The Daily Alaska empire., 1936-12-20
HER HAPPIEST CHRISTMAS AND
 GOOD REASONS

For many years Marelu had not been exactly happy on Christmas; somehow she had never received the pretty things bestowed upon other girls. If they all only knew how 1 have secretly longed for those soft, dainty luxuries," thought Marelu, as she sat before the fireplace, just : three days before Christmas.
 There are those kitchen aprons, for instance, from dear old aunt Lucia. Every year, as far back as I can remember, it has always been aprons. must have almost dozen by now. Then there is cousin Marie, who has been sending the inevitable handkerchief right along, year after year. There must be quite collec- ton of them too"
 While she had been grateful and thankful for these kind remem- brances she had not been exactly thrilled.
 A happy Christmas thought sug- gested itself to Marelu as she gazed out at the slender icicles shining like silver in the moonlight. T know what I'll do. I'll start right now and wrap up all these things into pretty Christmas parcels and give them to some one who really needs them
 When Christmas day arrived Marelu started out with her basket brimming full of beautifully wrap ped and tied Christmas gifts. Every step she took over the holiday car pet of snow represented a kindly thought of cheer.
 Merry Christmas" she cried, as she handed a bright colored parcel to dear old Linda Larsen.
 The very same to you" said she, with a questioning look of sur prise. The next moment she was proudly unwrapping a pair of pretty bath towels. Marlene and Dolly, two little girls around the corner, danced up and down with joy when they saw the snowy handkerchiefs with colored borders. Marelu smiled hap oily as she left the little girls and proceeded to her next stop. Fife Lynn was overwhelmed with sur prise when gift was handed her. She explained that it had been years since she had received a Christmas present.
 After several other interesting calls Marelu started for home. The street lights flashed on and the glimmering Christmas trees joined in the ceremony on all sides of her As she drew near her own home she stood still a moment and ad- mired the grandeur of the dark pines encircling the house under a white burden of snow. The varia- tions of colors gleaming from the windows seemed to be stretching out to meet the pines
 Inside the house was warmth and joy and Christmas cheer as the family gathered about the Christi mas tree, pointed with the star oi Bethlehem. Marelu was just in time for the celebration Bobby had been chosen to read off the names upon the gifts and all eyes were centered upon the huge basket con- taining them.
 First on the program" shouted Bobby, lis for mother" All wondered what it could be.
 "A gorgeous lamp shade" cried mother, as she held it up for all to see
 While still admiring this thing of beauty, Bobby shouted louder than ever, something for the governor, himself Get ready, pop, for your surprise
 What can the strange package be, for goodness sake?" said father. his eyes popping with interest. Well, I do declare, if it isn't golf set. Just what I have wanted for long time," as he started to examine it.
 "Oh boy, hold out your hands and catch, Dot ducky package for you. all tied with silver cord. What is it? Open it quick"
 Dot removed the bright red tis-