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The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C., Thursday, December 20, 1967—SEC. B — PAGE 3 HO, HO, HO . . . And down the chimney he goes. No need to wonder how he makes it because, as everyone knows, Santa always brings goodies to good little boys and girls. BASILICA One of the oldest churches in Christendom is the Basil ica of the Nativity at Bethle hem, constructed more than 1630 years ago. Originally constructed by Emperor Constantine, the building was restored and additions made under the rule of Emperor Justinian. The Basilica is surround ed by three convents of sep arate faiths, Greek, Latin, and Armenian. Allthree have the privilege of wor shipping in the Grotto of the Nativity. Tree Of Nineties Was Simple Ever wonder just what old- timers were talking about when they spoke of a "real old-fash ioned Christmas tree?” Back in the 1890’s, it seems, Christmas trees were both charming and simple. At the very top of the tree was a gilded, sparkling star. The branches were adorned with such things as streamers, flags, popcorn and cranberries strung together, chains of gold and silver paper, candles in holders (we don’t recommend this, seems a fire hazard), pep permint canes, strips of gold paper, Santa Claus dolls, an gels and cornucopias ("horns of plenty”) filled to the brim with candies. Hard candies like sourballs and peppermint canes were the typical "penny candies” of the Nineties. The canes were placed right on the tree, the sourballs either hung in little bags or used to stuff the gifts such as wagons and drums at the base of die tree. Christmas is much more than a one-day observance. With few exceptions, the magic merriment of the Christ mas spirit captures every heart long before the holiday arrives. It begins with a gradual quickening of heart and step, a readier smile, an alertness to the smiles and laughter that we meet along the way. It brings an awareness that children, for the most part, are not really little monsters. They are suddenly happy and cheer ful, helpful and polite, and we wonder how we considered them otherwise. We are suddenly aware that the earth is filled with the beau tiful sounds of music — from the churches, from the schools, from the stores and shops. And, we find ourselves in step with the world, happy to be alive, filled with a certain anticipation. Christmas is not a day, it is a season. It is a season of "Peace on earth; good will to men. " It is the time we remem ber that Christ was born in Bethlehem —and the Christmas season will be joy-filled and merry so long as we remember this one great event in the his tory of mankind. Santa’s here! The air is a-tingle with ex citement. Good cheer and friendly warmth shines in every face, in every window. In these last joyous moments of this most joyous of days, we proudly and happily say: It’s always a pleasure to serve you...It’s a special pleas ure now to wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS Fulmer Building Supplies WINDOW UNITS — DOORS — SCREENS — CABINETS "EVERYTHING IN WOOD" PHONE 276-4333 60 CALDWELL STREET