The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated, the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1929. CHRISTMAS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 December 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated, the West Coast Times. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1929. CHRISTMAS.

I hk flight /of time has brought us to another Christmas Eve. This is Santa Claus time, and suggesting at once a bright and merry period. Father Christmas who is always the delight ot old and young is ever depicted as a jovial party. There is always a merry twinkle in his eye. He lias gaiety and good nature written on his countenance, and invariably loaded with good tilings, seems to be the emnodiment of the Christmas spirit. The observance of Christmas has come down through the ages, and despite the recurring anniversary having now such a toll to its credit, its custom and demands are as welcome as ever. To the young it is ever a new and happy visitation. To the elders, its custom lias not staled its reception, nor has age witheredup the fountain of giving and doing so typical of the spirit of Christmas 1 . Despite all .the human frailties, and the changing desires of the times, Christmas wears the same hearty, robust appearance as of yore, and none tire in their welcome of the joyful season. It is a remarkable milestone in the year’s journey, a momentary resting place as it were, to unburden the loads and cares of life, and be rejuvenated again in a joyous way. joining with the young in their games, assisting io satisfy their expectations, and living up to the spirit of Christ-mas-tide in that hearty manner, which relieves the tedium and brings refreshment to the thoughts and minds of tin l masses. The spirit of Christmas is such, and the desire to observe it so universal, that its recognition in the right way must he a great leaven for good. It comes just now Lo a world of unrest. We have not the great conflict with us which waged so savage-

ly over a decade past, but we still have the aftermath of that night-

mare period with us. Internationally there is still distrust, and palpably misunderstanding among the nations. Various countries have their own internal troubles, the greatest being that of unemployment which affects so many individually. This social disorder has created political troubles of great concern, for excepting by palliatives, it appears difficult to lay this disturbing factor in national life. Still, in both these momentous matters the real spirit of Christmas might play an important part if the great leaders in the controversies were less militant and more disposed to rcal.sto the possibilities of a tinutiglily human regard xui’ the complex situation. Perhaps it is too much to hope for immediate international reform, but the season and its imports must impress many minds with the alleviating factor the spirit or Christmas would he in the settlement of the outstanding troubles referred to. While, therefore, it is not possible to see the milieu.um arrive so suddenly, we can hope at least that the spirit of Christmas will pervade the masses, and assist- to bring about a better understanding one to the other. There is the call for less mistrust, and any advance in that regard would he a lever for a power of good. Christ-mas-tide is here for the enjoyment and service of all, and any failure in realising all that is possible, is not with Christmas but with the use we make of the season. As the time of good-will, it should carry with .if a better understanding man to mall. If that can be gained, a great deal will he achieved. Onristmas carries something in its train for all of us if we but reach out for the privileges so bright a season brings l , There are special opportunities at Christmas for doing good, and helping others. The range for action is wide. With so much room for good and Worthy deeds, and the pleasure of helping others let the opportunity he seized in its right spirit, and so ( supply to as many as possible what we now wish our readers.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS