Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C. Dec. 26th, 1968—PAGE 13—SEC. C PERSIAN STYLE. . . The visit of the Wise Men, in Per sian setting, is depicted in this golf-leaf decorated lithograph from Iran, done by Agha Beh- zad, a well known miniaturist Christmas Traditions With The Family Just how much Santa Claus does differs in every family. Always of course, he fills tne stockings. In some families, he brings a few toys. In other families he brings all the toys. In some he also trims the tree. How many of these things he is supposed to do is a question of your own tradition. A child should be taught, even when very little, to thank the giver. Aunt Mary, Grand father, etc. It is not fair to say that presents sent from other people are from Santa Claus. A child’s belief in the mir acle of Santa Claus can help him all his life to know that if he trust and believes hard enough in something, it will be a long step toward making it come true. Santa A NEEDS ♦ ANOTHER. Helper. Santa needs another helper— not another street corner bell ringer, but "a man with a broom”. { Santa’s presents, as every one knows who has seen the aftermath around the family Christmas tree, carry with them their share of litter. It is estimated that the av erage Christmas package is a- bout 20 percent wrappings, rib bons and ornaments—all po tential litter. The best way to help Santa with the Christmas litter prob lem is to follow three simple rules: Pack and store reusable gift wrappings in a safe, out-of- the-way place. Bundle other wrappings in a rubbish container Tor safe disposal. Take down your Christmas tree when the needles start fal ling and dispose of it where it won’t cause litter or be a fire hazard. A final warning: "Don’t let Christmas become New Year’s litter.” 'IkkM D v SANTA CLAUS By Joseph Burton The depression years were pretty tough all over, I guess. But in the mountains where we lived most folks barely scratched together enough to keep going. Many of them wouldn’t have made it with out Uncle Bill’s help. He ran the general store. He had signs all over the place declaring a "CASH ONLY” policy. But there was a funny thing about that. Uncle Bill apparently couldn’t read. I know. I asked him about the signs one time and he said they read, "YVE HOPE.” But I think the most unu sual thing about Uncle Bill was that he was personally acquainted with Santa Claus. Every kid in the mountains knew it. Uncle Bill was the local post master. 1 used to watch him put stamps on the letters and put them in a pouch which Big Zeb swung over his saddle horn and carried over the hill trail to Junction City. There, I was told, a big train passed through every single day. DISCOVERY 1 found out about Uncle Bill and Santa Claus during the first Christmas season I spent with him at the store. I noticed that he put the letters to Santa separate from the others. I didn’t think this un usual at first. But, I couldn’t help wondering why he never put any stamps on them. At least, I never saw him do so. He just took the letters when the kids brought them in and put them in a leather folder he kept on the top of his old roll-top desk. One day, as Big Zeb moun ted his mule to carry another packet of mail over the trail,- I asked Uncle Bill about the Santa Letters. "Regular mail service is too slow for those, Jimmy,”hesaid. "They get special attention. But, don’t you worry. I’ll see to them. ” And he did. Next morn ing the leather folder was emp ty. And so it was each of the five mornings that remained before the arrival of Christmas morning. I could tell they had been delivered, too. Like when little Joe Hoskins came in with his folks on Christmas Eve. Uncle Bill took quite a long time filling their order and talking quietly with Mr. Hoskins. When they were ready to leave, he gave Joe a pepper mint stick. "By the way, Joe. I had a letter from Santa yes terday. Said he had heard from you, too. He’s much too busy to answer all his mail, as you can guess—so he asked me to give you a message. He’s liable to be a little short on bicycles this year, but he’ll try. Said, tho, he had a pretty good mule. Just right for a feller your size. Strong enough to pull a plow and sharp enough to ride to school. What do you think of that, eh?” SELF THOUGHTS Needless to say, 1 was pretty impressed with my Uncle Bill at this point. 1 began to think of all the things I should have put in a letter to Santa. I could have listed all kinds of second choices. How I wished I could have a mule for my very own! "Uncle Bill,’' I asked, "is it too late for me to send a let ter to Santa?” "Course not,” he said, hand ing me pencil and paper. "Jot 'er down.” 1 did. And, I didn’t ask for a thing. 1 only asked how he got the letters in Uncle Bill’s leather folder so fast. Christmas morning, along with a dandy spinning top, an air rifle and an assortment of fruits and nuts, 1 received a letter from Santa, which read simply, "Son, Christmas is a time of miracles.” I know it came from Santa. Like I said, I don’t think Uncle Bill could read or write. There’s a big difference between "CASH ONLY” and "WE HOLE.” ©ur warm wishes for a festive holiday season for you and your family and our deep appreciation for your kind consideration and friendship throughout the year. LEAVELL'S RADIO TV and APPLIANCES ZENITH Sales and Service 1411 Main Street Phone 276-0326 * T AT CHRISTMAS As the Wise Men came from the East bearing gold, myrrh and frankincense to the Holy Child, so let us bear in our hearts that greatest gift of all — Love toward each other, so Peace on Earth may prevail. > State Bank & Trust Co. NEWBERRY, S. C.