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Show White House Guides Yule Little Towns Jackson fond the cherished Many Of Bethlehem large, parties make Christmas ditions and merrier the United States Frozen had their start in the White masat Celebrate that time, ty tra- of which in House. George Washington, first President of the United States, surrounded himself with family and grandchildren at cheerful Christmas parties, and set the theme of a "merry Christmas for his country. Washington also furthered the use of American holly as a decoration by growing the d tree on his estate at Mount Vernon. glossy-leave- RING THE BELLS In Switzerland, bell ringing is a Christmas tradition and each community prides itself on the harmony of its bells The church bells of Zurich have rung in har- mony for hundreds of years, each Christmas calling the faithful to church services. Andrew giving for young Day. was of colorful old on Christices, a novelwere served, and there was a small, frosted pine tree, surrounded by toys. Franklin Pierce introduced the modern Christmas tree to the White House in 1856. Benjamin Harrison, in 1889, told reporters he planned an old fashioned Christmas including a Christmas tree, for his family, and urged others to join him in observing the custom. Conservation-minde- d Theo- dore Roosvelt once refused to allow a Christmas tree in the White House. His son, Archie, smuggled one in, however, and the President finally relented. First lighting of the National Community Christmas Tree at the White House was observed in 1923, when Calvin Coolidge was President. - WHITE CHRISTMAS scenes are traditional greeting card subjects and many times before the holiday arrives we overhear someone express the hope that it will be a White Snow Several states, all over the United States, can boast of Christmas." having their very own little It is almost certain, however, town of Bethlehem. that there was no snow in BethIn New England, for exam- lehem on the night that Christ ple, theres a place named was born. If anything, there Bethlehem in New Hampshire, could have been rain, as December 25 falls in the midst of the and another in Connecticut. Moving across country, rainy season in Bethlehem. Bethlehems are found in Pennsylvania, Maryland, KenNOT ALWAYS POPULAR tucky, Mississippi, Georgia, Indiana and Iowa. People from nearby communities and neighboring states flock to Bethlehem, Conn every Christmas to have their greeting card envelopes imprinted with a special seasonal message, then mailed from the town post office. Last year, due to the demand, there were ten different greeting designs available for Christmas card senders. , - CHRISTMAS ISSUE PAYSON CHRONICLE 84651 Utah Thursday, December 25,1 969 Payson, THE The practice of using Christmas trees as part of the Yuletide celebration was for many years looked upon as "pagan. This accounted for the slow acceptance of the custom after the Hessian soldiers in the American Revolution introduced the Christmas tree during the American Revolution In fact, as late as 1851, a Cleveland minister created quite a controversy when he set up a tree in his church SEASONAL CHANGE The small town of Hartford, Kentucky is well remembered by tourists because of a large sign on the outskirts or town. It reads: "Welcome to Hartford, Ky., Home of 2000 Happy People and a Few Soreheads. Visitors during the Christmas season last year were even more impressed. Above the large sign was an additional sign: Even the Few Soreheads Wish You a Merry Christmas! SIGHTING ROBINS Popular motif on early Christmas cards was the English robin possibly because English postmen, who delivered the cards, In those days wore red uniforms and were often called Robin. Creche Is Constructed Also contributing to the holiday atmosphere in Connectal icuts Christmas town, is the creche constructed by nuns at a nearby Benedicsemi-offici- tine monastery. In the creche, which emphasizes the primitive simplicity of the Nativity, are figures of the Virgin and Joseph, dressed in peasant garb, and a crib with the Christ Child, covered by a bright patchwork quilt. At Christmas, the nuns also make, and offer for sale, life-siz- ed tree orna- ments. Each Christmas, Bethlehem, Pa., is the scene of an impressive candlelight carol and communion service. Traditional Since 1741 Celebrated, complete with organ and orchestral music, in the Central Moravian Church, it has been a tradition since 1741, when Count Nicholas von Zinzendorf, holding a lighted candle, led his people into a cabin and named their settlement Bethlehem in honor of the Christ Child. Decorated trees also play an important part during Bethlehems nationally famous Christmas festival on the bridge connecting various parts of the city. Every Christmas since 1951, a star erected by townspeople has guided visitors to Bethlehem, Georgia. . On Christmas night, a carol service is held beneath the star. . all the joys of this wonderful season and have a truly memorable happy holiday. Gean's Photo Hill-to-H- Dastrups ill 60-fo- ot Yule Ends in Safe Blaze in appreciation of your patronage and friends for a holiday filled with the happy sounds of laughter. Merry Christmas. Best wishes to customers Moore Sheet Metal . . . Christmas can come to an and end in a blaze of glory a safe one, too. Custom sets a date for the disposal of the tree by burning. Its January 6, the Twelfth Night of Christtraditionmas, or Epiphany ally the night when the Three Wise Men, or Magi, made their visit to the Christ Child in Bethlehem. The modern world, reviving the Twelfth Night custom of bonfires for disposing of the tree and other greenery, combines the safety factor with community spirit and fun. Twelfth Night celebrations are planned in many commund ities in public parks for groups. Its a great night for the kids and their parents. Children bring the trees to the park, or the town collects them. On Twelfth Night everyone gathers around the bonfire of trees and greenery to sing carols. nelgh-bornoo- Forey |