CHILDREN AND SANTA CLAUS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 14250, 22 December 1909, Page 7 (Supplement)

CHILDREN AND SANTA CLAUS.

OUGHT WK TO KHEP UP Till' OLD CHRISTMAS "MYTH" OR NOT? Did you ever hear the story of the little girl who, on being told of lie sad and awful fate which overtook Ananias and Sapphira, said, as she looked up with innocent eyes: " Yes. I know they were killed, mother, because 1 saw them'.'" You saw them? No, no; you mustn't tell stories like that, dear!" "But 1 did, mother. They—they— dropped down, and some people carried them into the chemist's shop at the bottom of the road!" said the little one breathlessly. Here was a difficult situation indeed for the mother! The child's look of innocence was an absolute contradiction of the very palpable fact that she was lying; and the question at once arose as to how far she was deliberately guilty of speaking an untruth, and how far that wonderful gift of childhood—the power of imagination—was responsible for the graphic story she had invented. * * cnu.imoon's wo.\nv.Bi.ANn. For children live in a wonderland of their own. Much that seems real to us is beyond their comprehension, while, 011 the

other hand, they believe and imagine where we see only cold facts or nothing at all. One of the greatest delights and happiest illusions of my own childhood was my absolute and unquestioning faith in dear old Santa Clans. To me he was always a mysterious benefactor who never by any chance forgot to bring me just the toys and good things I particularly wanted, and who always, left a trail of happiness behind him. And never shall I forget the horrible blank that was left when a " big brother" of mine loftily told me that " there wasn't any Santa Claus. How could any old man get down our tiny, narrow chimneys? And how could he get to all the children the world over in one single night? And —" But before he had got through any more common-sense reasons for the non-existence of my most cherished illusion I had flown off to mv mother to beg of her to tell me the truth. And she did, as gently as she could ; but from that time Christmas was never again what it had been to me. "NO SANTA COAT'S? ' And I think there are many children who have gone through the same dark hour that I did when they have discovered that .Santa Clans—the Santa Claus of their imagining— was no more. But of course we don't want our children to be brought up so " practically" and "sensibly" that they are never to enjoy all the delights that Santa Claus brings in his train just because they must one day readjust their ideas of him; for we are just waking up to the fact that many twentieth century children are distinctly practical little creatures, quite lacking in the imagination which makes childhood the happiest period of life. the question that presents itself is how to keep alive the little one's faith in the mysterious benefactor who visits the children at Christmas time, and yet never have to confess, when tlio day of enlightenment comes, that we have for years been making the child believe something that is untrue. the spirit ok CHRISTMAS. I think if we try to realise all that Santa Claus means to a. child—the happiness lie brings, the glad expectancy, and life feeling of good fellowshipwe can manage so to talk of him that the child will begin to understand that he is a kind of "good spirit" whose influence is felt at Christmas—that the " grown-ups," in fact, call him " the spirit of Christmas time," while the little people know him as Santa Claus. And so we can tell the dear old stories of good Santa Claus as fairy tales ; arid the child will still have the same joy and delight in welcoming him, and will have nothing to unlearn. For Fairyland is very near and real to most children, and the supernatural is quite natural to them. Almost without exception, children—unless they have been absolutely spoilt by the teaching of cold, hard, practical facts—will respond to a, fairy 'tale, and will never want to be told what a fairy is. And in the telling and re-telling of the dear old tales we shall renew our own belief and faith in the good spirit whose influence i* so strongly felt at Christmas time. We shall bo thankful that in these days, When the tendency is to discard fairy tales and supply their place with practical stories that five a premature knowledge of the world," we can still bring delight to the children by telling them of the good spirit of Christmas time, who brings so much happiness to everyone, but especially to the little people.

baked: rings, small thimbles, and silver coins are the usual treasures. The cake should then be. covered with almond paste and sugar icing, and decorated according to fancy. A great variety of nice little buns and fancy cakes will be needed : any kinds that are usually served at " afternoon tea" will do nicely. Sponge and Savoy cakes should not be forgotten, as they are general favourites, and quite .wholesome, while the pretty holly cakes are seasonable. During the. party or towards the close of it lefreshrnents should be provided, for children get very thirsty when playing exciting games or dancing vigorously, and they soon grow.ready for something to eat, even if they have'had a " sitdown tea," which, for tiny children, is generally appropriate. * ; Syphons of aerated water, and especially soda-water for mixing with milk, should be at hand; home-made lemonade and orangeade are also favourite drinks, and just as the little guests are about to don their wraps previous to leaving the party small cups of delicious clear soup or clips of hot chocolate are generally considered a delightful finish to a happy evening. .Sandwiches, jelli'es, blancmange, tartlets, and ices all help to make a delectable feast. When there are contest games, little boxes of chocolates would be highly appreciated prizes.