with the lighting of can
dies on the Christmas tree,
Christmas eve. Christmas day
is reserved for big dinners and
1uncheons with large number
0f guests.
49, The most typical dinner con-
S1Sts of roast goose with apples
and green cabbage and a sub
Stantial pudding.
- In Belgrade, Yugoslavia, H.
Eear-old King Peter received no
christmas presents today-but
only because Christmas will not
be celebrated in Yugoslavia until
Jan. 5, in accordance with the
calendar of the Greek church.
4 Crown Prince Michael, of Ru-
mania, however, had his presents,
one Of which he was most proud
movie camera. King Carol gave
cameras to the prince and a dozen
Of his schoolmateS, many of them
4Tom humble families. at gather
ing around the Christmas tree in
the royal palace.
: French children woke up today
TO find their wooden shoeS-used
instead Of a stocking-filled with
toys and "bonbons." Meanwhile,
their elders forgot about the politi.
Gal scene, and wine merchants re-
ported a record sale of champagne
And nfha1. lin1lnrS