Suggestive programs for special day exercises/Christmas/The True Home of the Christmas Tree

by Jason Elmer Hammond

THE TRUE HOME OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE.

Germany is the children's paradise through the Christmas season, for this is the true home of the Christmas tree. So many of these are required that the raising of the trees is an extensive industry, and many train loads are carried to the cities in anticipation of the day. The market places appear almost like forests of evergreens that spring up at Christmas time. The tree is usually brought home and concealed in some cool place till the evening of the twenty-third, when it is placed in the most favorable position in the best room and the doors are closed. The next day the decoration begins. As the mother-hurries in and out of the room, the excitement of the children grows more and more intense, and the air of mystery pervading the whole house is one of the enjoyable features of the holiday season.

Christmas is the occasion of family reunions. Grandmother always has the place of honor. As the time approaches for enjoying the tree, she gathers her grandchildren about her to tell them the story of the Christ-child, with the meaning of the Christmas tree; how the evergreen is meant to represent the life everlasting, the candle lights to recall the light of the world, and the star at the top of the tree is to remind them of the Star of Bethlehem.

Meanwhile the father has been lighting the candles on the tree; and, as the story is finished, parents and children gather about the still closed door and sing a Christmas hymn. Then the doors are opened, and again all sing a hymn. Beneath the tree are little baskets of apples, candies, and nuts, each marked with the name of its owner. As the hymn is finished, the children rush for the tree, each selecting the basket marked with his name. The presents are then distributed, and after being duly admired are put away until the morning. The little ones give to parents and each other the gifts over which they have toiled so long, and the evening is finished with singing and games.

Here in America the children are apt to scorn a present that is strictly useful, but it is not so in Germany. Although each child is remembered with some little toy, the gifts are most of them practical. One child will receive a much needed

pair of shoes, another a new dress or a pair of mittens. The fact that these come at Christmas time gives added value to even the simplest articles. An orange or an apple coming from the magic tree tastes sweeter than any other, and Christmas shoes or cap are enjoyed as such until they are worn out.

In some homes and schools the story is made impressive by means of a Christmas chandelier. A large wooden ring is constructed and covered with gilt paper. In this twenty-eight small candles are set. The first Sunday of Advent the chandelier is suspended from the ceiling, the room is darkened, one candle is lighted, and the first prophecy of Christ's coming is read from the Old Testament. The next day two candles are lighted and the second prophecy is read. Each day following one more candle is lighted until on Christmas eve the whole twenty-eight candles are lighted, thus telling the story of the prophecies fulfilled.

Christmas day is the time most enjoyed by the children, but the festivities continue for several days, lasting until New Year's or perhaps even until Twelfth Night.

At five o'clock Christmas morning all must be at church for the early service. In some parts of the country each person carries a Christmas candle to be placed on the edge of the pew in front, the candles furnishing all the light for the church. As the people go home, the trees in the houses are lighted and the shades are raised so that the Christmas cheer penetrates the darkness.

—From School Journal.