Oshkosh High School - Index Yearbook (Oshkosh, WI)

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D E C E II B E li INDEX FOB NINETEEN HUNDRED SIXTEEN Christmas Here and There, Now and Then Christmas in our country thiis year, to the majority, will be a far dif- ferent one than in the past. Many difficulties have occurred, due to the conditions brought on by the present war. Money in abundance for food and gifts in the last few years, will at present be used in a more thoughtful way. Donations of food and clothing to those in need were liberally given then, but now the soaring prices have diminished all these donations. The conditions of Christmas abroad this year will not only be a great contrast to that in our own country, it will be a great contrast to that of the past. Joy, laughter, and ready money were then in abundance, but now, war on its fields stopped all this. Starvation is facing millions, many inno- cent of the cause, and many a father, brother, husband, or son has been killed on the battlefield, and the families will spend their Christmas in mourning this year. These examples are only a few to suggest a sorrowful Christmas that many will have this year in our own country as well as abroad. M. S., ' 20. An Old-Fashioned Christmas WHAT this family needs is a good old-fashioned Christmas .celebra- tion, announced Mary Bentley with conviction. Three of the Bentley family, seated in the oppressively elaborate drawing-room, looked up in surprise. Their answers were characteristic. Celebration, echoed Alice in a bored tone. I had planned to sleep all Christmas day and rest up for Mrs. Gordon-Smith ' s party at night. If I don ' t I ' ll be simply a wreck. The eldest son John, just recently started in business with his father, looked up with interest. It sounds good to me, he said. We always look to you for new ideas. Fire ahead. Seventeen-year-old Frank, sprawled awkwardly on a spindle-legged couch, called out, Proceed, in his most oracular manner. Well, it ' s just this way, said Mary. When that money was left to us, father and mother came into town just to please us, so that Alice could shine in society, so the boys could get a good education and a start in busi- ness, and so that Olive and I could have a chance to do what we wished. I ' ve been thinking it over and I ' m beginning to realize what a big sacrifice they are making just to please us. Now don ' t think I ' m preaching, because I ' m not, finished Mary, somewhat out of breath. I guess you ' re right, agreed John seriously. We ' ve just been so wrapped up in our own affairs we haven ' t thought much about the folks. Alice remained silent. Paere twenty-eight

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DECEJIBER INDEX NINETEEN HUNDRED SIXTEEN How Could There be a Santa Claus? SANTA CLAUS is a most marvelous man. How could one man buy so many things, and where would he get the money? Toys and things that you see in the store windows, you will sometimes find hanging on the Christmas tree Christmas morning, and if you will notice, your mother will try shoes, slippers, and dresses on you, and then you will get one of them for Christmas. Your mother and father never take you with them when they go to town, before Christmas, and there is only one reason for them not to take you, and that is: they are buying Christmas things for you. If you will also notice that when Santa is in the house talking with you, your father or big brother will be gone, and so that is only some one dressed up as a Santa Claus. Sometimes you will see two Santa Clauses at a time, and there is only supposed to be one. If you will look in the closet, you will see a Sant a suit, Christmas presents of all kinds, and a Christmas tree perhaps standing in a corner. Why is it that the richer chil- dren get more for Christmas than the poorer ones? Surely, if Santa is so kind, he ought to treat them all alike. If you write a letter to Santa Claus Christmas Eve, you will not get everything that you want, but if you give it to your mother or father a month before Christmas, and tell them to give it to Santa Claus, you are apt to have your order filled. Every child does not get the same kind of candy and toys, and I should think Santa Claus would make a batch of candy and have it all of one kind, and the same with the toys. But how could one Santa Claus go to every person in the world all in one night? And horses and reindeer cannot fly without wings, but maybe his can. I think he would have to have a big sack to carry so many things. E. B., June, ' 20. Santa Claus When we were small children, we delighted to hear stories about Santa Claus. He was described to us as an old man with a long white beard, who was dressed in a red suit trimmed with white fur. We were told that every Christmas Eve he came from his home at the North Pole in his sleigh, driven by eight reindeer; that he entered the houses of good children by means of the chimney; and that he filled the children ' s stock- ings according to their demeanor throughout the year. We lost half the joy and anticipation of Christmas time when we dis- covered that there was no Santa Claus. We console ourselves now by thinking of him as the Christmas Spirit personified. K. R., June, ' 20. Page twenty-seven

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DECEMBER INDEX FOR NINETEEN HUNDRED SIXTEEN Any more thoughts in that remarkable brain of yours, Co-ed? in- quired Frank. Oh, I ' m just started, laughed Mary. Then she continued seriously: Maybe it ' s because I ' ve been away at college. You folks that have been here all the time wouldn ' t notice it so much. I thought both father and mother looked tired and discouraged. They need cheering up, and this is my plan — Trust Mary for plans, murmured Frank. Silence! commanded Mary, I have the floor. Well, to proceed. T thought it would be a fine idea to go back to the old farm for Christmas. You know everything is the way we left it. I could write to one of the neighbors to open up the house and get the fires started, and then Alice and I and Olive, if she has time, can go down the day before and get things ready for Christmas dinner. Me, cook! interrupted Alice. Why, I ' ve forgotten how altogether! We want to do everything ourselves just the way we used to, returned Mary. Then Christmas Eve the rest of you will come down. But remem- ber this is to be kept a secret from fa — . She paused suddenly as her father came slowly into the room. His tired face lighted up with pleasure as he saw them all about the fire. It seems like old times to have you all home again. Then added somewhat sadly: You are all so busy nowadays I scarcely see you. The four exchanged guilty glances. From this sudden silence, I fear I ' m intruding, he said smilingly, as he left the room. I guess you ' re right, sis, father does look tired, said John soberly. Some big deals that he ' s got on aren ' t coming through according to ex- pectation. Let ' s give ' em such a jolly old Christmas that they ' ll never forget it, exclaimed Frank, nearly tipping over the fragile couch in his enthusiasm. What ' s this? exclaimed Olive, coming in rosy-cheeked and pow- dered with snow. A political meeting, to judge from the noise. It was explained to her by Mary, with frequent interruptions, even Alice becoming interested in the end. But what can I do? exclaimed Olive, sinking info a convenient chair. There is to be a banquet at the settlement for the poor children Christmas afternoon, and I ' ve promised to help trim in the morning, and there ' s an important committee meeting in the afternoon. Forget the fresh air kids for once and remember your poor, neglected family, said John impatiently. Can ' t you try and arrange it, said Alice. I ' m going to give up Mrs. Gordon-Smith ' s party even if she never gives me another invitation. Page twenty-nine