Show A discordant NOTE there was no discord in the angels song that ushered in tha first christmas but into the joy of the christmas of our time has crept a discordant tone that for want of a better name we will call compulsory giving that this kind of giving Is among us we must admit that it brings worry and discomfort instead of peace and happi ness we must also admit the sadness that steals ino some joya brings the world nearer to tho man of sorrows but such Is not tho mission of compulsory giving what can be more discordant and more ruinous to alie harmony of the angels song peace and good will to men than tha thought that prompts the giving of a gift because it will bo expected or because the rols a supposed obligator obliga ton to bo returned how little fc uch feelings are in accord with the true christmas spirit try as we may however to persuade ourselves that such feelings exist only in our imagination our efforts are vain the air is full of inharmonious sounds to many christmas has become a burden and a sign of relief is breathed when the has become a thing of the past so much energy is expended upon the magnitude of the gifts that the simplicity and love that make their real worth are forgotten and there is danger that the beautiful thought of christmas will be lost instrument An that haa a note out ot tune requires not only the perfect car to bring ft back into harmony but alie mechanical touch as well so in the matter of giving prosaic and commonplace as the thought may seem we must bring our common sense and independence of action into play c how delightful ita would be if the note that is out of tune could be found and the necessary touch given to restore its melody tin would require effort but most things that are worth doing require not only effort but oft repeated effort to this end let the well chosen card with its appropriate message be sent with just as happy a heart it that is all the pocketbook will permit as the more elaborate gift the friend who receives it it she be a true friend will appreciate the thought more than the gift |