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Show UINTAH BASIN RECORD 1845 Friday, December 21, EvOiunOil OiVuii Of Santa Claus St. Nicholas and Santa Claus met at the Sunday School Christmas party and, being sort of busy right then, agreed to rendezvous at midnight under the Christmas tree. St. Nicholas, a lean Asiatic wearing his miter and canonical robes, spoke first: I lived in Asia Minor some 1600 years ago. I was Archbishop of Myra and, while living on earth, I did drop a few purses of gold down a poor mans chimney so his daughters could be supplied with dowries. European countries celebrate my liturgical Feast Day g December 6 as a day of across rode I centuries for and Europe on my old gray mare; my pockets bulged with apples and nuts and trinkets, which I gave to good children while switching the naughty gift-givin- I A VI SIT FROM OLD cpiaiT The stockings were hung by the chimney with care. In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; The children were nestled ail snug in their beds danced through their heads, While visions of sugar-plum- s And Mamma In her 'kerchief, and I in my cap. Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nop. couldnt see the couple behind her but their words added to her mounting despair and fury. Overhead, placards exhorted to tinsel-wreathe- 1822. Someone forgot to turn out the lights after the Sunday School party and St. Nicholas was so interested in Santas zippered boots that he forgot his bundle of birch rods. Santa Claus Is Bearer of Gifts In Many Lands Mothers of America are overwhelmingly agreed that parents should teach their children to believe in Santa Claus. At least that is the conclusion drawn from a recent opinion poll by a leading womans magazine. One of the women polled made an answer typical of many: Belief in Santa Claus is one of the beautiful wonders of childhood. It gives us a period in which dreams come true and anything is possible. Christmas is like heaven on earth for the very young, the magazine points out. But as America moves from war to peace, there is an inevitable emphasis on reality and truth. No one wants to fool or be w ild !j They knew he would come. fooled. Therefore, should even happy myths be promoted? Should children still be taught to believe In Santa Claus? Should they enjoy all the magic of childhood while they can. Including the traditional myths, or should they be told the truth in preparation for the adult world they must some day face? Considering these questions, the opinion poll asked a group of women of milrepresenting a lions of American homes, Do you think parents should teach their children to believe in Santa Claus? The response was decisively affirmative. More than 87 per cent of the women voted yes." If a child thinks of Santa as man there will be eventual disillusionment, commented on woman. But Santa portrayed as tha spirit of giving remains a beautiful Idea. Another woman pointed out: Santa U as real as Uncle Sam. n Jsig mid-da- buy fur coats, diamonds, perfume. She shut her eyes to them but she could not shut her ears. That was one swell party last night, sighed the man. Oh, boyl The girl squealed. Mrs. Weston cringed. The high laughter was like the whistle In Puppo, the rubber dog theyd given Harvey Jr. his third Christmas. Puppo had become more than a toy. He still lived In glory, a kind of household god enshrined in the whatnot in Harveys room, "Love to Puppo," Harvey ended his letters. Puppo always topped the gift-givin- g, whet to my wondering eyes should appear, a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. With a little old driver so lively and quick, .... I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came. And he whistled, and shouted, and coiled them bynamet Now, Dasherl now. Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixenl On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away, all!" As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly. When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky; the coursers they flew. So up to the house-to- p full of With the sleigh toys, and St. Nicholas too Qs ft HEN But rJ 'tfAgSS&k f JUI iiww MODERN INDUSTRY SERVES THE SPIRIT OF OUR CHRISTMAS then. a twinkling, heard on the roof JND prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas 'came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot. And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back. And he looked like a pedler just opening his pack. His eyes how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow. And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth. And the smolte, it encircled his head like a wreath ones with my bundle of birch rods. But what is all this Christmas business and where did that red suit come from? When the Dutch settlers came to America, replied Santa Claus, They brought many legends about St. Nicholas with them. These legends, with writers and cartoonists cooperating, gradually slipped into American traditions; Santa ClauS started coming around at Christmas time; Washington Irving suggested the sleigh and reindeer in 1809; Thomas Nast supplied the red suit, and Dr. Clement Moore sort of tied the whole idea together when he wrote The Visit of St. Nicholas In cross-sectio- ss new-falle- n d Santa at army outpost. .crjr P,if flit pre-Chri- s, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see vyhat was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash. Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. snow The moon an the breast of the y to objects below . . Gave a lustre of with IN THE streetcar crowded holiday shoppers Mrs. Weston I E Christmas tree. Thered be no tree this year. It was worse than childish of Harv to want one. She wouldnt have it. A package had been sent to Harvey Jr. overseas in October, but there'd be no Christmasing at home. Wicked, horrible, thought Mrs. Weston, that people ara going through all the old motions of a Merry Christmas. No one has a right to be merry. You looked super last night, You are super, said tha man. honey. You're so beautiful." Tdr. Weston turned slightly and caught a glimpse of a fiat pretty face surrounded by blond curls. You rate orchids, honey," the man went on, and you're goin to have them. The constant ache In Mrs. Westons heart sharpened to a stab. For such fools her Harvey was risking his life. Another block of their chatter and, Mrs. Weston would say, "The money squandered on orchids, young man, would buy a good many war stamps," or, This is no occasion for whoopee." Jack thinks the Army is going to get him this time. It was the girl speaking. And is he scared! " The woman next her got o fit and another squeezed in. Certainly going to be a big Christmas," observed the newcomer cheerfully. Were you downtown Saturday? Worst jam I ever saw." I was not." Mrs. Weston felt compelled to explain. I am going to town now only to select a wreath for my mothers grave." Behind her the young people were still shrilling about Jack and the Army. Tell him well give him a farewell party. Tell him if he gets shot hell have a pretty nurse." The man was chortling. Lets get oft next corner, beautiful. You can buy ma a drink. Liquor, thought Mrs. Weston furiously. That explained their incessant giggling over nothing. She raised her voice. I don't see how people can think about Christmas. How they can drink and laugh and waste money on silly things. Life Is her voice broke. Heavto terrible ens, people were starlngt My son somewhere in the Pacific," she added hurriedly in a low voice. I Im thinking of him. She felt a hand on her shoulder. Lady you have the wrong angle." The man behind her leaned forward. Her eyes met compassionate blue ones In a face curiously pale. It dont help your boy any for you to have no Christmas. Be as merry as you can. Lika as not he'll be back, fit as a fiddle like me." He lurched to hii feet. Something caught In Mrs. Weston's throat He was limping to the door. The car jolted to a stop and tha girl thrust a steady littla hand under his arm. Drunk, thought Mrs. g Weston, drunk with the Joy of alive. She sprang to her feet without apology pushed through the Welt! crowd. But they were getting off. She was halted by tha crowda on the sidewalk. Standing on tiptoe she saw the couple turn In at the dairy bar. A drink. Theyd laugh and maka lovt over an ice cream soda. Merry Christmas, soldier, she whispered, Be as merry as you can.' Misty-eyeshe walked to the eor-nrimmed with Chrlstma trees. A small tres, chokad Mrs. Weston. She wiped her eyes and picked one up. testing Its weight It must be etrong, she told the van-do- r firmly. Strong enough to hold up a good elzed rubber dog, and and our spirits. customs and tion serving the spirit of friendship, the prom-- " j 5 echoing ise of peace and Mji good will, f Yulefide Wreaths ographed MYERS '"OLORFUL d , make-believ- Chenille Flufflness To restore the fiumness of chenille and candlewlck which has bien washed, shake the article vigorously from time to Utne while it Is drying When dry, brush with a ' so- dis1845 scenes greetings to his many friends during the Christmas season. In 1846, John Calcott Horsley, Royal Academician, designed a card for Sir Henry Cole. Thus the custom of sending Christmas cards seems to have been inaugurated although, even as far back as Queen Annes reign, it was customary for children to write Christmas pieces. Such "Christmas pieces" were specimens of handwriting with elaborately engraved borders designed to represent some current event or subject studied by the children during the year, and were sold in shops and at bazaars until about 1840. Christmas cards were introduced into the United States during the 1870s by Marcus Ward and Company of London and for a short while the English firm enjoyed a monopoly of the market The name of Louis Prang is outstanding in the history and development of the modern Christmas card Industry. Mr. Prang, an exile from Germany following the revolution of 1848, introduced the art idea into American public schools via the Prang method of education. In 1874, Prang invaded the Christmas card field. Prizes were offered for the best designs and perfected litho- graphic processes. All and Offers Chances for Clever Designs. half-doze- I inscribed with Its Fun for decora-tion- s homemade that lend gaiety to the Christmas tree and help out any lack of store trimmings can be made from such commonplace things as egg shells, peanuts, pine cones, squashes and colored paper. Eggshell trinkets offer a variety of decorative possibilities. The shells can be salvaged from family baking days by running a darning needle through the shell at both ends and blowing out the contents. If necessary the holes can be enlarged so that a bright-colore- d string with a knot in the end can be run through the egg, so that it may be strung gaily on the tree. Before stringing on the tree, shells may be colored all the hues of the rainbow, as at Easter time. Or designs In pencil on the shell may be made In the form of scrolls, leaves or figures. The designs may be filled In with colors, outlined with black crayons. Christmas seals pasted on white eggshells will be bright and shiny. Colored confetti dots can likewise be used on the egg3. Peanut dolls to hang on the tree can be made by stringing suitable sizes together and tying the cord tightly to keep them in shape. They can be painted gold or silver or any other color that will liven the tree and give the little folks a part in tha decorative scheme. A star Santas swinging from the tree will add interest. Make some stars from heavy paper. Paste a Santa head onto the top point and design white mittens co the next two, draw a belt and its done. Run a string through San taa hat and tie to a branch. Small green squashes painted with shellac or varnish so they will retain their freshness can be either tied to the tree or arranged around tha base. Pin cones tied with ribbons and perhaps a bell and painted white or e allver for frost are perfect for suspending from the tree. Booki Victorias favorite painters, sent lith- AGNES BETHLEHEM ''EPERS centennial .it or sp--a card is being It was in 1845 ox 212, that the first G; INST when W. C. Dobson, one of Queen had a broad face and a little round belly TH6TAR0E first chIstrna, called, was patched In By Dr. Clement C. Moore Make Your Own Reputedly, the card, properly d be-in- er In a busy world, the Christmas card has assumed a definite place among Christmas That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf. And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work. And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk And laying his finger aside of his nose-Angiving a nod, up the chimney he He sprang to his sleigh, to his team g j whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO All A GOOD WGHTl" Lady, you have the wrong angle." :st epo lidst Christmas literally mea.s Mass of Christ the Nativity of Jesus. Nevertheless, many Chrlsttn, ,, nated in the folklore and traditions of w? , The season of the winter solstice experts k, been was born during that time of year-- ha, rejoicing since, and even prior to, the recordiT4' Peoples of northern Europe celebrated the F been at its Iowm t,ily qmeJ sun wheel, when the sun-ha- ving ktorner awim; Its course toward the earth once more r fni, an 18 b to fires Frost of the King; consume In defiance a on to the soil year, whose ashes Imparted fertility lm' considered J? charms were af6 to against the year, year of Saturnalia , festival honored The Roman the of the agricultural arts. Saturnalia was a teai v through 25, and merged with the Calends of Jay scien decorations within terized by revelry, etc. ments, The followers of Mithras celebrated the Feast v Druids solemnized the cutting of the Mistletoe, the n memorate the Festival of Lights, and the Egyptiaaj A CT winter festival to Iris and her symbol the palm tree. As ancient peoples were converted to Christianit, n assumed place among traditions honoring the n.J A K grew into the Christ and bequeathed to mankind J!,e tbi; philosophies of human conduct. when oil through the house, C7WA$ the night before Christmas, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; 80 tRTRUOl aVVINDtRS In 'i.y. Good Tidings to Ail Broken Eggs Last year the railroarp of this country paid out around $,'50,000 for eggs broken in transports tion. U.S.J The custom estii. found numerous if an English noble Cole, commission : Calcott Horsley, NAPI mas card for ha to I According to otn Cole had receive! c ber of holiday le'z RUB not find time to As a means of sole ' he called in Hors to design an apje n he natioi , Horsley s first L Victoria! a picted methoJ Joying the holidaj expel profusion of detad. future the modtred , many of by traditional "A Me of yn! a Happy New pc on the card, with J miles c filling In the naerd from and the recipient os 25 1 From this bejc fho e . ' Gfert . , , ago, the custom i ''f mas cards has ip' " ocean to the Unite k has become holiday a trai-- 5 observante nJustry motor v Cross-f- If properly done : fenced pastures ri more useful and r productive. Ale:. shade for each ire are important r : planning A. cross-fen- The only place they could find shelter was it j which had been built in a natural hollow, orcr, side. The stable was in darkness. The detp' sleeping cattle, cows and donkeys warmed j Hay was strewn about and with the aid of his la' soon made a comfortable place for them to However, the dim light of his lantern wass.4 ered by a great illumination from heaven, ft was presently filled with light, and beams shone all about. A wonderful thing had happ E child had been born and His mother had s' in soft swaddling clothesMary and laid Him in a gentle rustle of wings was heard in the air ani angels hovered over the manger. With joy5 greeted the little messenger of mercy and lovfChild whom God had sent to the world; the been born in a lowly stable and laid in 8 c sle asn-su- The little village of Bethlehem, hardly more than a half mile wide, and only a single street in length, had houses of white stone with small domes, and were snuggled in the dark foliage of olive trees. Fig groves and vineyards adorned the rocky terraces close by. It was a land which held many sadred memories. There was the spot where Jacob had his first great grief, when his beloved wife Rachel was buried; and yonder were the fields where Ruth, in the days of early Israel, had come to reap barley and walk with Naomi, in the evenings, beside a gentle brook. It was to this land that Joseph and Mary were coming, the early home of their own great grandfather David, who had kept his fathers sheep on mese very hills and had learned to sing the sores of praise to God. 2 & - n The sleeping hills were now flooded with angel of the Lord, in an intense sheath of 1$' heaven and surprised a group of shepherds the tower of Eder, , announcing to them Holy Child. Multitudes of angels sped the sky, . ings of joy afar. Music rang throughout thel the angel host. The great gospel anthem fell"Glr in all its divine beauty and thrilling force, the highest, and on earth peace, good will towa shepherds ran up the steep road to Bethlehem star that God had placed over the stable, ftunu Glory and worshipped Him with adoration pounr celes-A- ap l The ascent to the town, over the dusty glare of grey lime- ast hillsYW?s and was so steep iourney that Mary had to alight from her donkey and go up on foot Presently passing through a low gate, she and Joseph were at last in the mountain town of Bethlehem. In those days, the simplicity of life madethe wav-farwelcome in the homes. To bring water at passing once to wash the traveler s feet, dusty with the Eastern sandals, was an act of courtesy. Food and lodging for himself and his beasts were provided, and the traveler was made to feel that he was uder the sacred protection of his host. However, when Joseph and Mary reached Bethlehem every house was filled for travelers had been journeying there in because of the census. Even the Inn, whichgreat numbers was a wude rnlding, consisting of a single empty room, on the floor of SPIead S CarPC er hearts. & ame star that burned over the sacred had night brought other men from a far off f Men from the East. k? They, too, had seen the heralding the birth of a King. The star had gui mountain, valley and parched deserts, till at last Bethlehem. Their camels walked one by one narrow streets, bearing their rich burden, forc kings of great wealth. The star pointed to the camels knelt before the open door and the Wise ,01; the treasures they had brought; boxes of lumes and rare spices. They laid their gifts at smi mg infant in the manger, and fell upon ervent worship of Jesus the Saviour, |