| Show J The Abuse of Christmas C CHRISTMAS is close close upon us with with r t its gay accompaniment of Christmas Christ Christ- tJ mas trees turkeys toys mince pies puddings plum full stockings and light hearts and lighter purses The Christmas Christ Christ- ii mas spirit is in the air but it is a sad fact that many do not heed its influence Sorrowful and worried faces are seen among the happy ones while this joyful holiday is unwelcome in 4 many homes It It seems that Christmas has become a burden to many people and y yet jet t their pride prevents them from throwing it off k Generous old ola St. St Nicholas gave rise 1 to the evil long ago With his unlimited i ed he lavished his resources gifts gifts' on all until in the attempt to keep pace with him we have squandered our money year after year and have repented vainly each New Years Year's Day when the bills come in How many presents are made not for the pleasure of giving but because because because be be- cause pres presents are expected in return On the other hand it too often seems a adire adire adire dire disgrace to receive a gift for which you have not paid the full value Even if one remembers all his friends instead of taking into consideration the goodwill goodwill good good- will which prompted the gift the recipient recipient recipient often estimates it at its money value Too much has been given is being given and will continue to be be bet t given until prodigality has reached its limit when it is to be hoped the customary customary customary custo custo- mary reaction will take place It i is al almost almost al- al l- l most im impossible possible to surprise a child on Christmas now-a-days now except by giving it too little littie A small boy was heard to say the other day that if he couldn't have fifty dollars for Christmas he didn't want anything A modest demand certainly certainly certainly when it is considered that he heis r ris is one of six children who all have to be equally served What are we coming to is asked Good sense it is to be hoped although it must be confessed the hope does not seem likely to be gratified soon How many people are spoiling their Christmas Christ Christ- mas by vain wishes and lamentations for what they do not possess Certainly it is to be regretted that we are not all millionaires but such is the case therefore therefore therefore there there- fore that classic proverb Dont Don't cry J Jover over spilt milk should be heeded 1 Surely a silver lining can be found to toj j holiday clouds cloud s. s No Noone one of us is the only one under its shadow Get the Christmas spirit the spirit the spirit that abounds 1 in holly and mistletoe in tinkling in roaring fires and above I fl all in the cheerful heart Let the meaning meaning meaning mean mean- ing of Christmas be uppermost in our minds and if we cannot delight our friends with more substantial gifts let a happy face and a kind word be evidence that we have caught the Christmas spirit t. t The CHRONICLE extends the seasons season's greeting to the students in the immortal words of old Saint Nicholas Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night |
