Arlene Boyce

December 25 is one of the happiest days in the year, for it is the day millions of people all over the world celebrate the birth of Christ. The name Christmas is short for "Christ's Mass".

The idea of gifts at Christmas time came from the story of the three wise men. In some countries, Christmas presents a r e not given until January 6, the time when the wise men brought gifts to the child in the manger. Many people think that the idea of Christmas gifts came from an old Roman custom, since it is believed that the Romans had exchanged presents to celebrate the lengthening of the day. Exchanging gifts and sending Christmas cards are modern ways of making the Christmas season, a merry one.

Decorating with holly, mistletoe, and evergreens goes back to an early custom in northern Europe. Burning a great Yule log is another custom that grew up in northern Europe as a part of the midwinter celebration. This still is a joyous ceremony in England.

The idea of Christmas trees came from Germany. Now it has spread to many other countries throughout the world. A little manger scene may take the place of a Christmas tree in many lands. The French people call a scene of this kind a creche.

In Holland children put wooden shoes in front of the fireplace for Saint Nicholas to fill on the night before his feast day, Dec. 6. In America, the idea of a saint changed to that of a jolly, fat man dressed in red who lives at the North Pole and rides in a sleigh drawn by eight reindeer. In many countries, groups of children go about singing Christmas carols of Yuletide.

Christmas is a time when children hang up their stockings in hope that Saint Nicholas will fill them with toys and loads of goodies.

But no matter where you may live, whether it be in America, Europe, or south of the equator, where December comes in the summer, although the customs may differ, the spirit of Christmas remains the same.