'HE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS PULLOUT SECTION Christmas Customs From Other Lands The celebratioP of Christ- mas throughout the world takes many forms, but one thing is constant: the joy that pervades this holiday season. In Italy, the Christmas tree gives way to the Prae- sepio. This is a nativity scene, created with love and devotion by Italians in their homes and in their churches. It is usually con- structed from wood, cork, plaster, and papier mache, among other materials. A colorful tableaux depicting the Infant Jesus with His mother, Mary, surrounded by Joseph, the Wise Men, shepherds, angels and even animals, is set in a place of honor during the holidays. To the north, in Norway, a very charming custom remembers some of God's little creatures. The birds' Christmas tree is a specially gleaned sheaf of grain from the fall harvest, bound to the top of a pole in Norwe- gian front yards. The cattle are also remembered at this time, with extra fodder, in honor of their presence at the birth of Jesus. In. Sweden, another charming custom opens the Christmas season on De- cember 13th. This is the feast day of St. Lucy, who ushers in the holiday spirit. A young girl, dressed in White, with a bright red sash about her waist and a crown of candles upon her head, appears at this time. "St. Lucy," as she is called, BOXING DAY The day after Christmas is still celebrated as Box- ing Day in both England, where it originated, and Australia. The holiday goes back to early England, when land- lords and employers would set aside gifts that they carries a tray with coffee and a small cake (baked in honor of the occasion) for the occupants of the house. This festive break- fast signals the start of the Christmas season for Nor- wegians. Another repast plays an important part in Christmas celebrations for the Polish. They observe December 24th as a fast day until the first star appears in the eve- ning sky. It is then that the Wilia, or Christmas Sup- per, begins. Straw is scat- tered under the table, the dishes, and tablecloth, pro- bably as a reminder of the birth in a manger. A vacant chair is reserved for the Infant Jesus. The head of the family takes a thin wafer that has been blessed, and that fea- tures Christmas characters upon it. He prays for the welfare of his family and then distributes pieces of the wafer to each person at the table. A traditional supper is then enjoyed by the family, after which yet another custom is observed: boys and girls go about the streets singing carols and others go about dressed as strange beasts and other characters. Christmas in French Can- ada, as might be expected, is reminiscent of old French customs. The holiday sea- son is commenced with a beautiful midnight mass. After this, French Canadi- ans enjoy a supper at home didn't want, to give to the needy and to tradespeople. Today in England and Australia, Boxing Day is observed as a holiday from work, giving weary parents a chance to rest from the rigors of shopping and pre- paring Christmas feasts, and giving youngsters a chance to play with their new toys. WHITBY GREETINGS Thanks for all of your friendship and patronage this year. We look forward to always offering you the best service available. M & N Motor Sales 100 Victoria St. W. 668-4411 C Wishing you a star-bright, love-warm holiday season. We hope that you will continue to honor us wit your patronage. Maitland Lincoln Mercury 1 Kingston Rd. E. 683-5540 7r