The Key West citizen., 1952-12-22
OUR CHRISTMAS HERITAGE

The Christmas season always brings back the sweet
est memories of youth to those who enjoy the fantasy
and sparkle of the Santa Claus story In addition it brings
more significant observance respect for the Christ
ian principles of fe which often forgotten in
the rush of modern living.
The real Christmas spirit is of unselfishness and
giving Thus the people who enjoy the around the
Christmas tree, Christmas morning and the emptyng
of stockings, than the children the mothers
and fathers who watch this exciting moment year
AS Christmas Day, 1852 approaches, the time seems
highly appropriate for dedication to the princi
pies of Christianity. The United States of all the coun-
tries in the history of the world today enjoys bless
ngs and of the good things of life than any other
nation. Yet, live in troubled times, when American
bcys dying far-away battlefieds and when sa4
weapons threaten to devasate large of the world
in an instant The ominous which can result from
the of these weapons is almost terrible to
attempt to describe
AS nation must hope and pray that we will
survive the modern crisis and have those the past
and there every to believe that We will Mean
while, briefly to observe and enjoy the Christ
mas holiday The decorations the spirit and the
mood of Christmas have been handed down to us from
many nations and the various customs date back many
centuries We celebrate the anniversary of the birth of
Jesus the 25th of December although the experts
have been able to agree that this the right date
January 9th observed by the Christians in Palestine
and Egyptian theoogans fixed the date as May GOTH
Others observed April 10th and 20h and MANY schol-
have contended that December 25th far from the
mark Nevertheless continue to observe this day and
it is good any other The different countries con-
tbuted different parts of the overall Christmas pag-
eantry and observance The carols seem to have come
from Germany, where they sung in the Eleventh
Century The custom of decorating homes green comes
from England
The Christmas tree originated in Germany and the
first authentic mention of Christmas tree concerned one
ak CtraSt sr n ~
always observed by fireworks this custom having
been introduced into this country by French immigrants
who had settled around New Orleans The observance
the Christmas with fireworks comes from France
Spain and Italy.
The belief in Santa Claus the giver of gifts orig
mated in Germany Saint Nicholas the German eorrup-
ton being Santa Claus is supposed have given three
young women, who had suitors. bags of gold after
which gift they quickly married and lived happily
aferward. From this legend and spirit the Santa
Claus story has into the grand custom that it is
today The Norsemen actually added the chimney descent
othe German legend.
So, the Christmas season, and the Christmas story
derived from the legends and of many coun
tries of the world But in country has the traditional
Observance taken more and charm than in
the United States. As observe this holiday season it's
well TO remember the contributions of all in the spirit
viii. some day, somehow be peace on earth and good
will among men.
early In the mornings.