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p 8 tribune november 20 1996 before the jy holidays j i i call 4168014092 i christmas tree a centuriesold holiday staple of all christmas customs perhaps the most universally treasured is xvikwxi- th christmas tree brightly decorated with shimmering at is as likely to reflect the traditions of each individual fam ily as it is those of harpers fresh meats the festive season is just around the corner and to make it even more special harpers is once again offering their delicious fresh turkeys and countrysmoked hams for your christmas dinner dont delay- order yours today we also prepare mouthwatering cheese and meat trays for all your christmas gatherings entertaining doesnt have to be hard work just fun santa gicma harpers fresh meats 6420 main street stouffville ontario 905 6404761 to recfiveymrdiudpersoiuil liand written letter from santa claus the north pole send hislier full name address postal code age sex christmas wish and goodbad behaviour on a piece of paper with a cheque for 500 per letter to 995a william st ste 410 cobourg ont k9a 54 send today for christmas delivery santa will send a gift tol in every 500 applications received for more info call anne at 19053723252 send your letters to santa today at the tribune santa has a subscription to the tribune so he will be able to read some of your letters before christmas those that are not printed will be mailed to him send your letters to 6244 main st stouffville l4a 1e2 or fax them to 6405477 88 brock st w unitl uxbridge l9p 1p4 or fax them to 8524355 fit ii a c mens amt hairstyling 6180 main st stouffville 6403549 seasonsgfeetings now is the time to start organizing the christmas and new year celebrations for your family frtends or business associates at the cornertiouse in stouffville we can help you do it better the corner house can prepare special or traditbnal menus for your party tell us your budget and special requirements and we will make menu recommendatwns and take care of the details there will be 2 sittings for new years eve ct gift certificates are available 6403 mam street stouffville for reservations please call 640 8494 the world at large from the exciting moment when the tree is erected usually some days in advance of christmas eve it commands a position of central lights and glittering importance during holiday festivi- ornaments the tree ties so much so that it is difficult to believe that 200 years ago the cus tom of trimming a tree at chrimastime was not widely observed outside its native germany one legend credits martin luther the 16th- century theologian with having set up the very first christmas tree according to this legend luther conceived of a tree alight with countless can dles as a way of repre senting to his children the glory of the starlit heaven however historical sources indicate that the first christmas tree can be traced to the early 17th century when fir trees decorated with colored paper gold foil apples toys and candies were reported in the german city of stasbuirg what are the antique ori gins of the christmas tree historians point to a multitude of sources among them the roman custom of decking resi dences with evergreens during the festival of the kalends which occurred in the early part of january parallels between the roman observation of kalends and traditional christmas festivities are many and include those of decorating the home with lights and extending lavish hospitality to friends and family as well as extravagant giftgiving many early christian beliefs stand behind the tradition of trimming a tree at christmas for instance it was custom ary for people to bring flowering trees like hawthorn or cherry indoors during t h e autumn so that they might bloom and bring forth fruit o n why look to the rest when you get the best steps from the stouffville go station appointments available but not necessary serving stouffville since 1967 lemonville community centre christmas with a country flavour crafts and collectables sat nov 23 sun nov 24 10 am 4 pm 13453 mccowan rd south of bloomington rd christmas eve this tradition may be derived from the belief that st joseph of arimathea settling at glastonbury in western england planted his staff in the earth whereupon it became a thorn tree and sprouted leaves furthermore it miraculous ly blossomed dec 24 according to the old the christmas tree has become a yuletide staple with historic roots embedded over 200 years ago church calendar was the feast of adam and eve on which day it was traditional to hang a fir tree with red apples this paradise tree as it was called is certainly a forerunner of the christmas tree as it is known today there are some very pretty stories associated with both pine and fir trees among the most popular choices for christmas trees according to one legend the pine tree provided a hiding place for the holy family when they were fleeing from the soldiers of herod the fir tree according to another legend boasted both flowers and fruits until eve discovered the tree and plucked its treasures from that time on the legend continues only needles grew on the fir tree until on the evening of the nativity it suddenly blossomed once again today centuries later the christmas spirit is still represented in the timeless manifestation of the everbeautiful everenchanting christmas tree whether decorated with candles and strings of popcorn or colorful lights and shiny ornaments it is an important part of the holiday sea son