The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY. DECEMBER 21, 1925. CHRISTMAS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1925, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is in corporated the West Coast Times. THURSDAY. DECEMBER 21, 1925. CHRISTMAS.

Ti.mk has carried the world to the eve of another Christmas. Christmas is the season of gretings and good-will, and by common consent- it has almost universal observance. It is a cheery time—something which is looked forward to' by old ami young alike. In its domestic application it is essentially for the youth of the home. There are the reunions of families, tor Christmas seems to call home those who have been sojourning afar. The associations of the day make it essentially a time for the very young children. At their pleasure, if not their bidding. Father Christmas makes his nocturnal visits, ami what is a greater delight than to see the little ones happy with their toys which arrived overnight? Those who have made deep research tell ns that Father Christmas is an English variant of St. Nicholas, patron of children and a giver of gifts by night, himself (it is said) a baptised Cod of the North, Odin, who loved to wander in the dark. Santa Claus is the same by a slightly different pedigree—a Dutch St. Nicholas who wont to New Amsterdam and came to us from the United States. But whatever and wherever his birth. Father Christmas is an institution greatly loved, who gives Christmastide a special distinction. and is the creator of vast industry all round the world to provide the gifts which his doubles dispense with so much pleasure in every blind and clime. But Christmas has another aspect. The spiritual symbol of peace on earth and good-will to all men. For over a decade there has been war and a hitter aftermath of war. Christmastide in those days of bitterness land turmoil was incongruity, for there was no peace and there was a lack of good-will. Yet in the span of this year a great change has conic to pass, and the world at large is rejoicing at the renewal of international good-will hound up in the Pact of •Locarno. By that Treaty and series of Agreements, there is a bond of international good-will signed, sealed and delivered, and the European world, so much torn asunder in the desperate times now happily past, i-, rejoicing at the Christmastide as it was not possible to do since 1914 at least. So to-day we may enjov in common with the rest of the Empire a very notable Christmas. There are many ancient rites and customs associated with this natal anniversary, hut the giving of gifts and the outpouring of good-will, are not the least. The period sets apart a time for individual offering, and the duty—for .such it is—is observed with universal effect. The practice of the duty produces some of the brightest aspects of the time. It excites pleasure and gratification, and there is always ready reciprocation. Just for the time being the sordid round of business and toil ceases, and in the relaxation good nature and good humor express themselves in very practical form, These

are the acts which typify the Christmas spirit, and they are ilio deeds which count .so much towards the sense of human happiness at this period. To lie rememltered in a kindly wav is a recognition much appreciated. To remember is a kindly action, and

so in the dual process, giver and receiver are alike rejoiced. To catch the spirit of Christmas in this matter is something worth while, ]t is a realisation of obligations which afford pleasure and delight. It i.s a pleasant and happy way to recognise the occasion which we wish to all our readers A MERRY CHRISTMAS.