Publislied Bi-monthly, Except Hoildnys, by the Students of Greensboro
High School, Greensboro, N. C.
Pounded by the Class of ’21
Chaeteb
Membeb
HIGH XIFE
December 18, 1931
HIGH LIFE
March
1925
Entered as Second-Class Matter at the Post Oflice, Greensboro, N. C.
staff
Acting Editor-in-Chicf Carl Jeffress
Editor Fillmore Wilson
Business Manager Leah Louise Baach
Assistant Business Manager Herbert Montgomery
assistant editors
Elizabeth Whaley Lane Barksdale
Quentin Dixon Beverly Burgess
Phyllis IlageJorn
SPECIAL EDITORS
Sports Editors Edwin Gambrel!, Paige Holder
Typing Editors Cynthia Pipkin, Margaret Knight
Art Editor Howell Overton
Exchange Editor Kathryn Ginsberg
TYPISTS
Powell Banner Carolyne Hay
Barbara Witherspoon
REPORTERS
Marguerite Lefort Edward Cone Mary Hearne Milton
Ruth Harris Rosemary Kuhn Frances Sowell
Elizabeth Craven Miriam Robinson Randolph Covington
Robert Saunders Elyu Fowler Billy Sink
Joyce Heritage Jack Nowlin Lelah Nell Masters
Constance Blackwood Helen Crutchfield Burton Thompson
Evelyn Strader Edith Latham
FACULTY ADVISER
Mrs. Alma G. Coltrane
(^h a rter M cm her)
Use Tuberculosis Seals on Christmas Mail
We see others buying the famous little Red Cross Christmas Seals
and we also buy them, but do we know their full meaning, and the
most wondrous ways in which they help our fellow men.
The Red Cross Christmas Seal idea originated in the United States,
but since then has spread throughout Europe and to other parts of the
world. Today the Red Cross Seal is doing its part in every well
organized country in the world.
We have all no doubt heard of the most dreaded of all diseases,
T. B.; it is this most dreaded opponent that the Christmas Seal fights.
We probable don’t realize it but when we buy these seals we are helping
to snatch human lives from a most torturous death.
When we mail parcels, mail, and packages, let us decorate these
with the Red Cross Christmas Seals and let others know that you are
thinking of your unfortunate fellowmen. Show them that you are
willing to help the little children also, many of whom the kind old fel
low, Santa Claus doesn’t reach.
Christmas Cheer
As Christmas nears, we wonder what the attitude of the G. H. S.
students will be toward helping those who have no bright anticipations
for the season such as most of us have. It is a problem of this financial
crisis and belongs as much to high school students as to any citizen of
Greensboro. It is our responsibility to help those unfortunates. At the
approach of this festive season we should plan to be definite in bringing
cheer in a material way to some one less fortunate than we. There is
no better way to prove ourselves true to the standards of G. H. S. than
to help to make some poorer boy or girl happier on Christmas day.
Plan for doing just this, and watch your own feelings.
Service
“Service” is a great word in any language, but it is especially
significant to American citizens. The history of the United States is
no more or less than the life stories of men who served others in serving
their country and in the service of humanity;,
In modern times, men like Edison and Lindbergh are inspiring
examples for anyone to follow. Both of these great men served humanity
in the field of science, one through a long period of research, the other
by a daring exploit.
To be of service to others, however, does not mean that one must
do any of the outstanding deeds with which men have adorned the
pages of history. Every good deed, every act which is “on the right
side of the fence” is an act of service. We can do as much good by
simply obeying our consciences as many men have done in a lifetime
of labor. Because every good deed is a spur which leads us on to others,
and which causes others to follow in our footsteps.
Christ, whose birthday we will soon celebrate, led a life of service
that was, is, and always will be unparalleled. If we wish, we can make
ourselves and others happy by doing as he did.
Why Have Music?
Music is our primeval heritage. Men are stirred to patriotic zeal
through music, love is inspired and spoken through music, sorrow and
the grief of death are expressed through music. The song of the whole
world is a song of labor, strife, sorrow and love sung in one grand
human chorus,
A child should be taught the rudiments of music from his infancy.
He should be allowed to instill in himself a capacity for the apprecia
tion of fine music. Music is the trademark of culture and happiness.
It is as much a relief from sordid everyday life as good books are the
retreat from the cares of the day.
We hope that we shall never see the day when America ceases to be
a music loving nation.
Why Study?
The type of student who does not seem to know why he is going
to school and does not realize the necessity for study should “get wise”
to himself.
An education prepares one for the problems which he will confront
later is life. It prepares him to meet people as an equal and engage in
intelligent conversation.
Above all an education develops initiative in a person and renders
him capable of thinking for himself.
School—A Challenge to Students
Students are responsible for the kind of a school they have. The
best principal and faculty in the country cannot make a school a success
without the co-operation of the students. The students who make the
best citizens of the school are those who are willing to do their part
in furthering a broad, far reaching program for the promotion of good
citizenship.
Most of the students of our high school have been very careful in
promoting the welfare of the school. If those, who now are careless
in their habits could feel their responsibility, they would probably be
more thoughtful in the future.
Dear Santa:
After so long a time and after hours
and hours of labor and toil, we’ve
finally succeeded in finding out just
what our teachers want for Christmas.
We were unable to find out from our
principal what he wanted, but all the
teachers agree that the most sensible
article that you can bring him will be
a cowbell with a big red ribbon tied
to it so that the students and teachers
will be able to find him better. Miss
Fannie Star Mitchell wants another
“Empress Eugenie,” not just like the
first one—make it orange.
Our musical friend, H. Grady Miller,
wants you to bring him a pitch-pipe—
one that goes “do, mi, so.” Please
bring Miss lone Grogan a box of penny
pencils. (This school situation is so
bad that the teachers are having to cut
down on the school supplies now.)
Miss Gertrude Farlow wants a loud
speaker in the back of her semester 3
Latin class so that all of the unatten-
tive boys and girls can hear her above
the din that the front seat pupils make.
When Mr. Farthing was questioned as
to what he wanted we were all surprised
to hear that he wanted a razor, but
please remember, it must be a safety
“Life of Shelley” was the book Miss
Rena Cole chooses. (Shelley is her
favorite). Read this and grin, girls!
A. P, Eouth wants a green derby from
Younts-DeBoe for Christmas. But,
Santa, don’t bring it to him unless he
promises to let the little red and
orange feather remain in it and wear
it to school the first day school starts.
Above all, don’t forget Henri Etta
Lee’s “great big jar of white pdint.”
The school board just wouldn’t supply
enough of it for the fourth period class
and lolanthe’s faries’ wands both.
Oh, Santa Claus! Have you a big
carload of books that you can spare?
It must be very big and exactly the
right kind for high school students. If
so .send it to Miss Rebecca Wall, care
Greensboro high school library.
Mr. Cobb wants a little tool cheat to
keep his hammer and nails in, Also
a little saw would be appreciated.
Above all, Miss Willie T. Hall wants
some bright sociology students. Don’t
send them C. O. D., though. They are
considered just too priceless for words.
Have you seen any of those little
green snakes up there in Iceland?
Please bring one to W. W. Blair, fie
needs it to keep the females away from
him and also for experiments. Pick
out one of the best books of humor by
Irvin S. Cobb to give to Miss Nora
Chaffin. She adores funny jokes.
Santa, do you know what little “Les
ter” has been saying his prayers for
every night lately? A “winning basket
ball team,” Don’t disappoint him!
Here we are, I knew it was coming.
Stanley Johnston wants something to
eat (for his radio). Please have some
food sent to him. Be eyeful, though,
and don’t forget the love notes.
Mrs. Nellie Dry Blackburn wants you
to bring her husband a new Chevrolet.
A shiney blue one. The car must not
be able to exceed 35 miles. Joe H.
Johnston is very unselfish in his Christ
mas wish. He wants something that
will benefit the whole G. H. S.—a dra
matics class. As Mr. Johnson is such
a good leader, please do not fail to
bring the class to him.
Day in and day out, Miss Kate Robin
son has been wishing for a gymnasium
for her little girls to play basketball
in. I wonder if you could do anything
about this?
Please put in Miss Mary Ellen Black
mon’s little red stocking an “Austin,”
as she has expressed her desire for a
“sho” nuff ear.”
Miss Estelle Mitchell wants a new
French book. Also a big chocolate
Santa Claus and some oranges and ap
ples.
Here’s a case for Mrs. Santa Claus;
Miss Laura Tillet wants a life size
doll of Hamlet, just like Shakespeare
described him. Don’t forget to dress
him in a blue suit with lace eolars and
cuffs and brass buttons.
This Christmas gift can be delayed
until next fall, but be sure to have it
here then. It is for W. S. Hamilton. A
midget who doesn’t eat cream-puffs be
fore the hardest game of the season.
By the way, Miss Mary Harrell has
st some participles around G, H. S.
She needs them to cram down the
throats of some Sophs.
Mias Sara Lasley doesn’t want much
this Christmas—just a big, red apple,
nd a big peppermint walking cane. Be
ure it’s not broken, though.
Earl A. Slocum wants some brass
clappers. “My ’eand doesn’t make
■ ough noise during practice hours,’
told me, with a twinkle in his eye.
Miss Julia Searcy wants to know why
you forgot her rocking-horse last
Christmas. You will be forgiven,
though, if you put it under the Christ
as tree this time.
Miss Katherine Jones wants two bot
es of mercury. She’s tried to make
the last one go a long way, but you
know these G, H, S. students!
Miss Marjorie Craig is one of those
teachers who never can keep enough
flowers in her room. Please bring her
some pink rosebuds with green fern.
> we need some traffic cops in the
science building halls? Mias Kathleen
Pike answers, “Yes, yes, yes!” So
please send her a big, hurley police-
, that is able to handle dangerous
criminals.
Misses Mary and Dot McNairy want
big, black chauffeur to pilot them
safely through the busy Greensboro
streets, and to help dodge G. H. S.
(hurrah!) students.
Relief from teaching G. C. substitutes
PECULIAR, ISN’T IT?
I say folks, have you ever stopped
to think how peculiar so many of our
names are? Just listen to this. There
are several Walkers (people who like
to walk) over here and some Coons
(not real ones.) The other day I met
a couple of Sinks walkihg around, and
(Ila, Ila, pardon the laughter!) some
real book Paiges. Well, let’s see about
cars, yep, there are some Fords, Hud
sons, Chrgslcrs, Starrs, and Chandlers
(we won’t have to walk at this rate).
I wonder if anybody around here
works! let’s see. Aw, wah, here’s a
boy named Work and he doesn't like it
I know ’cause I asked him, We got
some Endericoods over here, too, and
some Peppers and Riders and Roachas
and Porters and Parks and Peaks and
Paynes (in the neck) and Scales and
Roots, (wait till I get my breath) and
Prices (they’re still high) and Quotes
and Reeds and Spoons and Stones and
Penns and Coffins and Leaks and
Cases (probably of wine) and Canns
(they, like cars, are made out of tin)
and Bells (they don’t ring) and Lamhs
(that go bah! bah!) and Hunters and
Butlers and Flutes (not real ones) and
Drapers. (I'll stop on this for a while.)
By the way we got a nice set of
people over here to do our work, some
Millers, Cooks, Copps, (to keep order in
the halls) Gardeners', Knights, and Tay
lors—Barbars. I don’t know where the
dyers are but we certainly got tlie
colors, Blue, Orcene, and White —
Broim—and Wood. Say, we won’t
freeze. Why there’s Gateuxxid, Black-
leood, Fields, and real Woods.
Now let’s get back to some real pe
culiarities, Over here we have some
Harpers, Coles (not ole King Cole him
self) floejds. Watts, Walls, Shields,
Wells, Walks, Fishers, Cornettes,
Brooks, Hills, Oates, Hood, Lanes,
Crahtrccs, Banks, Cobbs (they’re not
corn, though) Fortimes, Burroughs (not
horses), King.s (not married yet or else
they would be some queens) Halls,
Hams, Apples, Money, Callum, Car-
rollcs, Trotters, Wooffs, and say we got
some K)untries going to school over
hero Holland and England.
Wow! Here’s Gabriel (not the one
who blows the horn) Goodman, Free
man, Bateman, Archers (I haven’t seen
their bows ad arrows yet). Bishops,
Barkers (They go bow-wow-wow) Bul
lards, Fifes and Ju.stiees (not of peace).
We have some student who Soioell too
and some Wheeler and Summers
(seems like winter) and Stones. We
have some Ogburns (they are English
and forgot to pronounce the “H”), and
also some Steele that walks, talks,
sleeps, and eats.
Nice little collection, and they all go
to school here. Well, see if you can
think of any more.
A Christmas Lesson
to teach biology is Miss Lena Bullard’
desire.
Mrs. Callie Braswell wants a muzzle
for her favorite pupil, Ben Avery.
Miss Amy Caldwell has been longing
for a long time for a chance to publish
her travels through Europe. Please
give her the address of an understand
ing publisher.
Miss Jo Causey would appreciate a
trailer for the back of her car so that
she may haul more of her G. H, S. (Hur
rah!) students to school.
Miss Sara Dobson wants,two little
pickaninnies to eatoh all the stray milk
bottles around the school.
A course of French that can be taught
students without having them to remain
after school. Bless your heart, Miss
Hollingsworth I
Mrs. Julia Strickland wants another
wardrobe to put some of her numerous
clothes in. Make it a cedar one for
“a girl in love.” (It’s with her hubby).
Mrs. Blanche Smith wants at least
three more operas next year. She
more fun with the costumes than any
of us could imagine.
Mias Mary Morrow wants nothing but
senior privileges and senior dignity.
Year in and year out, far ‘er and 'er!
Miss Evelyn Martin wants a boop-
boop-adoop horn for her Pontiac.
Miss Ida Belle Moore wants a new
vocabularly; that is, a new list of words
to use on the boys in her.math classes.
Miss Margaret Fuller wants bigger
and better boys’ home ee. classes next
year,
Miss Audrey Joyner wants a “’ittle
bittie” typewriter in her stocking.
“Just one more good issue of ‘High
Life’ is all I request,” says Mrs. Alma
G. Coltrane. “Also some material for
‘Sparks,’ and some switches for those
bad, bad, football boys in my journal-
Miss Jessie Trowbridge’s Christmas
wish is the best of all—she wants 10
pounds! Can you tie that, girls?
Miss Fannie Starr Mitchell has been
looking for a bundle of square roots
for the longest kind of a time, and cas
tor oil for those sophs.
Mrs. Zoe Hogsette wants a ditto ma
chine. And heaps and heaps of nuts
and raisins.
MARTHA COONS.
P. S.: By the way, don’t forget to give
all the janitors and cafeteria workers
some red flannel underwear; also some
tobacco and some chewing-gum, and
heaps and heaps of candy and fruit.
P. S. Don’t forget Miss Lottie Mor
gan wants to write you a letter all by
herself- I wonder what she will tell
you! M. C.
(Editor's note: Won first prize in
High Life Contest. By Alma Taylor.)
“Now, Mary, be sure to put that last
layer in the oven at 11 o'clock, and I
believe I’ll let you put the filling on too.
I’ve just got to get this done before
tonight, but it's going to take most of
the afternoon .... Oh, Mary, where’s
that pink thread? That’s all right.
Here It is.”
It was Christmas Eve, and the church
program and Christmas tree was to be
at T :30, Mrs. Ferris just had to finish
the scarf she was embroidering for
Mrs. Smith in time to put it on the
tree!
“If 1 knew she wouldn’t give me
something, I’d not bother, but then she
always does. 0, dear. I’ve been work
ing on this scarf for six months. One
good thing about it, though; I’ll know
it's made well. I can just see her
when she looks at these flowers worked
iu solid stitches! Bet she’ll use this
in the sitting room on that long table.
I guess It'll be worth all the trouble
after all.”
So the whole afternoon was spent
tediously putting In the last careful
stitches on the scarf. Everything was
in a rush, too, and Mrs. Ferris really
should have been doing other things.
There was the Christmas cooking and
decorating that needed looking after,
but she felt that she must finish the
present.
Finally she drew in the last stitch
and spread the truly beautiful piece of
handwork on the table.
“Come here, Maiy, and see how you
like it.”
“Lawsy, Missu.s, that shore
purty! Dat woman ought to be awfully
proud of dat scarf. Bet if sbe knew
how you'd worked over dat thing, she'd
be prouder than ever.”
“I think it pretty, too. Hope Fay
will like it.”
The day after Cliristmas Mrs. Ferri*
was over at her friend's home.
"O, Sarah, that scarf was lovely. It’
just the thing for my table! How did
you ever work those flowers so beauti
fully. I know it took a lot of time.
“Oh, not much, I just worked or
during the spare moments. I’m so glad
you can use It for your table.”
It was Cliristmas again, four years
later. Mrs. Ferris had Just come back
from the Christmas program at the
church, and was now eagerly opening
the presents she had received.
“Well, I’ll be! What do you think
of this, Mary?”
“1 think dat somebody don’t know
how to ’preciate what dey gits. That’s
what,” observed the old cook, as sht
gazed at the pretty hand-embroidered
scarf spread out on the table. It
the same scarf Mrs. Ferris hsid labored
over, and given to her friend four
years previous!
After pondering a moment, the reci
pient reflected, “I see through It all
now. The very next year after I gave
this scsirf to Fay, Mrs. Jones told me
about the pretty handiwork piece she
received from Fay. I didn’t think
about it then, but now I know it was
this very scarf. Then, the next year, I
heard Miss Jackson tell Sue about a
.scarf she got from Mrs. Jones. Sbe
gave to Lois last year, and now rx)is
has given it back to me, though I don’t
suppose she knew I made it. Well,
I’ve certainly learned my lesson! From
now on I’ll buy my presents ready
made, and give them to somebodj'
who’ll think enough about them to keep
them.”
C. W. Phillips Relates
War Experiences
When the «’ar was in progress our
own principal, 0. W. Phillips, was at
the University of North Carolina in
the midst of summer school in 1918.
Since be had become 21 since the last
required examination was given, Mr.
I’hilllps requested for it, and registered
in the United States army in August
of 1918.
After he was registered lie sought
the advice of Dr. B. K. Graham, uncle
of Dr. Frank Graham, and at that time
the president of Carolina University.
Dr. Graham advised Mr. Phillips to
stay at school as long as he possibly
could. This interview was the last
time Mr. Phillips saw Dr. Graham, who
died before Mr. Pliillips’ return to the
university.
Mr. Phillips stayed on at Carolina
working in the library between the
summer and fall terms until he received
a call to report to Camp Jackson, Co
lumbia, S. C. After a week’s training
there, he was transferred to Camp Se
vier at Greenville, S. C., staying thei-e
a week. lie was then transferred to
Acting Mess Sergeant in the officer's
dining room, planning all the meals.
After a month there Mr. Phillips was
ordered to the Motor Transport Corps
Headquarters company, working in the
otfice. lie remained there until he was
discharged April 2, 1919.
During his service, Mr. Phillips re
ceived the first rise—from a private to
a corporal, which meant besides the
honor, a si.x-dollar raise — from a
monthly $30 to $30. The latter was the
largest salary Mr. Phillips made during
his entire service, but he managed to
clear himself of some of his schooling
debts.
Mr. Phillips says that he did not do
a great deal for Uncle Sam, but never-
3ss he was waiting to go when
called upon.
THREE CHRISTMAS CANDLES
I set three candles on the sill,
I gave them each a name;
I watched them burning gay and bright
With red and silver flame.
These candles had a message true
Of faith and hope and love;
May every one that sees them there
Be blessed from above.
One candle I have kept myself,
The candle in my sou!.
That thanks our Lord for day and night
And joy that is like gold.
RUNNING CEDAR
Creeping, sneaking through the woods;
Sneaking for twelve months.
Twelve months of slow growing;
Growing, trying to be lucky one.
The lucky one to be carried away.
Carried away to the large city—
To th^ large city to be sold—
To be sold to someone for Christmas-
For Christmas decorations in some
home—
Where men will feast and celebrate the
birth of Christ.
This is all I grow twelve months for.
—Webb Cain.
THREE MEN
Once there were three wise men:
Each wise in his own country.
One man was a gazer of stars
And a revealer of the heavens;
Each night he sat on a mountainside.
Contemplating the past.
Until a longer point of light
Appeared to him alone.
And then he knew and rose
And bade a camel be saddled.
The second man dwelt in desert plains
And prophesied of years to come.
And this man sat up late to peer at
books
Written in old, forgotten signs.
He, too, was roused by the light of a
star
And bridied his camel and rode away.
The third of these men was a merchant
prince;
All of his time he spent in trading.
And gold he' gained to count at night,
And glory in its making.
But into his heart the light pierced
sharp;
Away from his money it called him.
Each one had a gift, one myrrh, one
frankincense, one gold—
But each was led by a star of hope
That faith had set in the skies
To awaken the love in his heart.
—Helen Crutchfield.
CHRISTMAS GREENS
I stood beneath the Christmas Greens,
And in my heart was made to be
A knowledge of what angels meant
By “Peace on earth; good-will to
thee.”
Emotions cannot be defined.
But only felt, remembered, known;
And as I stood beneath the leaves
My heart, my soul, tried to condone,
But thoughts would eome of crime and
And how from paths of peace we
part—
So much the sons of man are we—
With knowing but unheeding heart.
And so I prayed a little prayer
That Christ the Lord might make men
see
What angels meant that Christmas
night
By “Peace on earth, good-will to
thee.”
—Elizabeth Craven.
Ye Student
Loyal students of G. H. 8.,
A message I bring to you;
Perhaps it’s not so eheerful.
But nevertheless it’s true.
An awful thing has happened
To Homespun and High Life;
They now are vainly trying
To survive a trial and strife.
There seems to be some trouble
In this “depression time,”
And money's running lower—
But working’s not a crime!
So you get out and help some
And talk to your relations—
Perhaps they’d all be glad to buy
Some High School Publication!
And in the meantime don’t forget
That there will be a prize
For him whose list of “Who’ll sub
scribe”
Displays the greatest size.
Katheryn Neister-Edythe Latham.
Dear Editor:
Rah! Rah! Rah! G. H. S.I The
more I see of this school and of what
It does, the more I think all this “awful
younger generation” stuff is a lotta
boloney. As long as members of this
institution can put on performances as
good as last Friday’s opera, we needn’t
worry about whether or not G. H. S. is
going tr come through with flying
colors. j,et’^ boost our school!
Yours /or a better G. H, S.
A STUDENT.
OPEN FORUM
To Student Body:
There are over twelve'hundred pu
pils attending high school. Out of
this great number, there is bound to
be a very small percent who do not
know how to conduct themselves.
However, it seems as if we, at this
time, have more than the few nui
sances and trouble-makers. There
is a small group of pupils who seem
to think the school was constructed
for them and for their pleasures.
In the audtorium during our va
rious programs, this group tries to
become popular by attempting to
create a sensation. They will dare
to do anything—when a teacher
Isn’t looking their way. All they
need to-keep up their disturbance,
is a laugh or an encouraging smile.
These self-esteemed beings seem to
tblnk it a great accomplishment to
create some disturbance. Do not
try to encourage them.
The conduct in chapel could be im
proved if the suggestion of semester
7 and 8 would be followed; that the
students be made to attend chapel
iu semester groups instead of third
period class groups. In this manner
we would find out who is responsible
for the disturbances and act accord
ingly. Co-operate with all the school
officials In preserving qiiiet and
order in chapel.
HARRY CLENDENIN,
Pres, of Semester 8.
Dear Students:
One of the most important attain
ments in a high school student should
be scholarship.
To promote better soliolarship Is the
aim of the Scholarship committee of
rhe Girls’ Iveague. With the coopera
tion of you students this can bo done,
i'ou who are not passing your work
perhaps could do so if you had help in
the most difficult points.
To you we offer this opportunity.
Working with the teachers and stu
dents, the committee is planning to help
you who want coaching,
If you want to take advantage of
this opiwrtunlty, notify yoar session
room teacher, or Miss Catherine i’ike,
adviser, of the committee which is as
follows: Cynthia Pipkin, chairman,
Elizabeth Buhman, Mary Hester,
Kathaleen Mclver, Colilm Schenck, and
Frances Truitt. ^
MISS PIKE, Adviser,
CYNTHIA PIPKIN, Chairman.
Christmas in Syria
The following story was written
by Helen Gabriel, who was born in
Syria and lived there the first six
years of her life:
About a week before Christmas in
Syria the rich people begin to prepare
for Christmas. They buy clothes, toys,
and foods to give to the poor children
on Christmas Eve. The children in
that land do not know Santa Clans, but
they always get their present just the
Every child is awakened at 3 o’clock
on the morning of Christmas, to go to
church. 'While they are there, the rich
people send special men around to de
liver the presents; the mothers of the
poor do not go to church, but stay at
home to receive the presents and wrap
them up in red and green papers.
The rich children receive more ex
pensive toys and clothes, and the par
ents give these to their children, and
they also receive many other presents
from their relatives. The mothers of
the rich go to church with their chil
dren. Neither the poor nor the rich
have a Christmas tree, for the parents
know nothing about it.
People send Christmas cards to all
friends and close relatives, inviting
them to spend Christmas with them, for
Christmas is a time of good times. The
school children get 10 days’ vacation. No
one does any kind of labor during that
week. Everybody visits ,each other,
going from one house to the other, each
serving nuts, fruits, cake, candies, and
many other dainties. Every house from
the very poorest to the richest has at
least from one to two parties during
that week, where music aud dancing
furnish the entertainment.
Native of Syria Describes
Their Christmas
Christmas in Syria Is the greatest
holiday of the year.
Two weeks before Christmas the peo-
'le fast, omitting meat, butter, milk,
eggs, and other fat foods from their
diet. Church is attended morning and
night in special prayers and devotions.
Now, let’s skip to Christmas Eve. Do
the people go to bed? I should say not!
The fun starts about 7 o’clock in the
afternoon, when the people, after put
ting their children to bed, meet in one
house, where they drink wine and eat
cake until a few minutes of twelve
when all together they go to church
amid the ringing of belts, singing and
laughter. They remain in church until
breakfast time.
The children are included in the
merry-making on Christmas day, for
the parents do all they can to make the
day merry for the little ones.
Christmas there is spent with a pure,
clean heart on the part of the iieople
who not for one minute forget the
Babe that was born that glorious morn
ing to die for them,
MARIE SHOWPOTY,
Editor’s Note: Marie once lived in
Syria.