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SECTION C — PAGE SIX THE NEWBERRY SUN, NEWBERRY, SOUTH CAROLINA Luther Simulated Christmas Scene Most everyone has heard the story of Martin Luther and the Christmas tree. Luther lived from 1483 to 1546 and, so the story goes, was one night so impressed by the sight of snow-covered evergreens sparkling in the moonlight that he returned to his home and tried to reproduce the memorable scene for his, family. I ► He chose a small evergreen tree and, to simulate the reflee* lions of the starlit heavens, he attached a number of lighted candles. Christmas trees, of course, did not become popular until years later. Stable Scene Was Idea Of St. Francis It is said that the Christmas Crib goes back to the year 1223 when, in the small village of Grecdo, Italy, St Francis of Assisi attempted to bring alive the true meaning of Christmas by constructing a crude representa tion of the stable at Bethlehem, using live animals and real people. •At first confined only to churches, the custom later spread to palaces and homes. Today, Italian families take great pride in preparation of their Christmas Crib. Early Cards Bore familiar Message Christmas cards were not very popular for some two decades after they first appeared in England, in the 1840’s. Very little is known of the earliest cards, except for two primitive prototypes found in the British Museum, These two bear the same message of peace and good will, which hasn’t been im proved upon, even in the modern cards we favor today. HOLIDAY EATS The hustle and bustle of Christ mas activity often interferes with regular eating habits and brings on some “tummy-aches” as kid dies nibble on the surplus supply of treats and goodies. It's a good idea to prepare a variety of tasty sandwiches and place them conveniently near the supply of sweets. Adding a vari ety of fruit is also a good idea. MAKING MUSIC ... Mu sical toys come in all shapes and sizes. Pretty young lady shown above is surrounded by four which feature favorite TV and movie cartoon characters, make music at the turn of a crank. FAMILY AFFAIR Christmas is celebrated by more than a half million Chris tians in the predominantly Mos lem country of Pakistan and the Yule season corresponds roughly to ours. It is a “family” festival as it is all over the world. • THE POINSETTIA Latin America's traditional Christmas decoration, the poin* settia, is also popular in the United States. The shrub, which has flaming red bracts, is named lor Joel R. Poinsett, an American statesman and former ambassador to Mexico. CHRISTMAS, FLA. Christmas, Florida, postmark on thousands of holiday packages each year, is located 23 miles east of Orlando and was originally established as a fort to provide protection against hostile Indians — some 126 years ago. Today, thousands throughout the United States and Europe send pack sges to be mailed from Christmas, now a symbol of peace and good wilL ! AEROSOL AIDS A variety of aerosol products are available to help with the Christmas decorations. Push button artificial snow sprays make it easy to put the holiday touch on Christmas trees, win dows, wreaths, and table settings. A clear lacquer spray is also useful. Spray tree ornaments with this type spray and they will acquire a higher gloss and be better protected against break age. May your holidays he J meathed with joy. ROCKET AUTO SERVICE GENERAL AUTO REPAIRS Phone 276-1506 1223 McKibben St. JIM’S JEWELERS Main Street Dial 276-0773