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The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C., Thursday, December 22, 1966 SEC. B — PAGE 3 tJK) The yule log is an old and honored Christmas tradition. It has almost vanished from our holiday celebration. The Vikings introduced the yule log to Great Britain. They burned it to honor the God Thor. The custom was adopted by the English as part of the Christmas festivities. The very best log that could be found was brought into the house and placed in their large fireplace. The fire was lit and the servants of the house gathered with their master. The coming of Christmas was celebrated with much singing and celebrating. The custom of those days was to celebrate the holiday sea son twelve full days and the log burned the entire time. At the end of the twelve days any fragments of the log that remained were carefully collected to be used again the following year to kindle the new Yule log. Christmas Gifts Are Meaningful Gift giving at yuletide dates back to the Roman Saturnalia, when those people presented their friends "strenae" (fruits, pastries, and even j e w e 1 r v ). Also we remember the rich gifts that the Magi, or the Wise Men, brought to the Christ Child in the manger at Bethlehem. In recent years the custom has caused much discussion here in the I'nited States: for it must be admitted that the exchange of presents can, at times, be a burden instead of a pleasure. We sometimes de plore the fact that Christmas, like other holidays, has become tinged with commercialism. To offset this phase, we should remember the fine spirit of friendliness that is shown through Christmas messages and gifts. AUTOGRAPHING PARTY . . . Robert L. May, author of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," is shown with two of his five children as he personally autographed 16,000 end sheets of his book. he special joy of Christmas blesses the world once more, bringing its message of hope and love to all men. May we wish you much happiness! C/P CORPORATION i SUBSIDIARY OF ROUTE 3, NEWBERRY, SOUTH CAROLINA 29108 - PHONE 803 276-5504