| Show HOW ABOUT THOSE CHRISTMAS GIFTS thanksgiving is history and the next big holiday coming is that happy yuletide the time when even everybody body wants not only to be happy but to make others happy this desire of making ones fel fell ownien happy has developed from a custom into an institution sti ution rution the institution of giving and now will vill come the weeks during which the question of to whom and what to give will occupy the thoughts of many a man woman and child A fellow editor in a boston paper has some time ago written ain an essay about it one of the main propositions of which is that to some gifts present quite a serious problem several factors may enter into the matter not the least of which is the fear of being thought mean or ungenerous if unable to measure up to the standard set by those with whom they are brou brought ht in contact with the growing tendency of the present day toward exaggeration and extravagance tho the more simple little tokens of affection and esteem which were often the result of personal labor and handiwork are being pushed more and more into the background and the gifts take the form of some expensive article which may be of passing interest but of no real or lasting pleasure to the recipient while to the giver it may mean an expenditure far beyond that which is convenient or even advisable this excessive gift giving often hresc presses ses unduly on the children in schools and young people in offices it is not easy for those who are not so richly endowed with this worlds goods to have to refuse when collections are taken up and children who are unable to take an adequate gift to some dearly loved teacher may suffer real sorrow when they see their more fortunate companions able to give lavishly A certain wise woman educator the head of a well known school in england once issued an edict that no presents were to be brought into her school for the teachers she recognized the danger which might arise from this practice and the false impression liable to be given of those unable to contribute in this manner often in the giving of presents worldly and selfish influences play i a larger part than is always recognized questions of expediency and pride may enter in which quite take the place of the loving desire to give joy and pleasure to the one whom they are supposedly honoring A gifty gift to be of real value must have as its foundation the spontaneity of unselfish love the earnest desire to help or meet some need of the one for whom it is destined As human beings learn to analyze more closely their motives in giving much that is selfish and unworthy will be eliminated and replaced with a truer sense of real values unexpected and worthier avenues for our bounty will be opened u up P and the joy and significance of truo true giving is learned those who aro are seemingly unable to give material gifts will understand that the giving of the priceless gifts of love kindness cooperation true loyalty and consideration for others will bring to the recipient and also to the giver an abiding peace and joy far outweighing the material symbol |
