8 THE ACORN The Christmas Idea How often as the Christmas season approaches, have you been impressed with a feeling of obligation? Have you ever had the feeling of a duty you would like to shirk and yet your pride led you to greater extravagances than ever before ? If so, this effort is not in vain, for it is my intention to point out some evidently forgotten facts relating to this most happy season of the year. Just why we celebrate Dec. 25th. as the birth of Christ seems to be a matter that few historians refer to with any degree or certainty. Even as long ago as 180 A. D. Christians in Rome seem to have had an indefinite idea of the exact time of this occurance. Some well known writer says that some years it was celebrated in May and April and also in January. He concludes by saying: "Certain it is that He (Christ) was not born on Dec. 25th, because that is the rainy season in Palestine and the events transpiring in the New Testament could never have happened in that season." During the reign of the Roman Emperor, Diocletian, a large number of Christians had assembled in one of their churches to celebrate the birth of Christ. The Roman soldiers, under the direction of their sovereign, nailed up all the exits and set fire to the church. This was their penalty for celebrating the day we look upon as a feast day. The origin of the Christmas tree is a custom borrowed from the Germans and Scandanavians. The Christmas present had its origin from several separate sources the most beautiful of which is the visit of the wise men, who took their rare and costly gifts to the Christ Child in a spirit of humility and reverence. Another important origin of presents comes to us from the custom of celebrating St. Nicholas' Day. St. Nicholas was the Archbishop of Myra in Asia Minor about the year 342 A. D. He was very wealthy and charitable and many stories are told of his kind acts. The following is the one which is probably better known than all others. A certain impoverished nobleman having three marriageable daughters, was unable to provide them with suitable marriage portions, and was therefore very dejected. Nicholas, hearing of this, went at night to the Nobleman's house and through an open window flung a purse of gold which fell at the Nobleman's feet. This was given to the eldest daughter for her portion. The following night the good Saint went again and another purse was provided for the second THE ACORN 9 daughter. The third night the Nobleman lay in wait for his unknown benefactor and caught him in the act of bestowing his gift. The modest bishop made him promise not to tell of the incident. This is probably why "St. Nick" of modern times is never caught in the act. After a few generations this tradition became known to the Christians. The children put their shoes in the window and gifts were put in them by their parents. The idea of hanging up our stockings on Christmas also originated from this incident. Another reason for giving presents at Christmas originated from an old Roman custom of celebrating the change in the year which occurs about this time, the days gradually becoming longer. The Pagan custom was taken up by the Christian Church in Rome. One half of the day was devoted to worship and the other half to merriment and the giving of presents. The "Yule Tide" is practically the same as the Roman celebration, except that it had its origin in Scan-danavia. The old Druid priests in England also celebrated this season with religious rites and other special observances. Thus we see there are many events that contribute to our modern Christmas. The old customs have been handed down to us and we are glad that they bring with them the spirit of giving little remembrances to our friends to assure them of our good will. But now comes a time when we are not satisfied with inexpensive presents. We find pretty much the following state: Mrs. Jones, to Mrs. Smith: "Do you know, Mrs Brown sent me a gaudy hand-painted plate for Christmas, so I'll just have to give her something. The price was not even erased; it cost $3.50. Now I'll have to give her a present that cost at least $5.00." Probably next Christmas Mrs. Brown's plate will have a $7.00 mark on it and a $10.00 one will be required to get "even". Our imagination refuses to keep this up for more than two or three years and we hope Mrs. Brown will move away by that time. The Christmas spirit seems to be a matter of how much you have to spend. At the present time in England, Dec. 26th., or "Boxing Day" has developed into a condition where everyone is almost compelled to give a Christmas box. Last year the British Parliament was compelled to enforce laws restricting commercial firms from soliciting trade from wealthy citizens by bestowing upon them elaborate Christmas boxes. It was charged by members of Parliament that this was a bribe. Let us think what Christmas really means and ponder the reason for its celebration and be sure that our heart goes with each remembrance for ,"the gift without the giver is bare." Veda Farley, '10