LETTERS: MEMORIES OF SIMPLER CHRISTMAS OBSERVANCES

To the editor:

The Christmas season presents itself in many ways. So different is Christmas observed from years past. I remember its being observed in the home quietly, in more of a religious way, joyful and serene, certainly not the hustle and bustle we see today, losing the real beauty of this special season.

Children today are not aware of the joys of an old-fashioned Christmas when they looked forward to Kris Kringle with a sack of a few simple toys slung over his back. It was also a time when the anise cookie was the traditional cookies. Such is my memory of a beautiful childhood Christmas.

I remember clearly from the daily paper how peacefully, contentedly and joyfully President Truman, his wife Bess and daughter Margaret observed the holiday, with President Truman playing the piano and the three of them joining in Christmas carols. President Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor observed Christmas in much the same way, peacefully, quietly and religiously.

Memories of Christmas long ago give me a feeling of magic, of humbleness, of joy and of thanksgiving, certainly not the kind of frustration existing today, losing its real meaning of love for the Christ child and for one another. That is Christmas in the truest sense.

PAULA E. KEMPE

Cape Girardeau