THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1880.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3744, 24 December 1880, Page 2

THE Evening Star. PUBLISHED DAILY AT FOUR O'CLOCK P.M. Resurrexi. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1880.

Fkom time immemorial the festival of Christmas has been observed by.all nations believing in Christianity, and it is only natural that the anniversary of the birth of Christ should be celebrated in a fitting manner, considering the importance of the event. In all the British dominions the old custom of Christmas feasts and revels is kept up. Indeed, it might appear a peculiar circumstance that, when so many ancient and time-honoured customs have been done away with and nearly forfotten, the festival of Christmas should have survived, and it is to be feared, that so far as the religious observance of it goes, it would long have been a thing of the past. Christ, mas day is the day on which, above all days in the year, social reunions take place, Father grasps the hand of son, who has "run down" to spend Christmas. Adonis and his inamorata meet on this auspicious day, and exchange those empty nothings that are said to be so highly valued by those victims slafn by the amorous shafts of Cupid. The old folks gather together and see the young folks enjoy their hospitality, and the pleasant faces, and cheering laughter bring pleasing recollection of times long burried to them. But not only is Christmas a season of merry-making, but it is a season also when charity shoujd fill the hearts of all, and when

in the midst of good cheer some thought should be felt for those who have not the means of making any extra preparations for Christmas. At this time also let all join hands, and let any petty quarrels and jealousies be buried with the Christmas of 1880. Life is too short t8 quarrel, and let us hope that each one as they meet may exchange the most cordial greetings, and that all past misunderstanding will be sunk in oblivion, and that as Christmas passes, arid the dawn of the New Tear appears there will be a better feeling prevailing, and that the conspicious desire to make mischief will be conspicuous by its absence. At this time, let us, as we sit down to our Yuletide repast be thankful for the many mercies bestowed upon us by a Divine beneficence, and let us remember those many thousands who have not tbe good things of life but who ate starving from hunger, want and exposure. "With us it is glorious summer, but let us for a moment cast a thoughtfor the many who, in theold country, where gloomy winter now reigns, are destitute, comfortless, and starving. Let us, while enjoying our Christmas fare, keep these things in remembrance and trust that all people will have what we heartily wish our readers— " A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year"