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Show with being first. Christmas cards were introduced in the United States by Louis Prang, a German immigrant who settled in Roxbury, Mass., Known as the 'father of the American Christmas card," Prang printed his first one in 1873. By 1881, he was turning out five million yule cards a Customs (From Page ISC,' CoL 8) sacred . oak. He convinced the people instead to adorn fir trees in their homes in tribute to the Christ Child. Although Christ's birthday was celebrated on various dates as early as the third century, its observance wasn't sanctioned officially until a century later. Until then, Church fathers withheld their blessings because they feared the occasion would be tied in withpagan , festivals. Finally, to satisfy growing Christian desire, Pope Julius I authorized an investigation to determine Christ's probable birthdate. This led to the selection of Dec. 25. On that date in 353. A. D., the feast of the Nativity was first observed in Rome. Exchanging Christmas cards is a fairly recent custom. It began in England in the 1840's. The exact date is in dispute. The first sender is also a source of argument. At least four persons, including a artist, are credited r--j i 4- - It was in the 1870's that nostalgic winter scenes by the famed Currier and Ives became highly popular as Christmas , card illustrations. Even today, Currier and Ives Christmas cards are perennial best sellers, according to greeting cards firms. One business organization alone sends out Currier and Ives 200,000 Christmas cards each year. The No. 1 Christmas favorite of children, of course, is The Jolly old Santa Claus. original Santa Claus was St century Nicholas, a fourth bishop famous in his lifetime for his great generosity, especially to children. - Legend has it that St. Nicholas secretly tossed bags of gold into the home of three dowry-le- ss girls when they reached marriageable age. On one of these missions, the bag fell into a stocking hung 'near the chimney to dry. And so began the custom of hanging stockings on. Christmas Eve. St. Nick," who lived in Asia Minor, became the patron saint of children in several countries, Including Greece, Holland, Russia and Belgium. As his fame spread to Scandinavia, he picked up his reindeer and . sleigh. . Santa's rosy cheeks, white beard, and portly frame came from the pen of Dr. Clement Moore of New York who immortalized him in his 1822 poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas. starts with the This poem now famous line, Twas the night before Christmas. . Famed cartoonist' Thomas Nast popularized Santa Claus! even more in 1863 by picturing him in a bright red, . ' 4 f - ' A- - ( . enactment of Christ's birth with a creche, or crib scene. Although started several hundred years earlier, the custom wasn't popularized until the 13th of century by St. Francis Assist At that time, there were few books available and most people couldn't read anyway. To give an understanding portrayal of Christmas, St Francis dramatized the Nativity in 1224, at Greccio, Italy. Villagers took the parts" of the Joseph and Mary, shepherds. Live animals were wax figure of used. A life-siz- ed the Christ Child was placed in the manger. The living creche attracted large crowds from nearby and distant areas. And as the pilgirms stood about admiring the scene, St Francis led them in Joyous songs written in the vernacular. Thus was born another great and popular custom-Christm- as caroling. Try Green sheet - Drawn by Gayle Buchanan, sixth grade, Rosecrest School. Parents Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Buchanan. OPTICAL SHOP 4792 Want Ads! So. State 266-21- 21 0 r'H 0 Or c ., j ed . Drawn byt Bryan Norton, sixth grade, Plymouth School. Par-ant- s, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Norton. MURRAY STATE REALTORS 5105 So. State 262-264- 1 year. Murray, Utah, EAGLE ICf IwV U Th New A4mrtlw 1965 December 23, Thursday, suit The use of poinsettias as Christmas decorations isn't old as customs go. Dr. Joel Poinsett of Charleston, S. C, after whom the flower is named, in- troduced the plant to the United States in 1828. In Mexico and Central America, where the flower apparently originated, it was known as tbe 'Flower of the Holy Ntght. One of the most revered Christmas customs is the re- - Drown byi Mary Ann Romney, fifth grade, East Millcreek School. Parents, Mr .and Mrs. Richard Paul Romney. IVafeh For GRAND OPENING of oar ncwfy-remotfe- cd Drown by Kim T. Pockord, sixth grade, Plymouth School. Porenls, Mr. and Mrs. N. Jean Pockord. Murray office KflMt 'J irota-acBwi- and LOAM ASOOCIATION ?0? Scnth Statn ft jrtrfww |