Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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The Newberry Sun, Newberry, S. C., Thurs., Dec. 24, 1970—SEC. D, PAGE 11 i A*" SCOn MARTIN Mary Scott put another pe can pie in the oven. She planned to finish the preparations, even if some of the food were left over until Christmas of next year. She had been upset since Fred had called so say one of the children had come down with the flu and they would not be coming for Christmas dinner. Jack’s situation was different. He lived a thousand miles away. He had always brought his fami ly to “grandma’s”, just as every one else did. Coming so far to see his mother was one thing; to see his sister was something else. Mary had known that it would all end when mother died. She and Fred and Jack had been close, all of their lives. Even after they had teenagers of their own, everyone returned to the old homestead each Christmas. It had been a tradition of many years standing. A tradition that now had apparently ended. It had ended of course, last Christmas. Mother had died in mid December. They had all agreed not to get together last Christmas, but everyone had ap peared enthusiastic when Mary suggested they gather at her house this year. She knew now they just didn’t want to say “no” at the time. Kid Stuff Billy came bounding in with all the energy of a fourteen- year-old. “Say, mom. Guess what! All the kids are going to get together Christmas afternoon on Galt Hill with out sleds. We’re going to have races and every thing.” Mary laughed. “You feel real sure you’ll get that sled for PhristmAc?” “Sure, I will.” He winked. “Old Santa hasn’t let me down yet.” Ann, sixteen, entered. “You had better mend your ways, then, young man. You don’t get good presents when you’ve been a bad boy.” “Ah, you sound just like a sister.” “A sister who is not going to be on that hill with your wild children. Mom, some of the kids are planning a sleigh ride. Chap- eronned. Billy Smith has asked me. Can I go?” “When will it be?” “Christmas night. Everyone agrees we should be with our families Christmas Eve and Christmas day.” The Idea Later, as Mary was re-arrang ing the lights on the Christmas tree, the words came back to her. “Everyone agrees we should be with our families Christmas Eve and Christmas day.” She had always been with her family, her entire family. That is the way it should be. There had never been a question, so long as mom had lived, as to where everyone would spend the holi day. But, mom was gone. Fred and Jack would spend the Christ mas with their wives and chil dren. And, come to think of it, Ann and Billy and she and Bill would spend theirs together. Last Christmas had seemed like a dream. The most pleasant memory was the quiet hours the four of them had spent Christmas Eve, the walk through the snow to church, the children’s delight upon discovering the presents under the tree when they re turned home. Mary suddenly realized that, even though she had been look ing forward to seeing her two brothers and their families, she had, on one or more occasions, thought about the quiet hours her own family would share be fore they arrived. She met Bill at the door. “Fred called. Tommy has the flu.” Bill put his arm around her shoulders. “Well, dear, then we’ll just spend a quite, happy Christ mas, the four of us.” “Yes, it will be happy, family Christmas just the same. We can do our visiting some time other than Christmas.” MATTER OF FACT December the 25th is the date most Christians now agree upon as the proper time to celebrate the birth of Christ. However, it was a long time in coming. December 25th is the seventh used by Christians for their celebration. Earlier dates were January 6 (the traditional “Old Christmas”), February 2, March 25th, April 19th, May 20th and November 17th. The present day, now adhered to by all Christians except Armenians, began in the year'353. Armenains still observe January 6th. Employer — Employee Gifts It is customary for a man (or a woman) to give his secretary an impersonal gift or a money bonus at Christmas. Candy, flowers, a book or theater tickets would be approprite. It is not considered in good taste, how ever, for the employe to recipro cate. Returning A Present A general rule is to return a present to a store only if the donor is not likely to find out. A gift that arrives broken should be returned to the store — not to the person who sent the present. Accessories For Pets It’s risky business to give a pet for Christmas unless you’re absolutely sure it’s wanted. Most pet owners will welcome, how ever, accessories for their pets. Consider a tie-out-stake, that won’t slip out of the ground, for dogs. For cats, a scratching post, a little basket bed or carton of canned food. The Fashion Picture What’s the look of the 70’s? Two important forces may decide this. One, the fast changing pat tern of life may lead woman as far as the space-age projections. Then, the population projections show we’ll be a nation of young people. And it’s this group who will be influencing the design concepts of the future. In Costa Rica In the island country of Costa Rica, “portals” are set up in homes. These are elab orate Nativity scenes some times filling an entire room. In Guatemala An ancient custom in Gua temala is to “light the road to Bethlehem” by placing lanterns in windows and doorways for nine nights be fore Christmas. Best wishes for a holiday season filled with happiness and good cheer. And sincere thanks for your patronage. MARTIN FEED & SEED CO. 630 Caldwell Street Phone 276-4011 Newberry, S. C. Over the fields and through the snow-covered countryside go our warmest Christmas wishes. In this tradition, we greet our friends and customers, with hopes for your holiday happiness, and with genuine appreciation for your good will. Clinton-Newberry Natural Gas Authority