News: Loyal Locals (Dec - 1973)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: None

----Source: Tribune Record Gleaner (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 12/20/1973

Loyal News (20 December 1973)

Mingling with Mary (By Mary Woods)

There are many things that make Christmas, the lights, the nativity scenes, the jolly man in the red suit and, of course, the happiness that is seen on everyone’s face. But, perhaps the spirit of Christmas can be found to be more strong and more prevalent in the group of people who make us all smile a little more during the holiday season. . . of course, it’s the children.

During the past weeks, I have observed the children in schools, on the streets, and wherever they may be found, and each one seems to be a little different when it comes to the Christmas Holiday.

While visiting the schools, I sat and spoke to the kindergarten class, 22 smiling and wondering faces as to why I was there, and each one ready to shout the correct answer to the questions that were asked. Reflecting on the subject of why we really celebrate Christmas and the New Year, there was no doubt that the children had been taught the real reason. No, it wasn’t because Santa Claus comes, or everyone gets a lot of candy and gifts, but many of the children were aware of the fact that it was the birthday of Jesus, the baby who was born in a stable in Bethlehem, a baby who was found by three Wisemen who followed a bright, shiny star sparkling in the sky. Yes, they knew the story of why we celebrate Dec. 15, at the age of five!

A serious side of Christmas also has a lot of giving, whether it is for sister, brother, or, who else but mom and dad. The children were picking out that gift that was just right for them. For mom, it was a dishwasher, financed by dad, of course. For dad, it was a fishing reel, financed by mom. And for sister and brother it was little things, like beads, and maybe a corn picker if it could be found in the store.

Of course, the greatest moment for the children is that day when Santa comes to town, and listens with open ears to all the surprises that are wanted. For Cindy, it was a bike, for Tommy a corn picker, and who else would want a doll but Tammy. Santa Claus, the big man, with the white beard who can do just about anything, with a lot of help. The children were aware that Santa does have a lot of helpers, and during the summer the elves make the toys and try them out to make sure that they will work when Christmas comes around!

As to where Santa lives, there were 22 voices that stated “the North Pole,” and as to where that was there was no doubt in the minds of 21 that it was a “long ways away,” but for one little boy, he was sure “it is right over by Marshfield,” and who is to say he isn’t right! When it came to the subject as to how Santa gets into the house, the problem, if any, was easily solved. He comes in the door, “Because we leave it open for him,” or “he comes down the chimney very quietly.” And how he gets to all the homes on one night, is no problem – he is led by his reindeer, who are led by that one with the red nose, who else but Rudolph. One little girl even knew the reason for his nose being red, “it is to brighten the way for all the rest of the reindeer and Santa.”

Most of the children stated that for Santa a snack was left by the tree, whether it was cookies and milk, or a piece of cake, something was left. And if you were really good, Santa would leave a thank you note. He did for Johnny, and he stated that the reindeer would enjoy the sugar that was left for them.

Santa has many ages, for one little girl he was 21, for a smiling little boy he was 60, and for the majority of the other children he was 100, perhaps because he has been around for so many years.

Yes, children, the ones who know that if you’re naughty, all Santa will leave you is sticks and the other boys and girls will receive that special toy you wanted. Children who hide in closets and sneak downstairs when they are supposed to be sleeping, to see that man with the sack full of toys and goodies – they are the ones who make Christmas a little brighter and make us all younger, for a few days.

But when the long-awaited day is over, the toys and goodies have been found beneath the tree, and the church program is over-with, being a success, the faces of children still remain aglow, not just for a day, or a week, but always. . . , a thought for us all.