R 4, 1955 THE MICMIGAN DAILY Trees Contribute to Holiday Spirit Do-it-Yourself Gifts Save Money Toys for Younger Set Take On 'New Look' By ANN HEAD What would Christmas in the United States be without a Christ- mas tree? It would be the same as Thanks- giving without a turkey, a birth- day without a cake, or the Fourth of July without fireworks. Christ- nas and gaily decorated evergreens are synonymous in this country, and if the Christmas tree is miss- ing, a certain element of holiday gaiety is also absent. Even though we generally asso- ciate the Christmas tree with western culture, it probably origi- nated in the Eastern. hemisphere. The idea of the Christmas tree is the per 'C. thought to have come from the ceremonial use of the palm tree in the worship of Isis, the Egyptian goddess of nature. Winter FesUval A palm with 12 shoots, one to represent each month of the year, was carried in a winter festival honoring Isis. This festival cele- brated the completion of one year and thebeginning of another. In northern climates this asso- ciation of the palm tree with the celebration of the end of the year was modified by the substitution of the native evergreen. Many types of evergreens are used as Christmas trees in the rrk " r r."}v' Fect slipper gift! .~W . . .**.: {L Si{":++{i.+5 y toni I~oa . Iti. f TURQUOISE, 8 0 WAR-PAINTI .'>},' ;".",:::: i:'*... *...**. Black trim ~ * ........ RED, Black trimr&li. northern United States. Among the most common are the balsam fir, the Scotch pine and the spruce. Retains Needles It has been found that the Scotch pine will not lose its need- les as quickly as the other types of available evergreens. There- fore, it is probably the most prac- tical Christmas tree. However, a great many people choose the shapely fir or spruce to hold the place of honor in their homes during the holidays. The choice of a Christmas tree is strictly a matter of personal preference, and no one cap} really Judge which is the best kind, Add Merriment Any type of evergreen can add merriment to the holiday season if it is colorfully decorated. All types of ornaments and lights are available to make the tree more festive. There are also other decorations such as tinsel, roping, stars and angels to add to its beauty. The Christmas tree is a part of the American scene and as such it has taken its place beside Christ- mas carols, Santa Claus and gift giving in making Christmas one of the happiest times of the year. Children Enjoy Helping Prepare For Yule Season Half the fun and sparkle of Christmas morning lies in seeing it through the eyes of children. It's a day that really belongs to them, so why not let them take part in the holiday preparations as well as the day itself? One of the best ways to do this without slowing down the neces- sary 'preparations is to let the "small fry" wrap the gifts that he will hand or send to others. Youngsters like to feel that their parents or older brothers and sis- ters are putting some responsibility on their small shoulders. If, for instance, the gift is light in weight, it's a simple matter to cut two socks from any gift paper and tape the edges together with matching colored tape. Or show youngsters how to wrap each gift separately in tissue paper, paste on gummed stars and attach rib- bons to each box. Then cluster the gifts together and hang from a huge bow. These methods are also good solutions for odd-shaped packages. By VIRGINIA ROBERTSON "Short on cash?" One of the most frequently adopted solutions to this prevalent student Christmas problem, is give a "make-it-yourself" present. With a little ingenuity and crea- tive ability, almost anyone can make an attractive gift with a minimum of expense involved. Material for most things is not highly priced, and if the labor costs can be eliminated, the strain on thin wallets can be reduced. Knitted Articles Perhaps ranking first among the make-it-yourself projects of coeds are the endless variety of knitted objects which can come off a pair of knitting needles. Besides the traditional hand- made argyles, many other decora- tive sock patterns can be worked out. For instance, if a more per- sonalized gift is desired, initials can be worked into the pattern of each sock. Beer mugs and champagne glass- es are not only found in a bar but also under a man's trouser cuff on his socks. For holiday parties, these de- signs, along with playing card pat- terns, cigarettes with fluffy smoke made of angora, sailboats, deer's heads and an endless list of sub jects, all find their way onto men's ankles in the form of socks. Gloves or Scarves Sets of gloves and scarves can also be knitted if a present en- tailing a little more time and energy is desired. Or for a really impressive Christmas gift, how's about one of those bulky Scandi- navian ski sweaters? Another popular knitted present for children this year is a. long Christmas stocking to hang on the fireplace mantle. Complete with Santa Clauses, candy canes, Christmas trees and reindeers. Names can be even incorporated right into the pattern if desired. Little sweaters and bonnets for the small tots, soft angora sweat- ers and angora-topped socks for sister and gloves for mother will almost fill the bill for family pres- ents. Needlepoint or leather wallets can also be made for gifts. When a small piece of leather and instruc- tions obtainable in handicraft or department stores, are combined with a few stitches here and there and a little time, the result may be a "nifty" wallet or leather pic- ture folder. Jeweled Collars Great favorites among women this season are the jeweled collars -Daily-Esther Goudsmlt MAKE IT YOURSELF-The answer to a coed's problem of a long Christmas present list versus a thin wallet are make-it- yourself gifts. Ideal for children or "animal lovers" is the yarn octopus. For those who like to knit are all styles of sweaters, argyles and Christmas stockings. Delightful enough to make one wish he were still young enough to believe in Santa Claus, are the enchanting new toys slated to fill 1955's Christmas stockings. Gifts with a seasonal slant in- clude a roly poly stuffed Santa who plays "Jingle Bells" when his cherry nose is given a twist. Other stuffed animals designed either to entertain the young in age or to adorn the beds of the young in heart range from. a wee kangaroo in his mother's pouch to a life sized white terrier, cuddly soft of real fur. Pajama Holders With a zipper down his tummy, a floppy cocker provides a place to tuck away a pair of pajamas during the day. For the strictly feminine ele- ment in the young world, there are pastel pink tricycles and fur trimmed brocaded slippers to fit a tiny foot. Also for the little miss are the rustling, swirling petticoats be- ginning in size one, while for the boy who wants to be "just like Dad," there are minute oxford cloth shirts, complete with button down collars and rep ties. Practical Gifts With an eye for practicality, gifts for the extremely small folk will include washable books and tubable cozy orlon stuffed animals. Among the new pull toys is a walking doggy whose tiny bells tinkle each time his legs move, and a fantastic caterpillar, creat- ed of plastic and wire coils that stretch and slink along the floor. For the little "mother," the lat- est in doll accessories are sun- glasses and especially designed jewelry. Showing in doll fashion revfies are white bunny fur coats and outfits to perfectly match her young mistress's. Kitchen Miniatures In the kitchen of the playhouse, one will find a junior cook book and a cooking set with real cake and frosting mixes. For the younger dolly there are diaper bag sets with preparations to meet emergency situations,! while for the older dolls there are make up kits and shampoo sets, complete with wave set and curlers. Sewing machines that actually By JANIE FOWLER "sew a fine seam" and magnetic plastic dolls whose paper dresses cling to them magically will also charm young ladies on Christmas morning. For Potential Rembrandts The potential Rembrandts may find brightly colored artist's smocks under the tree while the little ballerina will carry her slip- pers and leotard in a gay new red felt bag, trimmed with white danc- ers and sparkling rhinestones. The more practical masculine set will be fascinated by a shiney red fire truck that can be oper- ated by remote control from way across the room. Combining fun with learning are the educational hobby kits on such fields as medical training anc electronics which have been pre- pared under the direction of lead- ing companies in each area. For Young Scientists The electronic kit will enable the young scientist to build a radio transmitter and a two tube radio receiver, or to 'study the flow of electricity, while an elaborate miniature planetarium, which can be plugged into any light socket permits an accurate and fun study of the constellations in the heavens Tuneful tubas, saxophones, clari- nets - musical instruments de- signed to play real tunes, will add to the confusion and noise on the holiday. Books this year appear more attractive and worthwhile than ever. In the "fun-to-learn" books the child becomes aware of the world around him through many brilliant illustrations and factua texts pleasantly presented. Panorama Books For the very newest comers to the world of literature, there are the panorama books whose page unfold to a length of ten feet Games too are designed to inform, with one. new one based on the new testament of the Bible. In the expensive gift line, the spotlight is held by a chain driven dump truck that really dumps which will provide tranportation around the neighborhood for som lucky boy. Children this year will have ex citing cause for those "visions o sugarplums -- and fabulous toy -- that will dance through thei heads" on Christmas Eve. which are actually very simple to make. Beads, pearls, sequins and an endless variety of ornamenta- tion for the collars can be pur- chased in the dime store at very inexpensive prices. Attractive jeweled ties can also be made to go with blouses or sweaters for women. These ties are basically a velvet ribbon in any desired width or color with se- quins, spangles and all the other decorations sewn on. All sorts of patterns can be designed. Slippers, just plain or jeweled, are also easy to put together and make attractive gifts. They can be made of velvet, felt, or even heavy wool or cotton quilting. A little string, paste, some but- tons, nuts, beans or shells can be combined into stunning jewelry sets. Shell, ear clips and pin backs can be obtained at a craft supply store, or dime store. Jewelry With a little effort and time spent, one can create original ear- rings, strings of beads, bracelets, hat pins and necklaces. For those who are a little doubt- ful as to their creative ability, ceramic pieces suchas ash trays, jewelry trays and vases may be shaped in a "free-form" fashion, in which no one would ever sus- pect a lack of artistic talent. . With a hammer and a metal cutter, pieces of copper can be transformed into attractive pol- ished bowls, vases, trays or ash trays. Yarn Animals For the wee ones on the gift list, soft toy animals and dolls can be made with rags or yarn, with buttons for facial features. ' Advice to the lovelorn may sug- gest that "The way to a, man's' heart is through his stomach," but this may apply to the Christmas giver as well. What could be more appreciated when away from home than a box of fresh homemade cookies, fruit- cake, cake, popcorn balls or can- dy? Ingenuity seems to be the key to many of the make-it-yourself pres- ents but many of these objects can be obtained in kit form, making them available to any who have the time to spend on them. With such a wide choice of make-it-yourself gifts available, students who seem to have dis- covered a hole in their money pocket due to an extra long Christ- mas list, may discover a way to patch it up and still fill their list. Gay relaxers for fireside pow-wows... or chilly dorms.' Warm, soft felt moc-stitched to a deeply foam cushioned, roII-up-soft platform with comfy inside wedge! 306 SOUTH STATE OPEN MONDAY NIGHT AND FRIDAY NIGHT BEFORE XMAS I ;E I 'a"a+2Sf.%AS4C iS+Ci2'. ! L. :...': e:.!.±3-fii~dvif'~i~{9hYY NeY rtt+Yf A4YYG '"}y.SYS K.S~:4% " IT'S high on your list: CHRISTMAS AT DOWNTOWN WASHABLE WHITES Hand-Embroidered Delicacies by Blousecraf Four from a lovely Christmas collection... blouses a la mode for holiday toppingo Dacron crepe in snowy white. Sizes 32 to 38. 1. 4 S " r 'l: :fit , r ' ' . 4 - ' 1 { kl'" " , 4 ' R'..- wEI IAJ 'o t r- ' v wM rw ' Y r e .e . ii;. r~w -,?' y ' RtK For Discriminating Givers Dalton Cashmere Sweaters 17.95 to 29.95 Imported Argyle Cashmeres 27.95 and 29.95 Wool or Nylon Sweaters 5.95 to 12.95 Haymaker Blouses 6.50 Eton Britisher Blazers 19.95 Genuine Leather Handbags 3.00 to 17.95 Wool or Cashmere Scarfs 2.95 to 6.95 Pure Silk Scarfs 1.00 to 2.95 All Wool Knee Socks Plain...1.95 Argyle... 4.95 and Many Others Too Numerous to Mention Just Say "Charge It" at k so