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The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C., Thurs., Dec. 24, 1970—SEC. D, PAGE 3 Christmas Is Special lime of Of Year Every season, each holiday of the year brings some kind of change into the pattern of our lives. But, of all the days, in summer, winter, spring, or fall, there is—for everyone—a most favorite of all. It is, of course, the Christmas. We are captured by the spirit of Christmas long before the holiday arrives. The commercial aspects, the bright streets, decorated windows and well-stocked store shelves—these are obvious witness to the fact that Christmas is soon coming. But, the real change is something that takes place within the heart and the spirit. It touches first the very young. It comes to the school scene. It reaches out to the older community, Some grasp it eagerly; a few, reluctantly. But even the most per sistent die-hard eventually becomes captive to the mood, throws away a year-round frown, walks with a sprightly step and offers a merry greeting to all the world. As the holiday grows nearer, the spirit of warmth and happiness, brings to each individual opportunity to share in the most magnificient moment of all time—the birth of Jesus Christ, the Redeemer. This is the essence, the origin of an ticipation—the realization that God sent his only son unto the world. Manger Is Theme Of Latin Yule Though Santa and gaily decked trees often appear nowadays in Central and South America, Christmas is traditionally a time for reli gious observances. Mass, at midnight on Christmas Eve or early Christmas Day, forms the heart of the holiday in Latin America, and the creche or manger scene marks the sea son throughout churches and homes, say the editors of the Encyclopedia Americana. Bountiful feasts, proces sions and other special events may provide a festive note, but custom says that gift giving time is Three Kings’ Day — Twelfth Night, Janu ary 6th, when the Wise Men brought their gifts to Jesus. Children put their shoes under the bed or in the win dow, hoping to have them filled with toys and gifts. Water and hay are set out for the Three Kings’ horses or camels. While many Latin Ameri can countries share these traditions and celebrate Christmas in similar ways, each country also has its own special festivities. * * * In Venezuela Hallaca, a native Venezue lan dish, is an awaited deli cacy during the Christmas season. It is made of corn meal with pork and chicken stuffing and numerous other ingredients, and then wrap ped in plantain leaves to form a type of pie. * * *. In Argentina It’s a mid-summer Christ mas in Argentina, and the traditional feast is generally served outdoors. Rosebuds and jasmine deck the table, which has as edible center- piece a whole roast suckling Pig. * * * In Brazil Brazilian lore and legend says that Three King’s Day is a time for poetry contests. Verses accompanied by gui tars are featured. * * * In Chile Unique among Christmas customs in Chile is a grand fiesta that centers around horse racing. * * * In Panama Children in Panama par ticipate in midnight mass on Christmas Eve by caroling to an accompaniment of casta nets and tamborines. * * * In Peru Toro! In Lima, Peru, Christ mas day is not exclusively a church holiday, because it also marks the greatest bull fight of the year. * * * In Colombia People parade in masquer ade on Christmas Eve in Colombia. Each masquerader tries to guess the identity of others. When someone guess es correctly, he can claim a small gift from the person who was “unmasked.” Wreaths Got Pagan Start During this holiday season, a wide variety of colorful wreaths deck the doorways of homes in this community. The use of wreaths at holi day time stems from the cus toms of Advent season — the four Sundays before Christ mas. Traditionally, Advent wreaths are made of ever greens, trimmed with rib bons, and hold four candles to be lit during the Sundays of Advent. The wreath, which has no beginning or end, represents eternity, and the evergreens symbolize growth and life, according to the editors of the New Book of Knowledge. Like many other Christian holiday customs, the Advent wreath originated in pagan ceremonies. During the dark days of the winter solstice, the sun- worshippers of northern Eu rope sought to please their absent god, the sun, and per suade him to return, by using a wheel trimmed with green ery. The wreath was made of an actual wheel, taken from a cart and wrapped in greens. Lights, too, were added. Cranberry Ice Easy To Prepare 1 pound fresh cranberries Vi cup water 2 cups sugar Juice of 2 or 3 oranges Juice of 1 lemon 2 cups milk Remove stems from cranberries, wash and drain. Add water and cook until the berries pop. Put through food mill or collander, then add sugar, orange and lemon juice. Add milk very slowly, and stir until thoroughly mixed. Pour into a 9-inch square pan and freeze. Remove to bowl and beat until smooth. Return to freezer and freeze until firm. Cut into 1 inch cubes and serve in lettuce cups. W# hop* your holiday is fillod with fino friends, good times. Warm wishes. FRIENDLY CLEANERS 938 Friend St. Newberry, S. C. S true meaning ■ristmas unites roughout the |j§jgay this Holy n be filled Ijtilderstanding love. City Filling Station Telephone 276-4395 Newberry, S. C. Friend Street