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2. CS ESn S C ie CAE HL. SL, IL.AL, HLE, C3 x 4 Monday, 19334 But whatever the country, or whatâ€" ever its customs or practices may be, Christmas festival always brings with it a wealth of happiness and good cheer; and into the hearts of manâ€" kind everywhere there comes a beautiâ€" ful spirit of peace and goodwill toâ€" ward all that makes earth like unto heaven on this day. Santa Claus originated in Germany, as also did the Christmas tree, the wonâ€" derful tree thzt makes little eyes shine and grow big with wonder and delight on Christmas morning. It is believed by many in the Old World that the gates of heaven are opâ€" en wide on this night and are left open all through Christmas day, and that all who die on this day are bade to enter. It is also believed that no evil spirit of any kind can be abroad on this night to practice their wiles, for all are banished from the face of the earth, for on this night good triumphs over evil in everyâ€" thing. In our own country there is no cusâ€" tom that gives more joy than the comâ€" ing of Santa Claus. What little boy or girl has not ain awake nights dreamâ€" ng Oof this wonderful being, thrilling with the thought of the wonderful things he may bring. The coming of And in many parts of Ireland there is a legend told on Christmas eve that the mother of the Saviour often wanders abroad and Ooften comes to the door of some house seeking shelter for herself and babe. So on this night in parts of Erin the latchstring is on the outside of the daoor for all. In Scotland it is the custom to give double fodder to cattle on this night, and it is known in many parts of the British Isles as the night of two supâ€" pers, one of which is eaten before and one after midnight. A Scotch legend tells that Saint Bride lived at the time of Christ‘s birth and was a little serving maid at the inn at Bethlehem to which Mary and Joseph came. Because of some service which she renmdered to Mary when she came there seeking shelter she is known as ‘"Muime Criosta" which means fosterâ€" mother of Christ. Let nothing you dismay, For Jesus Christ, your Saviour Was born on Christmas Day. A beautiful custom prevails in Ireland On Christmas eve. In every home a lighted candle is placed in an open window and from there its rays shine forth into the night. This is done to guide any wanderers that might be abroad, least they should have to wanâ€" der far seeking shelter as Mary and Joseph had to do at Bethlehem. Another custom which has come down from pagan times, and one which is now used in every country is the deâ€" corating with evergreens in honor of Christmas. In the pagan halls and castles boughs of evergreens were hung over the doors and windows for decor? ative purposes and also to ward off evil spirits. For this reason the early Christians refused to use them in deâ€" corating their homes and churches, but gradually the vivid beauty of the winter plant won out and they are now a part of the great festival in church and home. But even yet in many countries mistletoe is not allowed inside the house after the New Year for fear of some dire calamity. in England the beautiful custom of carol singing is much practiced Groups of people go from house to house, singing the beautiful old carols. One can almost sense the wonder and the beauty of that night in Bethlehem as their voices ring out on the still, frosty air: God rest you merry gentlemen, Few Christian stories that come from the old world fail to mention the yule logs and in England and other countries it still blazes on the hearth at Christâ€" mas time. This was one of the customs that originated with the Pagans, for it was first practiced in Scandinavia where a huge log was set on fire in honâ€" or of Thor, whose festival was kept at the time of the winter solstice. In many parts of Europe the dragging home of this yule 10g is one of the big events of the year ind is a source of great excitement, especially to the chilâ€" daren. After it is brought home it is placed across the wide open hearth and on Christmas eve it is lighted by the masâ€" ter Oof the house and there it smolders and burns for several days. During this time there is much merriment in every home and at evening merry parâ€" ties are held and songs are sung and tales areâ€"told and a good time is enâ€" joyed by all. THE PORCUPINE ADVANCE, TIMMINS, ONTARIO years in spite 0 erism has mads and practices from a bygone strange fascini carry people many practi in the Christmas Belief in _ Famous Christmas OQld World Lands â€" Poem Reâ€"Published Legends and the Customs that have Grown from Them in the Old Countries Overseas. n the old e of Chris down fr nes Te nd beautifi 1 world dur stmas whic ‘om sire t hrough th ; that mod old custom come dow » have a Yuletide hold and mod=â€" stoms down ht "At Christmas play and make good cheer, for Christmas comes but once a year,"â€"Thos Tusser, born 1527, died 1580. The children that are born to some classes of the people in Naples on this happy day are visited by "Wise men,"â€" who are selected by some philanthropic society and are presented with imitaâ€" tion stones which are valued highly by the children in later years, even superâ€" natural qualities being ascribed to them In many districts of Norway and Sweden every baby born on Christmas day is the recipient Of many gifts and bounties from all quarters. He receives a bounty from both the ecclesiastical and civil authorities and in some disâ€" tricts these bounties amount to a conâ€" siderable amount of money, which is generally invested until the child is of cap Had just settled our brains to a long winter‘s nap; When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter I sprang from bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash, The moon on the breast of the new fallen snow . Gave the lustre of midâ€"day to objects below, When what to my wondering ‘eyes should But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver so lively and quick I knew in a moment it must be Saint Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled and shouted and callâ€" ed them by name. "Now, Dasher! now, Dancer; now, Prancer! and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on Donder and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all! As dry leaves that before the wild hurâ€" ricane fly,, When they meet with an obstacle mcount to the sky, so up to the house top the coursers they flew, With a sleigh full of toys and Saint Nicholas too. And then in a twinkling. I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoofâ€" As I drew in my head and was tulnmg around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot. And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot. A bundle Oof toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just openâ€" ing his pack; His eyesâ€"how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses; his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up in a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shcoke when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself : Norway, Sweden Babies Are Loaded with Gifts A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Ssoon gave men to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work And filled all the stockings, then turnâ€" ed with a jerk. And laying his finger aside of his And giving a nod up the chimney he rose. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle And away they all flew like the down of a thistle; * But I heard him exclaim ere he drove cout of sight, ~ ‘"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night." While wWniile visioOns OI Ssug through their heads Mama in her kerchic "Twas the Night Be Christmas" dear to He of Many. By Request. In hopes would be The childr their bed n ocking with c nIgnt I ugh the I"s answer to the to whether there Claus should be issue everywhere care, that Saint Nicholas ‘ there. en were nestled all snu ue ev ht be of sugarplums danced 11 chief and x1 reader of and to the li ung by Christma fore arts are ose ce ons one ue ns ce ce D Christma