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Supplement of The Canadian Statesman, Wednesday, November 22, 1978 Christmas Council .11C¥ . The Christmas Council of Canada was established in 1977 by the country's Christmas Decoration Industry in the interest of energy conservation. The Council is comprised of Canada's major manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers of Christmas decora- tions and fully supports government in its concern to safeguard energy now and in the future. The aim of the Christmas Council is to respond to the conserva- tion needs of the country and at the same time, help maintain the Christmas tradition. The Christmas season represents an important cultural aspect of our society and lighting and decorating play a key role in its celebration. The Christmas Council has adopted positive measures towards this end. They include: 1. Development of low wattage light bulbs. Manufacturers of Christmas decorations have reducd the energy consumption of their products by approxi- mately 25 per cent. 2. Standard indoor bulbs have been reduced from seven to five watts. 3. Outdoor lamps have been reduced from ten to seven watts. 4. Ongoing research with the aim of future reduction of Christmas decoration energy consumption. 5. A consumer informa- tion program initiated to create awareness of the energy situation and to offer methods of saving power in the home. The total Christmas Decorations Industry for the year of 1978 is estimated to be in excess of $100 million at the retail level. In addition, a study prepared by the Canadian Toy Manufacturers Associa- tion shows that the industry employs a substantial work force of 550 people which soars to 750 during the peak season. Members of the Christmas Council include Alderbrook International Limited, Barcana Associates, Canadian General Electric, Doubl-Glo of Canada Limited, Kruger Pulp and Paper Limited, Noma Lites Canada Limited, Tinsel Manufacturing Limited, Toronto Carton Limited, Universal Electric Products Company Limited, and Yuletide Enterprise (Canada) Limited. HOLIDAY CUSTOMS 'ROUND THE WORLD The joy that pervades the Christmas season through- out the world is evident in beautiful ethnic customs. Sweden's Christmas season begins December 13th, the feast of St. Lucy. A young girl dresses as the beloved patron, with a crown of candles upon her head. A festive breakfast of cake and coffee is served and signals the start of the holiday season. The French and French Canadians largely continue the practice of attending Midnight Mass. The service is followed by an elaborate supper with family at home. Christmas Eve's first star indicates the time to begin the customary holiday meal, or Wilia. The elaborate din- ner, breaking a pre-Christ- mas fast, is served in the midst of a straw-filled room. An empty place is kept at this manger-like setting, for the Christ Child. Italians recreate the nativity scene in homes and churches with a "Pre- asepio." The colorful tab- leaux depicting the manger scene, is set in a place of honor during the holidays. Norwegians create a spe- cial "Christmas Tree," gleaned from a shaft of grain and bound to the top of a pole. This gleaning tra- dition remembers birds in a special way. Cattle are also remembered at this time with special fodder. The meaning and joy of Christmas survives today through these treasured cus- toms. These rituals serve as a constant reminder that there is no other celebration as wonderfuil as Christmas! Beloved Carols Add to the Joy Of The Season There is melody in the air, resounding in song. Christ- mas is the perfect time for musical expression! Many popular holiday songs were originally written to impart the knowledge of the birth of Jesus and the meaning and merriment of Christmas. These songs became known as "carols," derived from the French word "carole," meaning round dance. Early carols were simple songs with primitive dance ac- companment. The first documented American Christmas carol is thought to have been writ- ten for the Huron Indians by St. John Brebeuf, a French missionary. This carol, now translated to English, re- mains part of Christmas song and dance in modern Quebec, Canada. The custom of Christmas caroling dates back to the 16th century when singing groups traveled from home to home, wishing friends and neighbors the best of the season. Though greeting cards have replaced the necessity of in-person greet- ings, the tradition of door - to - door caroling is still widely practiced today. Group singing is now in- cluded in religious and other services - emphasizing the importance of Christmas carols and their contribu- tions to the spirit of the holi- day season. Most of us would agree that Christmas and the whole world is brighter and more meaningful when music is used to express the beauty of this holy and happy Yuletide season. st in time for ui mmi i mm*maemummuB Color Television by ELE6TROHOME We have a selection of beautiful console color televisions by Electrohome. They are beautiful pieces of furniture, featuring cabinetry by Delicraft. We urge you to corne in and ask for a demonstration of these quality television sets, and the prices are very attractive too. For your added convenience, we have in-store financing, if you qualify, on items of $100.00 or more in value. Bowmanville Audio-Vision 20 King Street West 623-2312 C