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Newspaper
Llano News
Location
Llano, Texas, United States of America
Date
Dec 19, 1963
Page
17
The Encyclopedia Americana notes Christmas customs began as pagan or non Christian. Saturnalia in mid December inspired feasting gift giving and candles. Mithras sun festival influenced solstice celebrations adopted by Romans and others. Yule by Germanic and Celtic tribes evolved into Christmas traditions as the sun returned.
The article traces candle use from pagan Yule rites to Christmastide customs in Germany and medieval Europe. It notes candles in windows inviting the Christ Child and guiding the food offerings, mentions Luther and the Christmas tree, and describes candlelit church services such as at Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Mary Helen Baber writes a playful Christmas request to Santa Claus seeking a crystal ball a Midge with yellow hair a hen with many outfits a white Bible two horse figurines a Barbie doll house and love from her.
A festive note expresses desire for skates and a Tiny Tears doll, plus piano playing. The writer extends warm season greetings to Santa and Mrs. Claus and wishes them a merry holiday.
A festive essay celebrates Christmas as a shared community season, describing decorations, carols, charity, and family traditions. It traces the holiday’s namesake meanings in multiple languages, the origin of the Christmas tree, caroling history, and the evolution of gift giving from ancient Saturnalia to modern generosity. Also includes an odd user request for a talking puppet and dolls.
Dear Santa, I want a Tiger Joe, a BB gun, a bicycle, football clothes, and an electric train. Love, Dale Freeman.
The text traces carol singing origins to medieval mystery plays in England and France. It notes the plays were designed to teach the Bible to largely illiterate audiences and portray the coming of Christ. Over time the plays grew more elaborate with added fictional scenes.
Johnny Roberson writes Santa with a simple wish list including house shoes and no bicycle tires. He notes there is no chimney and mentions a school Christmas program where he was an angel.
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