| Show KEAL CHRISTMAS CHRIST aiAS SPIRIT this editorial is inspired by a letter written to santa claus the other day by a small boy in this community and which the editor was privileged to see before it was mailed this letter brief but with a world of meaning read as follows dear santa I 1 have everything I 1 want except a buck rogers book but please do something to make the poor people happy for christmas this child very evidently was imbued with the real christmas spirit which makes one realize that it is more blessed to give than to receive if he does not lose this ideal as the years go by in his contact with the mercenary world he undoubtedly will practice this scriptural motto to the great benefit of himself and the pleasure of others we parents sometimes feel very self righteous when we plan what we are going to give our children and take very little thought of what we ourselves are going to get but after all that a selfish rather than an unselfish ish attitude I 1 remember in my childhood days it if you will pardon a personal reference that I 1 became rather embittered each christmas eve when they had the exercises in the country meeting house and a neighbor boys name was called off time after time and he marched smugly up to the big christmas tree to receive his presents while I 1 had bad to be content with getting a small bag of candy and nuts which were provided for each chud child present this aforesaid boy was the only child arid and only grandchild in the family while I 1 was one of ten children and my parents were unable to afford individual presents I 1 even was guilty of resorting to falsehoods to cover up my embarrassment barras when other children would ask me what I 1 got for christmas I 1 would think of all the things I 1 would like to have re 1 and enumerate them as the presents I 1 had actually been given I 1 do not blame my parents in this matter for I 1 know their struggles nor do I 1 greatly criticism criticise critic ise lse myself for fibbing the fault lay with those who had not learned the true pleasure of giving to others outside their own family several of the local organizations headed by the richfield study club and assisted by the richfield city council the lions club and legion auxiliary are outlining a very worthy program which will place toys fruits ady candy and nuts in the hands of every child in this city who might hotl not I 1 have much christmas otherwise I 1 uso also the various departments of the churches will carry on a similar work as usual but it be a fine thing if we could suggest 9 est or encourage our own children to share some of their christmas in which is often over abend ant with the children next door or across the breet who will look on hungrily as they see our kiddies displaying their toys on christmas day inculcating this real christmas spirit early in a child may mean the laying of an important stone in the foundation of his character which will go through life with him peace on earth good will toward men is a beautiful sentiment but with war clouds again han hanging ing over europe threatening entanglements entangle ments with this country and the extreme smug selfishness afflicting so many of us not only at christmas but throughout the year make it appear that the teachings of the master have not sunk very deeply into the hearts of humanity after all lets all do a little more than usual for someone else this christmas you all have toys or could spare a little money perhaps to help these local organizations which are undertaking der taking this big task |
