THE MICHIGAN DAILY

vp

THE MCHIE~~T nTiv ur

r 13.1

Christmas:

Social, Religious

RELIGIOUS CHRISTMAS-This is the calmer half of Christmas,
the side with the emphasis on joy rather than gaiety, the spiritual
rather than the physical. Churches are more filled during this
season with people recalling the original meaning of the holiday.

THE MERRY SIDE-This is the half of Christmas which perhaps means the most to us today. This
is the children's Christmas: presents, trees, many-colored Jelly babies; a Christmas that we never
quite want to let go of. The wild seasonal parties, vaguely reminiscent of,,the Saturnalia which were
their ancient ancestors and the homey spirit which drifts into all the store windows, like the display
above, are all part of this gay and happy season.

THEMATIC VARIATIONS-Everyone, or at least nearly everyone, spends money wildly on things to
give for Christmas. There is the opinion circulating from a few hardened cynics, who say that If
everyone kept the money they spend annually and bought themselves a few things that they really
want, numerous problems, including the pqst-season return madness, would be eliminated. But tis
is patently ridiculous. Even if the present is totally impossible, it is fun to unwrap, and surprises are
surprises, however grotesque. Here are three pretty sure bets for a nice surprise, suited to varying
age groups.

,,r "'

YES VIRGINIA-There is a Santa Claus, and he's right upstairs In this very same store! So hustle
on up there and confide your heart's fondest wish (evidently a Maverick outfit, of all things) to the
man in the red flannel suit. Or if you've no illusions leftlittle blossom of the modern era, just confide
in. your parents and hole for the best .. .

1


MUSIC MAKERS-Children love playthings that put the emphasis
on "play," making holiday festivities merrier, If noisier, than
ever. A budding Bach, Schroeder or Elvis should be excited into
a fury of creativity by the appropriate one of the three above.

PARTY DRESS
. the gay whirl

...r. - ": f ,.- > .....

7M,