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Celebrate Christmas '8*1 with an eye to past, future Christmas, as the saying goes, means different things to dif­ ferent people. For some, it s snow covered trees and eggnog; for others, balmy nights and sweet holiday punch. Anyone who has ever seen a child's eyes light up on Christmas morning knows that Christmas, however it is ob­ served, is a celebration of life. It's a special time to enjoy re­ membrance of things past and hope for the future. f?.er ftzimdw/. .Y/cifc f PAGE IS - PLAINDEALjjER f i V ' • I t - LY. NOVEMBER 24, lMt » For The Artist On Your List.. . As wc celebrate Christmas 1981, it is appropriate to re­ member the legacy of past fenerations, even as we look orward to the years to come. The wonderful traditions of the past have not vanished-- they have just altered to keep pace with our ever-changing world. The decorating of homes during the Christmas season goes back many centuries. In 492, Pope Gelaius estab­ lished Candlemas Day as a time to bless candles in church. Bayberry candles were es­ pecially popular during Christmas, as legend had it that their scent would reach loved ones who were far away. Candles were placed in the windows of many homes dur­ ing the Christmas season to symbolize the guiding light the Magi used to find their way to die Christ child. It was also believed that Christ might be walking the night in disguise; therefore, one should light the way and offer hospitality to wayfarers. The custom of caroling dates back to ancient times; most likely, it grew out of a pagan rite in which worship­ pers joined hands and danced. Many plants are tradition­ ally associated with Christmas. .Holly, for in­ stance, was believed to bring good hick, and was a symbol of the Virgin Mary. Mistletoe was held to be a symbol of peace by the an­ cient Romans, who believed that enemies who met under it would lay aside their arms and embrace. In England it was believed that if a young maiden was kissed under it, she would marry during the coming year. Evergreens were brought into homes during ancient times to ensure the return of vegetation in the spring. Prince Albert (Queen Vic­ toria's husband) is credited with bringing the tradition of decorating evergreens at Christmastime to England from his native Germany. The first official recogni­ tion of the Christmas tree in America occurred in 1856 when Franklin Pierce, then President of the United States, decorated one in the White House. Everybody's favorite, Santa Claus, or Saint Nicho­ las, was a bishop who lived in the fourth'Century, and who became the patron saint of children and sailors. Is it simply a coincidence that the old custom of i out a wet cloak on the on Christmas eve when Santa makes his rounds, is per­ formed in memory of ship­ wrecked sailors? [SPECIAL DINNER Need a special gift for that man in your life? Why not give a gift that will take effect after the holidays? St. Nicholas is often de­ picted as carrying three bags of gold which he tossed on the door step of three sisters who were left dowerless. The ex­ pression "in the nick of time" derives from St. Nicholas, who was always there in times of need. Today we still enjoy many of these age old traditions, even if we don't know their origins. We gather with friends and relatives to cele­ brate the birth of Christ and the birth of a New Year. We have many great gift ideas in our art supplies department for the novice or accomplished artist. gMcHemy Paint _Z_T GLASS & WALLPAPER Sal 3411 W. ELM 385-7353 PICTURE FRAMING--ARTIST SUPPLIES-MIRRORS STORE HOURS: MON.-THURS. 7:45 to 5:30 FRI. 7:45 to 8:00 SAT. 8:00 to 5:00 CLOSED SUNDAY OU for a dinner of^his of you will enjoy. WRITING FOR YOU... VIDEO GAME DEPT. FEATURES THE LATEST ATARI AND INTELLIVISION CARTRIDGES PLUS BLANK VIDEO TAPE AND y ACCESSORIES ••v: V Concert Hall portable phonograph - jam-proof, automatic record changer, dynamic 8" oval speaker, rugged, scuH-resistant COM, compact design LIST 59.95 Model No. 638 ' 1 ATARI Play Our Coin- Operated Video Games Today! Complete with joystick and paddle controllers, Combat Game Program cartridge. TV switch and handy AC adap­ tor. THE FREEDOM PHONES® SPECIAL MODEL FF-1500 THE Cordless Plus Freedom Phone* is a superb step-up MODEL FF-500 Freedom Phone with a lot of pluses...like a beautiful, por- LIMITED STOCK tab|« charger/cradle that allows the phone's handset to be recharged away from the Base Station. The Cordless Plus Freedom Phone* does everything an ordinary phone does and more-because you take it with you. Moke or take calls in privacy-from wherever you want. The base station imply plugs into a telephone jack and AC outlet. NEW ACTIVISION CARTRIDGES (IN STOCK) LASER BLAST • Brilliant colors and startling sound effects *22** KABOOMI If you think catching water bombs is easy try KABOOMI 99 WM Cute little guy is hard to beat 'ft DRAGSTER - True to life sound effects. Grueling competition. The DRAGSTRIP right in your living room *22* \ T 0 N E S \ MUSIC • IIICTHONICS SINCE 1964 RTE. 31 AND 120 (Across From Jewel Foods) McHenry, II (815)385-4646