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Show Dteoobtr 25 9 1950 r Mistletoe I and Yule Log Many Ways to Please Handymen He enjoys his workshop more than any other recreation, but he has everything he needs. The man who owns and uses No one really knows exactly a home workshop never has the origin, or even the mean- everything he needs if you ing, of the Yule log. We know, think of needs as wants! He however that it is of would be more than delighted origin. The ancient Druids with an electric drill to replace blessed it with great ceremony his hand one. This is, of course, to celebrate the beginning of only an example. the winter season, There are so many items for In some lands even today, the the wood and metal workshop. Yule log is decorated with flowers and wreaths, annointed with wine, then put in the fireplace and set ablaze. To bring good luck they tell you, the log must not be allowed to burn out during the Christmas season. Besides, a part of it has to be kept to start the fire next year. It is believed that the ashes of the Yule log have the powex to increase the fertility of the land. Thus, in many places the farmers scatter the ashes over their land on New Years Day. Another custom that came to us from times, is kissing under the mistletoe. In Mythology pre-Christi- an an pre-Christi- Once the mistletoe was used as a weapon of death. According to Norse mythology, the god of Evil, named Loki, planned to destroy the god of the warmth Balder. Balders mother who was the most influential of all the goddesses, obtained a promise from all living things that they would not harm Balder. All agreed, except the mistletoe who hadnt been asked. So, it was with a mistletoe arrow that Loki induced a blind man to kill the sun god. However, higher powers intervened, and Balder was restored to life. The mistletoe was placed under Friggas care and she, the life-givi- ng . , mother of Balder, saw to it that it was never again used to do harm. The custom of giving a kiss of love or peace beneath the mistletoe is an assurance that it will never again be used as an instrument of evil. STRICTLY FRESH If you cant remember what you did last New Years Eve, plan a quieter time this year. It isnt smoking thats habitforming; it's giving it up that is so hSrd to acquire. The eloquence of the speaker is in direct proportion to the number of nap - takers in the audience. Page 5 BLINDING OUTLOOK If you dont know what to item. Does he have enough electric choose, ask a knowing friend to is check for you. If this impos- outlets, a place to clean up, sible, and so is selecting it etc.? If not, here is another idea. yourself, give a gift certificate. This same man would also The possibilities for gifts to the handy man are practically enjoy a good sure-to-be-apprecia- ted do-it-your- self book or a subscription to one unlimited. of the magazines along these lines. If he doesnt have a handy peg board for hanging up his tools within sight and easy reach, this too is a good gift With a little thought, a little looking and asking around, you will be able to select a gift he will never stop thanking you for. |