VOL. XVI, NO. 5
DECEMBER 13, 1974
Christmas Spirit Lives On
By KATHY COOPER
Remember when Christmas meant something special? Remember when staying up to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus was almost as big as the thrill of opening the gifts he left? How about choosing the perfect tree or the perfect gift for your friend or singing carols on Christmas Eve?
In this age of artificial trees, skeptical children, and "one-minute stop‑and‑shop" gifts, where can one find the spirit of the Christmas season? The answer is simple: look inside yourself.
Somewhere hidden beneath the square root of the hypotenuse, Warriner's, and history term papers there is a faint memory of what Christmas used to be - mainly, a time of great exuberance.
Not everyone's memory of Christmas will be the same, of course. Perhaps it is relatives coming over or Auntie Jane pinching your cheek or leaving cookies and milk for Santa.
Remember when Christmas meant something special? Remember when staying up to catch a glimpse of Santa Claus was almost as big as the thrill of opening the gifts he left? How about choosing the perfect tree or the perfect gift for your friend or singing carols on Christmas Eve?
In this age of artificial trees, skeptical children, and "one-minute stop‑and‑shop" gifts, where can one find the spirit of the Christmas season? The answer is simple: look inside yourself.
Somewhere hidden beneath the square root of the hypotenuse, Warriner's, and history term papers there is a faint memory of what Christmas used to be - mainly, a time of great exuberance.
Not everyone's memory of Christmas will be the same, of course. Perhaps it is relatives coming over or Auntie Jane pinching your cheek or leaving cookies and milk for Santa.
"But I've grown up," you say. "I'm mature. There is no such thing as Santa Claus." But think about it - weren't you happier as a child? Didn't Christmas mean candy canes and toys and dolls? Wasn't the spirit of the season running at 120 mph when you were younger?
All Christmas means now is having to go out into the cold to find a gift for your parents and friends, having to wrap those gifts, putting up with relatives you only see once or twice a year, and countless other little "inconveniences" of the season. Sure, everyone can find something to gripe about during the holidays; but isn't it worth those little bothersome things to see people happy because of something you've done?
Even if it seems to be a bother to you, sing someone a Christmas carol, wrap a gift the best way. you can, and at least pretend to be happy when relatives come over.
Remember that Christmas comes only once a year - only one day out of 365 days. It won't hurt you to be nice to people for that one day. Christmas is the time for sharing share yourself. Always remember that Christmas "tis the season to be jolly!"
All Christmas means now is having to go out into the cold to find a gift for your parents and friends, having to wrap those gifts, putting up with relatives you only see once or twice a year, and countless other little "inconveniences" of the season. Sure, everyone can find something to gripe about during the holidays; but isn't it worth those little bothersome things to see people happy because of something you've done?
Even if it seems to be a bother to you, sing someone a Christmas carol, wrap a gift the best way. you can, and at least pretend to be happy when relatives come over.
Remember that Christmas comes only once a year - only one day out of 365 days. It won't hurt you to be nice to people for that one day. Christmas is the time for sharing share yourself. Always remember that Christmas "tis the season to be jolly!"