THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY “Public Service” WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1950 CHRISTMAS COMES

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 60, Issue 4371, 20 December 1950, Page 4

THE Hauraki Plains Gazette With which is Incorporated THE OHINEMURI GAZETTE MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY “Public Service” WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1950 CHRISTMAS COMES

As time rolls inexorably along, Christmas approaches again with a speed that makes us realise that another 12 months has passed and we are another year forward on the path of life. Those thoughts are natural to this time of the year when the Yuletide celebrations precede the passing of the old year by only a week. The significance of Christmas usually escapes us in the hurly-burly of modern life and each year it appears that the inner meaning of the season’s celebration passes further from our comprehension. It is essentially a Christian feast but the world has, on the surface, gradually retrogressed in the observances demanded by Christianity with the result that Christmas becomes more of a pagan ritual, or at the best a couple of days cessation from ordinary toil and a period of jollification of more or less appropriate nature. . New Zealanders have a greater temptation to ignore the Christian origin of the feast owing to the time of the year when it occurs. With summer in full sway, with beaches and scenic resorts beckoning with compelling finger to come into the open for outdoor sports-and recreation introspective thoughts depart from people’s minds ousted by the call of the road or the sea.

While this breeds a healthy outlook and has material advantages nevertheless that holidaymaking is not the ultimate object of Christmas. It is a season, of the year peculiarly suited to children, thoughts of home and family reunions. The visit of

Sarita Claus is one of childhood’s happiest memories and the pious custom of making gifts at this season of the year has as its origin the gift of the Saviour to the , world. How many of us stop to consider this as we set off for a day’s jollification on the beach or in the country? How many pause to realise the meaning of the holiday that is being celebrated? A little introspection would not come- amiss and what more suitable occasion could be found than the happy joyous season of Christmas with all its associations and its memories? A feast of reunion would be an appropriate title for December 25 when wandering children return to the parent roof, brother and sister, father and mother, son and daughter, meet again and endeavour to recapture thoughts and joys of the past before grim reality was encountered on life’s highways arid the

arduous journey was commenced. In the spirit, then, of brotherhood and friendliness engendered by these thoughts, the Gazette extends to its readers sincere wishes for a happy and merry Christmas. Almost before our celebrationis are over the new year will be ushered in and we earnestly hope that 1951 will jrin£ a greater measure-of prosperty, health and happiness to all. If into the actions and efforts of the coming year some of the tolerance and forbearance taught by thoughts of Christirias can be infused then 1951 should be a happier year for all.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR ?rom the Management and Staff.