LETTERS: CHRISTMAS IS MOST SPECIAL TIME

To the editor:

Just recently I was asked by my niece what my favorite time of the year is. I quickly responded, "Christmas." Then, just as quickly, I replied, "As of now. They vary." There are many holidays or occasions I regard as favorite.

A number of years ago, however, Christmas was the dearest in my heart. It held a magic for me everywhere I looked. It was in fact the most beautiful season for everybody.

Christmas trees were not on the market, as yet, to purchase. Tension always enveloped me until we succeeded to find a tree in the country. Trees in homes were on the most part small. A cedar tree was always the most popular kind -- in most cases, in fact, the only available kind. The aroma of a cedar tree gives one the real spirit of Christmas.

Cranberries and popcorn were strung and draped around the tree. Also, many colored Christmas cookies were strung on the tree. I can still vision that three at a friend's house when I was very young. I always felt gifts could be bought the year around, but a Christmas tree was just for Christmas.

A great change has come about in the years in the observance of Christmas. Department stores are lavishly decorated with carols surrounding almost constantly. Streets are decorated with laurel. All varieties of Christmas trees can be purchased, including artificial trees. Christmas lights are seen on homes over much of town.

The County Park so beautifully lighted makes an excellent representation. All this and much more to give that festive touch.

I always liked reading Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" on Christmas Eve. However, when my twin sister passed away soon after asking me to read the Christmas story as told in the Bible, I have never read "A Christmas Carol" again. However, I have kept the book. It was her gift to me at one time.

My sister was right. The glory of Christmas centers on the birth of Christ for all of us. Remember that.

PAULA E. KEMPE

Cape Girardeau