FROM MY WINDOW.

Shannon News, 24 December 1923, Page 3

FROM MY WINDOW.

"THE SPIRIT OF CHRISITMAS.'' (By; "JStera.") "Pciace and good .will to ail nunkind." . . 11 you tried to guess the profession that keeps the spirit of Christmas so busy in the season, you would not be. able to do. so,, enner right side up or standing on your (Head. Perhaps because it is not dignified ,with any special name as are the other trades and professions.

Mention the, name, "carpenter" and you immediately sniff the denghuul odour of recently sawn wood; and you long to be. invited to choose any of the long curl-shavings that lull from the carpenter's bench as he-.smoothes the surface of the wood, the curls being used to augment your childish locks; and if you are very good you may be presented with the stump oi a flat lead pencil. Mention the name "musician" and you see before you a bare stage, with lonely grand piano. Presently there cmeiges from a doorway a cadaver-ous-looking being in sombre black with oasis of wintie across the chest; and with tulty hair that is warranted to. become unruly as the brain underneath grows more heated. This being owns a handkerchief that has a tricky way of getting into the wrong pocket.. Juast, tout not least,, he holds a 'cello or violin that speaks and whispers and soibs under his magic touch; and you iorget handkerchief, tufty hair and lone atage (because toe instrument of wood under his gilted hand and torain has the power of transporting you temporarily to broader worlds, and you goj home all the better for having lived that evening. ■-.** * * * -

"But the profession of :the Christinas spirit?" you say a little impatiently. Well, it is "Burying Hatchets."

And now you knowf But in order to explain her love for this somewhat thankless task, I should like to describe her character. She has the 'braviery of strong men; the beauty of true womanhood; and ithe unquestioning faith of a little child. She is robed in filmy white ■material that is edged with the blessings and prayers of absiemt friends; and like the kingfs daughter of old, she is all glorious' within, her clothing is of wrought gold. This, however, doe s not prevent her attempting hard work, for during the Christmas indnth she has toieen busy locking skeletons, in cupboards and burying these hatchets. * * * .* *

Some of the hatchets tare new; some, are older and sharp with constant usage; others are. rusty, yet still brought forward in family gatherings. Some one just dropping to pieces for sheer forgetfulmess, though still retaining a little sharpness when brought to light. Thene; are others alas! that can cut right, up to the handle.

This spirit-fairy always carries for her own .use a large bottle of the oil of forbearance,' while in her pockets lie tiny bottles of concentrated loving kindness to be. distriibutled to little children for indiscriminate use amongst the grown-ups. The kiddies love to hear the "gulp, gulp" of the softening influence it imparts. They think it is merely some novel game, the ignorance of its 'effect making the results even more potent. * * * .• *

The Christmas spirit gravels from onie end oi the world to tihe. othier helping Father Christmas, to choose the right gifts. She loves to turn an old 'Scro6"oge inito a new oe, but he of course is expected to do his part in the. transformation, Speaking of this gentleman reminds line that in former days it was an annual treat to have this' delightful story mead to me on Christmas Eve or thereabouts. One evening it was being enjoyed while I was resting on a couch; and when it came to the most soul-stirring part 1 kept vlery quiet. The reader, misinterpreting the silence said, "Are you asleep?" Shade of; Dickens! Who could go to sleep when such a Christmas message was 'being sient by an inspired writer;-who, foeing dead, yet sipeaketh? . #

Another piece of Svork attempted bv the Christmas spirit is. to. beat swords into plowshaites, but this has proved very arduous during the last few years. However, she does not despair, but goes on working quietly and in 'the interim tries to bury more and more • individual hatchlets. Will you do> wihat you can to help the little lady this Christmias? You may even show hter where to find the hatchets if you. go aibout it in the proper way; and your little corner will -be all the mightier, for you will have helped to make roomj for the Prince of Peace.