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About The Chemawa American (Chemawa, Or.) 19??-current | View Entire Issue (Dec. 20, 1933)
CHEMAWA^AMERIC AN Printed at Chematva, Oregon, and Devoted to the Interests of Indian Education VOL. XXXV WEDNESDAY, DEC. 20, 1933 NO. 6 ------------------------------------------------------ CHRISTMAS Monday is Christmas day and all Christendom will observe the occasion. The celebration of Christmas (Christ’s Mass) is much the same throughout our fair land and in all other countries. There will be many exchanges of gifts, of good wishes, “Merry Christ - masses” and so forth throughout the day. There will also be much feasting (often too much) and func tions of various kinds, each and every one seeking that particular “something” which has an appeal for him, and so the day will pass and leave in its wake just memories, as all such occasions do—and we are all better off, for our memories. But back of it all is the heart and soul of the people —the urge to make others happy, the great spirit of “Good will toward men,” the touch of human under standing and sympathy. Who is there among us who does not feel the spirit of good cheer, of genuine happi ness, joy, when on Christmas day he meets his fellows? It is a day of observation, of remembrance, of an event dear to all—long past in its birth but still ever-present with us. For weeks before the eventful day dawns old and young are alert and planning the joy they are to give their dear friends— what better sign of human heart, of fellow love can we find than in the spirit that prompts this solicitude? There is nothing else like it. But there is an other view of the picture. Is it not possible that Chris- mas, the “Christ mas spirit,” is commercialized too extensively? Is it not often true that our hearts are larger than our bank accounts? Is it not true sometimes that Christmas-giving beyond reason and our means is the cause of deprivation both before and after the day itself? To give when we can not afford it is in reality to under-observe the Spirit of Christmas. It is the Spirit of it!—the joy of remem brance and observation, the good-will fellowship, that makes Christmas what it is today, and it is what has carried us through, lo! these many tribulous centuries. A kindly greeting, a card, even a thought, is the real spirit of it all and is what makes Christmas live. DOINGS AT PRACTICE HOUSE The present group in the practice house will stay another week as Evelyn Charles came in late and the program has not been complete for her. Cassie Ball leaves today to spend the holidays with her people at Chiloquin. The practice house girls entertained their friends at a Christmas party Friday, Dec. 15. The house was attractively decor* ted with holly and a large Christmas tree added to the festive air. Cakes and ice cream were served and games were played. Miss Strauch will take a leave of sev eral days next week to have some nec essary dental work done. Dorothy Parker and Mrs. Stiff were guests for dinner Wednesday. Mary lyall is still at her home in Nis- qually, Washing ton. Evelyn Placid will spend her Christ mas vacation with her people at Bell ingham, Wash.
