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"SERVING THE CHA1N-OVLAKES REGION SINCE 1875 Monday, December 23, Section 2-8 Pages ristmas Good Will and Good0teer Lore and Legend Express Happy Mood of Season ' »_« »» >. In churches and homes, in city streets and stores, across the countryside -- the spirit of Christinas spreads its joy and its contentment. Soon now, the last-minute hustle and bustle will give way to the highest moments of holiday celebration. It's a time for fun and feasting, a tifne fof light-hearted laughter and heartfelt prayer, a time when friendships are r e n e w e d a n d f a m i l y t i e s a r e s t r e n g t h e n e d . f i x Throughout this community, and indeed throughout all th^omiwin«tes where Christmas is celebrated, the spirit of the season finds expression in innurQ^rable ways -- among them, the gladness of gift-giving, the merriment of parties, the happineag^oy hearth and home and, above all, the solemn hush of midnight, traditionally the syngfjojig time for heralding the Birth of Christ. Prom the holly wreatjb on the door to the packages under the tfee, from the gaily decorated windows of stores to the manger scenes in the churches, the customs of Christmas contribute to the meaning of the Day --just as early Christian leaders meant that holiday customs should. . -» When Christmas first began to be observed on December 25th, chifrchmen welcomed the idea of incorporating ceremonies and traditions from earlier beliefs into the celebration. They thought that people would feel closer to the new religion if former ways and rituals were not abolished, but instead united with the new rites to honor the birth of Christ. Today, nearly everyone celebrates Christmas because Christmas belongs to everyone. For the Christian believer, Christmas is cherished as a religious holiday of paramount importance, and as a time meant for joy and festivity, too. For people of many different faiths, Christmas is beloved as a happy holiday, a secular celebration that gives meaningful expression to universal good will and good cheer. LITTLE FOLK PRANCE For Icelanders, "fchristmas Eve is the holiest night of the the holiday season. Tradition says, howeveAr, that many years ago elves, dwarfs and other little folks pranced and danced about the streets on the night before Christmas From home to home, from country to country, Yule celebrations abound. The happy traditions of gift giving, home decorating, carol singing, card sending, candle lighting and tree trimming express t&e merriment of the season. Popular folk custms of nation after nation have been absorbed into the international legend and lore of the Yuletide. Xet virtually every nation -- and every home and familyv too -- has its special way of celebrating Christmas, and itfs special memories of Christ mas past. Going "Mumming" "Mumming" is a Yule cus4 torn that originated in eafcly England. Mummers, masked and in costume, silently enacted ritual plays about the death of winter and the old year. The custom still survives in some parts of the world, although the plays are no longer performed. Today mummers usually entertain with dancing and instrumental music. They are rewarded with treats. with laughter and good Jepsen Tire and Automotive Center 3331 West Elm 331-4 West Elm McHenry * New York's Central covers 800 acres. Park rq>- MATURES ROBIN One'of the first Christmas cani^ ever published, a small (two by three-and-a-half inches) greeting printed/in; London in 1862 by Goodall and Son, features a robin presiding, over a pastoral winter scene, framed by paper lace DOWN THE CHIMNEY Legend says that St. Nicholas and the Italian gift-giver, Befana, rang bells on their way down the chimney to deliver Yule gifts. SHOP-IN MCHENRY REETING2 Wishing you a holiday season gleaming with goodness. Ei<&leno McHenry, 111 inois SOFTENER SALIS Phone: 385-5566 You at CEriiStmas The carolers sing out our greetings to you for a most happy holiday season! Thank you for letting us serve you all through f the year. Ed's Rental 904 N. Front St. McHenry, III Sincere thanks \\ and best wishes to our many <111% Id Ibe^ie! We're sending our warmest wishes to you and your family for a very, merry Christmasl Thank you for your patronage. One Hour Martinizing McHenry Market Place 385-9791 patrons Riverside Hair Styling 2020 W. Rt. 120 McHenry 6Krlstnrias To all our loyal customers, may peace, joy, contentment ring out clearly through your Christmas. Smith Central Garage 2303 W. Johnsburg t ous Okushmas It's the season t to love, share and /how the care. We care ahout you our loyal cu&foqtSrs. Heartfelt Ihanks. Adams Repair Shop Chapel Hill Rd.385-0434^ Church bells ring out across the land on Christmas Day, proclaiming to all the iitili; world the coming of the Holy Child and the glory of His birth. And to our fine customers, we wish to proclaim a warm m holiday "thank you" for your faithful patronage. ft v , , BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gerald J. Carey William A. Nye, M.D. William M. Carroll Robert L. Weber Thomas.F. Bolger Richard J. Zieman "William J. Cowlin cHenry State Bank 3510 WEST ELM, McHENRY 385-1040 > • / '