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» t THE CHRONICLE, Clinton, S. C., Dec. 23, 1970-^5-C ^ (BaadMp On Christmas Eve in Melbourne, the scene is set for the world's greatest caroling party. In recent years the attendance has been as high as 300,000. The Christmas Eve gathering presents a breath taking spectacle, for every singer carries a lighted candle. The Christmas of 1970 will mark the 32nd annitersary of Mel- bourns great carol event, "Carols By Candlelight' as it is known. Recently, the Yule gathering has been tied in with a charitable appeal in behalf of sick and disabled youngsters. When help for these unfortunates was first sought, the response was only a trickle of con tributions. Later, money poured in such a flood that a whole new hospital unit for children was built at a cost of 300.000 pounds. The crowds at this years "Carols By Candlelight" are certain to be bigger than ever The lure of that east assernblance is irresistable Everybody comes, regardless of race, religious or social position. GIGGLES. GIGGLES Happiness can he a pint sized doll that moves her arms and bursts into ciRgles She's dressed in the latest fashions, sports chic curls that can be washed, combed and set. 3 1 4 t + Holy Nifdht, all its calm, all is bright. We wish you the great gifts of friendship, love and peace. NEUBERGER & CO. Manger Is Theme Of Latin Yule Though Santa and gaily decked trees often appear nowadays in Central and South America, Christmas is traditionally a time for reli gious observances. Mass, at midnight on Christmas Eve or early Christmas Day, forms the heart of the holiday in Latin America, and the creche or manger scene marks the sea son throughout churches and homes, say the editors of the Encyclopedia Americana. Bountiful feasts, proces sions and other special events may provide a festive note, but custom says that gift giving time is Three Kings’ Day —Twelfth Night, Janu ary 6th, when the Wise Men brought their gifts to Jesus. Children put their shoes under the bed or in the win dow, hoping to have them filled with toys and gifts. Water and hay are set out for the Three Kings’ horses or camels. While many Latin Ameri can countries share these traditions and celebrate Christmas in similar ways, each country also has its own special festivities. MATTER OF FACT December the 25th is the date most Christians now agree upon as the proper time to celebrate the birth of Christ. However, it was a long time in coming. December 25th is the seventh used by Christians for their celebration. Earlier dates were January 6 (the traditional “Old Christmas”), February 2, March 25th, April 19th, May 20th and November 17th. The present day, now adhered to by all Christians except Armenians, began in the year *353. Armenains still observe Januarv 6th. The First Christmas As we commemorate the birth of a Child, we find new meaning in a glorious gift bestowed on mankind 2,000 years ago The supreme gift represented a miracle and was performed in a supernatural manner to reflect its eternal significance The first Christmas Gift was a Redeemer who came to offer man a better life on earth — and eternal life beyond the veil The long awaited Messiah came to th< City of David as a mortal infant to establish a new relationshij between God and man The Christmas Child which was greeted by the shepherds and later worshipped by the Magi has forever changed the course of history With his birth came a new age, a new religion and a new concept of the value of a human life Never again will life be the same . ******************************************* # 5 * * * * * * * * # 5 * H{ 5*' # # * § i ft IN HOPES . . . Stockings are hung with care on the fire place, in the hope that Saint Nicholas will soon be there. Not every fireplace has ten stockings on display but. surely at Christmastime, if A v“r, the more the merrier. Wreaths Got Pagan Start During this holiday season, a wide variety of colorful wreaths deck the doorways of homes in this community. The use of wreaths at holi day time stems from the cus toms of Advent season — the four Sundays before Christ mas. Traditionally, Advent wreaths are made of ever greens, trimmed with rib bons, and hold four candles to be lit during the Sundays of Advent. The wreath, which has no beginning or end, represents eternity, and the evergreens symbolize growth and life, according to the editors of the New Book of Knowledge. Like many other Christian holiday customs, the Advent wreath originated in pagan ceremonies. During the dark days of the winter solstice, the sun- worshippers of northern Eu rope sought to please their absent god, the sun, and per suade him to return, by using a wheel trimmed with green ery. The wreath was made of an actual wheel, taken from a cart and wrapped in greens Lights, too, were added. What Are the Facts About Christmas? Everybody thinks that space travel is something very new, but an elderly gen tleman in a rather unique "space-suit” set the pace years ago. His name: Santa Claus. Now is the season when he’s taking off again, for it's Christmas. How much do you know about Christmas and Santa Claus? Here are some ques tions, developed with the help of the editors of the Encyclopedia International, to test your knowledge. The answers are at the bottom. 1. The fir-l knovtn Chri>t- mus < uni hu* deigned in 1843 hy an Fnglidunun named: (A) < harle- l)ieken<> (H) Sir Henry Cole ((.) John ('.aleott Hnr«le> 2. The fir-l ChrMian \uliv- ily feuM, eelehraling the birth of Chri-t, (recurred in the fourth century on: ( \) January fi ( M ) July 1 ((.) I h eciohcr 23 3. • hri'lma-> did not heroine a legal holiday in the ( .S. until: ( \) I he Puritan- arrired in \ch England (H) 18.30 (( ,) s anla'- 11< Iper- I n- ion Hcnt on -trike. I. The original name of the gentleman we know today a- Santa Claus was: ( \) Kris Kringle (It) Clement C. Moore (C) St. Nicholas 1. iC) is correct. Artist Horsley designed the first known Christmas greeting card for his friend, Sir Henry Cole, a wealthy London gen tleman. Charles Dickens had his share in Christmas 1843, too. His book. "A Christmas Carol," was published that year. 2. < A i is correct. At first, January 6, the Epiphany, was observed as the feast of Jesus’ baptism, with a sec ondary emphasis on His birth. It was not until the 5th century A D. that Christ mas was generally celebrated on December 25. 3. iB) is correct. New Eng land states outlawed the cel ebration of Christmas until the middle of the 19th cen tury. 4. iCi is correct. Kris Kringle is the German name for Santa, while Clement C. Moore contributed to the image of Santa Claus with his poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas, - ' in 1823. St. Nich olas was a real person, a fourth century bishop, and the first Santa Claus. HOLIDW FUN During the Christmas Holiday, when children are out of school and a family is likely to have guests, a group outing can be a pleasant change from parties at home. Also, children need to move around and not be confined to the house. Special holiday events are planned in most communities and a variety of individually arranged affairs can be relied on. In planning an activity, a family may find it so enjoyable that it will become an annual affair.. An afternoon or evening at the theatre or movies can be entertain ing. In some cities "The Nut cracker" w offered at Christmas time. For those who live near ski areas, a day on the slopes can be fun. Another group sport is ice or roller skating. Walks or trips to scenic points, museums or parks can provide an outing with an awareness of local history, educational stimulation or nature lore. IJ H til a &vwAmcux In the true and hearty spirit of an old-fashioned Christmas, we wish you the best, and thank you warmly. Jssac Guano BsJi Festive Lights All over the world, countries and people celebrate this radi ant season with a festival of lights. Have a sparkling festi val in your own living room. Hang an enormous crystal chandelier above the tree, its branches and the prisms re flecting light of Christmas time. s TheBeauty of \ \ i. v A foal % IrV * ^3 Poinsettia Named The poinsettia was discovered, and later named, by Joel R. Poin sett. When he was serving as U. S. minister to Mexico in 1828. Dr Poinsett sent a cutting of the plant to a friend. Growers became interested, but it was not until 1906 that the poinsettia was marketed. Though it is now a favorite holiday houseplant it is a relative new comer to the customs of Christ mas. s With best wishes for a happy, holy holi day, we send greet ings and gratitude to you. May the blessings of Christ mas ever be yours. OMNI Joanna Oil Co. 100 N. Main St Joanna 697 The beauty of the enchanting Christmas story is enhanced by its simplicity The Song of Peace wets first heard by simple shepherds tend ing their flocks by night. The sweet story of old bypassed the great centers of commerce and culture, to honor an obscure village. The Child was born to a lowly young Jewish housewife and cradled in the manger of a hillside stable The timeless event took place in a dark pocket of an all but forgotten era. The story is not new, yet its purpose and its meaning have a newness for each generation. For an instant, our sophisticated modem world slows down and is rivalled by the harmony of a carol and the sentiment of a tinseled token of regard. Christmas i season of fun and laughter, (f e wish your family the b<‘st the ) uletule can offer. Merry Christmas. Young Bros. Gulf s 5 (|jiristmas (Ceeting The beauty of the Christmas countryside fills hearts with warmth and good cheer. We take this time to share with you the traditional greetings of the season, and to thank you for your loyal support. $ immunity ^^0 iOvingi 0, HOLY NIGHT irt lo> •/ sfcr< s Across the ages shines the wonder of a Holy Night. May the true meaning of Christmas make your holiday bright. CATAWBA TIMBER CO. } hristmas is a special time filled uith merriment for one and all. We hope your holidays are exceptionally happy, and thanks for making us happy by being a loyal friend and customer. Sears Clinton Plaza Shopping Center