University of South Carolina Libraries
L THE NEWBERRY SUN • * • V 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring — not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care. In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. "VSTTHAT memories these lines hold for all of us! ’’v Was ever there a child who was not thrilled when he first he Cl^^ent Moore’s "A Visit From St. Nicholas”? Young minds, we know now, live in dreams and fantasies and make-believe. Children live in a world apart which has its own rules and regulations’ and where adults, much to their disgust, try to intrude without understanding and sympathy. We wonder how many children through the years, after hearing this wonderful poem, have stayed awake in the darkness of their room, wrapped in the stillness and dreams of childhood fantasy, and listened for hoof-beats upon the roof and Santa’s command of "onward”? No doubt there have been millions! Time will not stand still, and children grow and become adults; new generations of children are cap tured by the spirit of Christmas and filled with the wonder of it all, believing with the complete and honest faith of childhood. Yet, how wonderful it would be if, in the process of growing, we could keep some of our childhood dreams and faith. How much better a world we would build! We hope that during this Holy season your faith will be renewed, that you may find greater under standing of the true meaning of Christmas. And to all our readers and friends we wish you a most Merry Christmas.