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12 The Canadian Statesman, Howmanvillc, December 23,1!)85 Section Four 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there. The children were nestled all snug in their beds While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And Momma in her kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winters nap. When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tbre open the shutters and threw up the sash. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave a lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes did appear, 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 St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name. "Now, Dasher, now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen! On, Comet! on, Cupid! on Donder and Blitzen! Ib 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 hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So üp to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas, too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning 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 of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes, how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow. The stub of a pipe he held tight to his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and little round belly, That shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, 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 out of sight, "Happy Christmas to all...and to all a goodnight!" »*»*$» Customs and origins of the Christmas tree »*»»»» 0 Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, O tree of green, unchanging! The words of this beloved beloved carol call to mind one of our favorite symbols of the holiday season -- the Christmas tree. Where did it come from? Why is it associated with the birth of Christ? For the answers, one possibly has to go back to mythological times. Norse mythology had its Yggdrasil ash and the early Greeks had Do- dona's oak. In Greece, it was an old custom to wreath a pole with myrtle, olive and orange leaves. The Circassians would carry a young pear tree into into the house, where it was covered with candles. Later on, it became the custom to bring small potted potted cherry or hawthorn trees into the house, for blooming at Christmas or the New Year. Before the 17th century, large decorated "paradise" trees were carried around Santa Claus owes them a A collector of folk customs and holiday practices attributes attributes our present-day Santa Claus to the work of three men: Washington Irving, who wrote of the happy rural English Christmas festivities; festivities; debt of gratitude Dr. Clement Moore, whose poem "The Visit from St. Nicholas" gave millions of people the idea of a jolly saint; Arid Thomas Nast, the cartoonist whose plump Santa became the prototype of today's figure. HcweaMerry! This Yuletide season, we warmly express appreciation to all our friends. <cf^oyafe. c^futo H3ody Located 4 miles North of Hwy. 401 onHwy. 115-35 (Behind All Seasons Holiday) Phone 983-9784 iv: BiV rVi in Germany, or used in paradise paradise plays. In these plays, a fir tree hung with apples was used to represent the Garden of Eden. Later on, pyramidal erections of wood, decorated with candles and fruit were often carried from house to house. Researchers Researchers conjecture that these pyramids were possible possible substitutes for trees. The first decorated trees in the home began to appear appear in Alsace in 1605. At first only apples, cookies and treats were used to trim these new paradise trees, symbolizing the sweet fruit of redemption. Martin Luther is thought to have added candles to the trees for the first time. By Victorian times, the tradition of the Christmas tree was firmly established in Germany. When Prince Albert became consort to Queen Victoria, he introduced introduced the Christmas tree to England. By then, it was adorned with candles, gilded gilded nuts and fruits and gingerbread. gingerbread. These goodies would remain on the tree until it was dismantled after Twelfth Night, at which time they were gleefully eaten by the children. The Christmas tree was introduced to America by German immigrants during the 1800s. Homemade dec- TYRONE MILLS LTD. Ü orations such as popcorn and cranberries added an American touch to the tree, which quickly became popular in this country. Today, electric lights have replaced the old- fashioned and unsafe candles, and there are no end of beautiful ornaments with which to trim the tree. Christmas trees can be found in homes throughout the country during the holidays, holidays, and in public places as well. The lighting of the Christmas trees at Rockefeller Rockefeller Center in New York City and at the White House are among the spectacular spectacular displays enjoyed each Christmas. The Christmas tree can be found in many parts of the world as a symbol of the season. It has journeyed from legends of the past to become a sign of redemption redemption for all. "eWBW$«!M$«iB*$e£)8S!Eei$Sa $«$«£«$« $«$«$*$# tweet 1 _ I 8 i ~ n 8, 8 Wishing happiness and peace to you ! Best Wishes from DOM'S AUTO PARTS R.R.2, Bowmanville l»*W$W«*6*RtWg»it)6tîl»8t»a*S<WaM3t3ea5SaieSt)8KtXSîtS -- ^ - TrtON*. ni Li &fa$tng pou anb pour familp an 6lb-ta<i)umeb Cfjrtetma* For an old-fashioned way of celebrating the Holidays, include some Hot Apple Cider. From now until New Year's purchase the cider ! and we'll supply the spices. Open: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Closed: December 25 and January Ktewtwswtwswtwtwtwtwtstewtwiewecttwtwtwtewtwj! Cheery best wishes for a warm and happy holiday. Management and Staff of The Bowmanville Foundry Co. Ltd. Telephone 623-3313 £)ver the river and through the woods... bringing with us tidings of true Christmas spirit It's been our pleasure to serve you. Management and Staff of HUTTON TRANSPORT Waverley Road South Bowmanville \ ' IX >c DOC DOC DOC DOC DOC X' Let the glad message of the holy season ring out this Holy Night. Our very best wishes for a Merry Christmas to all ! 6 5%. 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