Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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SEC. C—PAGE 6 The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C., Thursday, December 23, 1965 By Mary Hannah I immy Roberts looked longingly " out the window. The snow-cov ered fields and barns were lovely in the soft moonlight. What a way to spend Christmas Eve, he thought, all alone with a kic brother. What a Christmas! Dad in the hospital after an automobile ac cident; mother spending practi cally every day and night with him, and me, here all alone with a kid that can’t even stay awake long enough to welcome Santa Claus. Jimmy looked at the big clock on the kitchen wall. The kids were probably gathering now for the annual sleigh ride. He could just imagine the laughter ringing about the Macklin farm as the two teams were hitched to the homemade sleigh. He’d miss the ride over the fields, the singing of Christmas Carols and then, the return home to the warmth of the fireside and the welcome sight of mom and dad sitting nearby. That’s how Christmas ought to be; how Christmas had always been. Sounds Jimmy walked into the living room. Sammy was asleep, sprawled on the rug before the fireplace. Jimmy sat down in an easy chair and studied the room, Out of the sleigh they came, everyone from miles around. the flickering fire, the beautifuly- lighted tree and the heaping pre sents beneath. How quiet was the world, except for the crackling of the fire. How quiet, except, for another sound. Sleigh bells! They were coming this way . . . and they were singing. He could hear them. Nearer and nearer came the voices and the bells. Jimmy dashed to the door, with Sammy, now wide awake, right on his heels. “Hello, hello. We wish you a Merry Christmas.” The voices rang out in chorus and out of the sleigh they came, the Smiths, the Jones, the Atteburys, the Mack- lins, everyone for miles around; Bearing Gifts Happily, each bearing gifts, they marched into the house, plac ing packages ceremoniously on the livingroom floor. From some where Mr. Macklin produced a beard and a Santa cap. The room became hushed. “Now Jimmy and Sammy,” Mr. Macklin said, “while Mrs. Macklin and the ladies prepare some hot chocolate in the kitchen, I speak for all of us. We know that your Christmas cannot be the merriest under the circumstances. But you must remember that these cir cumstances are just temporary. Most of us visited your father today. He’ll be home soon, and good as new. All of us would have loved for you boys to spend Christmas Eve with us, but we decided it would be better if we brought a little of our Christmas spirit to you . . .” Sammy was fumbling among the presents. Jimmy, a bit un comfortable and afraid that his emotions were showing, straight ened one of the ornaments on the Christmas tree. “I don’t know v what to say.” Sing Out “Don’t say it,” young Ted Mack lin shouted, “Sing it.” And he led off with a round of “Jingle Bells.” Soon, mom came home; more Christmas Carols. Mr. Macklin passed out the gifts. Each was opened to a chorus of “Oohs” and “Aahs” — except for dad’s. These were placed beneath the tree with the rest of the family packages. As Mr. Macklin said, “You can have Christmas again when dad comes home.” Jimmy stood on the porch and watched the sleigh disappear into the night, carrying with it the sounds of merry laughter and jingling bells. Things weren’t so bad after all. And, there was still another Christmas yet to come. Old Carols Many of our favorite Christ mas carols are centuries old. “The First Noel” was origin ally a medieval shepherd song. “God Rest Ye Merry Gentle men” dates to the 16th century and “Joy To The World” was published in 1719. THE CHERRY TREE Almost every tree that we know, in poem or song, has in some way been associated with the Christmas season. No excep tion is the cherry tree. According to the well-known “Cherry Tree Carol”, the cherry tree bent its boughs so the Virgin Mary could pluck its fruit. SHE BURPS .... Among latest doll creations is Baby Pat- taburp, who not only takes her milk but, with a few helpful pats on the back, gives out with an authentic baby burp. The magic bottle features milk that disap pears as she drinks and then refills. . jHerrg (Oljristtttas Doll’s Is Big Business There is no more popular Christmas toy than the doll that so delights the heart of a young girl. Producing dolls is a big business. But, perhaps almost as important is the business of pro ducing the doll’s wardrobes. Some of the more popular models have 100-piece wardrobes, including swim suits, tuxedo, mink coats, even swim fins. Additionally, many dolls ‘“re quire” their own personal appli ances and sports gear — every thing from sizzling skillets, perk ing percolators to golf clubs, sports cars, and telephones. Without even trying, it is easy for a gift-giver to spend more “on” the doll than “for” the doll. BRINGING YOU WARM . HOLIDAY GREETINGS! SHEALY’S HILLCREST FLORIST 2003 Drayton St. Phone 276-4143 Newberry, S. C. IT’S NOT FANCY-WRAPPED But our Season’s Greetings to you carry all the / * heartiest of sentiments! We’ve had a package of , _ » pleasure serving you during the year . . . We’re all wrapped-up in our efforts to be deserving of your patronage and friendship . . . So have a wonderful Christmas, won’t you? Our best wishes to you and yours! S. W. (Brother) Brown Wholesale Distributor for AMOCO Newberry, South Carolina