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30 -- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, December 17, 1985 Real meaning of Christmas "DOES ANYBODY KNOW THE REAL MEANING OF CHRISTMAS' I had a twenty-dollar bill in my pants pocket, and two quarters in my coat pocket for Christmas presents. As | strolled down the action-filled street, I spotted a plump, red figure, ringing a bell. The supposed Santa Claus had a mean look on his face, and as far as I was concerned, he didn't look very merry. | thought that he would scare all the little children, so | went up to him and asked: "Tell me, mister, why do you look so mean?" "Listen, kid," he said sternly, "I've been waiting two years for a job in the unemployment line and this is what I get! Well bah, humbug to Christmas!" he exclaimed, tur- + ning away sharply. As | walked on I noticed a choir singing on a corner in front of a church. When they finished I found the quarter in my coat pocket so | HHPPY HOLIDAY May this day be the mermest yet! Season's Greetings from SCUGOG OVERHEAD DOOR SERVICE DON STEELE good-heartedly deposited it in a big black hat to hold collections in and exclaimed happily, "That was good singing, Merry Christmas!" "Ah, shutup kid, I'd rather be home in front of a fire if it wasn't for my wife, who dragged me here!" the man said sharply. "But, what about the..." | asked, but was interrupted by a harsh voice. "Henry, come on, I've got things to do!" Henry, the man | was talking to sweetly said "Coming, dear." 1 found the lady looked meaner than Henry. I decided to go into a department store to look for presents. | saw a lady shoplifting, pick-pocket taking a wallet from a sweet man, and an old miser complaining about the cost to the manager. I then, outbursted, "Doesn't anybody know the real meaning of Christmas?' Then, not waiting for an answer I rushed out of the store embarrassment following me. That night I thought, and thought, and thought. I came to a decision of apologizing to the manager the following morning. After breakfast, the next day, I Merry Jov To All! Thanks to all my customers. MIKE DRISCOLL told my mom, "Mom I need to get some more presents," instead of my mom arquing she simply said, "Do you need anymore money?" I love my mom, she never argued, but if I asked to do something like going out with my friends and not coming back till late, she simply said "no" than gave me something better to do. "No thank you," I said politely. "You be careful, here's a quarter just in case you get lost." At the department store, I hid my face as well as I could, but it wasn't good enough. People started '"There he is, three cheers for the boy, hip hip, hooray, hip hip, hooray, hip hip, hooray. [ finally said, 'I came to apologize for the outburst from yesterday.' 'Apologize, why, you showed us the Christmas spirit, thank you" the crowd said. Finally, after getting home with the presents, I felt good. I did something meaningful to other peo- ple. Now they'll have a Merry Christmas. Ross Jones, Grade 8, Cartwright Central P.S. * Sreetmgs m ay you rekindle friendships this Chnistmastide. | *: PAL BIG BROTHERS/BIG SISTERS eS, OF NORTH DURHAM % May you find renewed peace and contentment during this blessed occasion. Thanks, all. TIMM'S GARAGE | Saintfield, Ont. 985-7515 May your stockings be filled with love and cheer, as we thank you for a successful year It's customers like you who have been the foundation of our success. Gerald, Eileen, Kevin & Karen Breen jut (YTPROS es esespppreti® ~~ LY -- Sa SOR - A pe £ Merey Cheisimas It's that warm and cozy Holiday Season when families share with their neighbors and friends happy times and good feelings. We wish you the best, along with our thanks. Mother Jackson's Open Kitchens Ltd.