The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

4 A ¥ A %4 " a [ § a 8 TL 4 © J Ad » v J 3 ® LIK J Christmas is fast ap- proaching, even though many of us are still waiting for Indian Summer. Only a few days until Christmas. Almost two thousand years ago, on December 25, Jesus Christ, the founder of Christianity, was born. The Christian world holds this date as a very important day of celebration. There are many symbols and customs of Christmas that have become as much a part of our celebrations as Christmas day itself. The history and origin of some of our symbols and customs makes interesting reading. THE CHRISTMAS STAR A most important symbol . of Christmas, the star, refers to the star that The Three Wise Men followed to Bethlehem. The star shone brilliantly in the sky over Christ's birthplace and ser- ved as a guiding light for the Wise Men. Today's star decorations come in many shapes and colours, but all are symbolic of that one star that the Three Wise Men followed. THE CHRISTMAS CRECHE Creation of the first Christmas creche is attri- buted to St. Francis of Assissi. In 1223, he used a creche scene to more vividly illustrate the birth of Christ for the peasants attending Mass. The Christmas creche is part of the festive season in many countries today. The creche is displayed in all forms from a simple "under the tree" scene to live Nativ- ity pageants enacted with real people and animals, in elaborate costumes and set- tings. CHRISTMAS CAROLS From the French word "carole" which originally meant a ring dance accom- panied by singing, the dance tunes evolved to become to become carols. The carols were soon popular all over Europe, and new carols were created as the popularity spread. English colonists intro- duced their carols to North America and also initiated '"'caroling in the streets", a custom which is still a popu- lar part of Christmas in many places. MISTLETOE Kissing under the mistle- toe is a Christmas custom whose origins are somewhat obscure.. One theory attri- butes the origin of this custom to the Ancient Druids. Another holds that the Scandinavians consider- ed Mistletoe a symbol of peace and enemies meeting under the mistletoe would declare a truce for the day, sealed with a kiss. However the custom star- ted, really isn't important, but it certainly is an enjoy- able part of Christmas. CHRISTMAS CARDS Christmas greeting cards came into use in the 1840's when Sir Henry Cole used them to replace his usual Christmas letter .to friends and relatives. By the 1860's sending Christmas cards had caught on in England and soon spread to North America. Present day cards are avail- able in thousands of vari- eties of design and are prin- ted in many different langu- ages as well. EXCHANGING GIFTS The exchange of gifts was inspired by the Three Wise Men with their gifts of fran- kincense, gold and myrrh. The practice of gift giving caught on in the middle Port Perry Star Christmas Edition -- Wednesday, Dec. 22, 1976 -- 11 -- Christmas Symbols And Customs -- ages, and, is still with us, as most January charge account statements will con- firm. THE CHRISTMAS TREE Yet another facet of the Christmas scene with obscure origins, the custom of erecting and decorating a Christmas tree has been with a long time. Germany helped to popu- larize the Christmas tree more than any other coun- try. Later when the custom spread to England it became a most important part of the Christmas celebration. It is difficult to imagine Christ- mas without a tree to spread warmth and joy on the scene. The symbols and customs of Christmas are far too many and varied to cover completely in this writing. You may wonder what the symbols and customs of Christmas have to do with the Ministry of Natural Resources. It is through the wise use and management of our natural resources that we are able to enjoy a bountiful Christmas season. Christmas cards and gift wrap, even the sheet music JoYoUS; Greetings May the blessings of Christmas be with vou today and always. Thanks to you all. sxE7E] FEESEASS (HEE GG We're building a bonanza of holiday our community. Thank you and happy holidays. LAKE SCUGOG LUMBER COMPANY LIMITED wishes for all friends in the The Miracle of Christmas The merry rejoicing at Christmas, celebrating the Birth of Christ, seeks to recapture the glory and won- der of the Nativity. People everywhere come together in warmth and goodwill, recalling the Source of the Spirit that binds them together. Although Christmas is celebrated all over the world, it is not really known whether or not Jesus, as a boy, ever had a birthday party. Jews of His time did not celebrate birthdays... such observances were for kings and other important people, who lived in palaces. With or without birthday partles, Jesus had an enchanted childhood, so say the legends. One such story says He made mud-pie birds one rainy day, and as He finished them, they flew away. For having bowed down to give its fruit to His Holy Mother, Jesus rewarded a palm tree by having a cutting of it planted in Paradise. The Magic of Christmas is happily contagious, transforming the world in an atmosphere of brother- hood and anticipation. Its magic brings families together, inspires a spirit of generosity and giving, and fills the heart with a heady lightheartedness long remembered from one's childhood. For it is in childhood that the magic of the Yule- tide is felt most keenly. The air quivers with excite- ment and the promise of things to come. Pungent smells fill the house and little ones can hardly sleep, for listening to the furtive sounds of mom and dad tiptoeing and whispering and wrapping, far into the night An old French proverb says "Miracles happen only to those who believe in them." Surely, we can all be lieve! Surely we can reinforce our faith in miracles! Jd - Fashioned Christmas Wishes Share in this holiday's joys with the folks you love best. Jim Heayn AUTO SALES bringing good cheer to our many friends. Thanks, loyal patrons. Seagrave GENERAL STORE for our carols, started out as a living renewable resource in our forests. Christmas trees are an obvious natural resource. Many of the plastics used in decoration of gift manu- facture contain chemicals derived from our natural resources. Even vanillin uged to flavour our Christ- mas ice cream cones from our forest trees. Our mineral resources provide the raw materials for the manufacture of everything from Christmas tree stands to the roasting pan for the turkey. So you can see that natural resources are very much involved with the customs and symbols of Christmas. A custom we didn't ment- ion earlier is that of wishing your fellow man Merry Christmas. We hope you and your family enjoy a safe, happy festive season, complete with all the sym- bols and customs of Christ- mas that you enjoy most. PEACE . .. AT CHRISTMAS That all may share peace, good will is our holiday wish. COMMUNITY NURSING HOME BRANCH 419 May a peaceful and " cheery Yule be yours. Your = loyalty is greatly appreciated. ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION Pr PORT PERRY of the holiday are as various as joy and peace. All mean the spirit of Christmas. Hearty thanks! Blackstock We wake you a Mey Clovtacas Wallace Marlowe Co. Ltd. 986-4201 May the joys of this W. Frank Christmas season rekindle cherished memories, and fill your heart with great happiness. Real Estate ie fo SRE Sr > ee "i v SE IA] os AN Arte LS | Ca - EAT TY A a Uy Sony FP Ald Era ary OI