Page 6 is THE TRIBUNE, WILLIAMS LAKE, B.C. Thursday, December 24, 1953 --- WITH IRENE We observed two Christmas cus- toms this week, and they were both moderately successful. Several weeks ago on a Saturday afternoon, I foisted Blaine on her daddy while I went shopping. Daddy had picked that afternoon to go hunting for a Christmas tfee to send to friends, so was more or less forced to take along small daughter Well. the trip was unsuccessful in that he didn’t find a tree, but both hunters had a wonderful time and Elaine talked about “trees” for weeks. Although we have always previ- ously bought our Christmas trees, it was now evident that this year was going to be different; we had a {amily and it was imperative that we hunt our own tree. Now I had little faith in finding one. I have known of many friends going out into forests all around us and still coming back empty-handed, or with some poor straggly thing that no amount ‘of ornaments could transtori into a thing of beauty. Then the radio started intoning the news that Christmas tree cutters were liable to fines of $50 for taking trees from Crown lands or from pri- vate property without permission of the owners. That was all I needed — $1.00 or so to buy one seemed dirt cheap in comparison to $50. But the other two hunters were not to he’ dissu- aded. Even a fairly heavy fall of snow on Sun- day failed to dampen their enthusiasm. 50 away we went with hatchet and a guilty conscience. We started down the road and at the first likely spot turned into the woods. I laughed and appeared un- concerned as we plowed our way through a foot of snow where no other car had dared to go but men- tally biting my fingernails at the thought of getting stuck. Blaine danced up and down on the back seat — there was no farce in her delight. We got out and waded through the snow. Elaine plunged man- fully for a time, but finally sat down with the exclamation ‘]’m stuck” and had to be carried on Daddy's shoulders. This represented a de- lightful game of grabbing branches as she passed, showering us with wet snow. Weighted with snow, the trees looked beautiful — but when they were shaken, their spindly appea ance of lopsidedness came into vie We couldn't even find a small one of decent appearance for the office window. We got into the car and went on. Again we got out, walking farther and farther afield in our search. Elaine and I straggled behind, ma- king snowballs until a shout from up ahead told us that success was in sight. And there was the woodsman with not one, but two good-looking trees. After much hemming and haw- ing, studying them both from all sides, we picked the smaller one. It seemed miles back to the car, but we were exultant — and 1 wa: amazed. We actually had got our own Christmas tree. (If the authori- along ties should happen to read this, you'll eae, St Mex a Pa Sg i) Favours - New Year’s Eve DANCE at Lac La Hache Dancing 10 to 3 MUSIC BY TOMMY TRESSLER Refreshments Turkey Sandwiches and Coffee available ADMISSION -- $1.25 Sponsored by Lac La Hache Community Club To all our friends we wish a Christmas that is a merry one in every way and a New Year that will be happy every day. Williams Lake Meat Market i: metloe cS “ose ees ea | never get us to admit we didn’t cut it on our Chimney Lake property!) | The small tree for the offie> win-! dow was, surprisingly enough, hard- er to find until in desperation we hacked off the likeliest of the serag- | students. gly ones. Clive says it is an annual custom now, and I must admit that even [ enjoyed it. | The other expedition was truly! amazing. Like any other two-year, old, Elaine does not understand about Christmas and Santa Claus..So it was with the full expectation that she would be frightened to death that I took her to see the jolly littie man! in the red suit at Cariboo Home Pur | nishings on Saturday. (Makes sense, doesn’t it?) But she walked up with no hesita- tion and sat down in a small chair beside Sania, looking up into his faee with curiosity. She was not teo hap- py when he picked her up however, and asked plaintively for “Mommy,” but Mrs. Blackwell got a picture and | Blaine got a candy stick — and everyone wa happy. In fact, after th I couldn't get her away; she played around near Santa until some- how she came out of the store with two sticks of candy instead of one. You never know how kids will react! j Students Close Tenn | With Hamper Dance’ One of the final events at the Junior-Senior High School before | breaking up for the Christmas holi- | days was a noyel “hamper” dance held last Thursday evening. | | The students each brought a gro- ecery item, and 160 cans of foodstuit were collected in this manner. They will be turned over to Don Bingham of the Social Welfare Branch for distribution in the hampers of vari- ous town organizations. | Music for the dance was donated by Vie Imhoff’s orchestra, and they | emeumemermmrecrevencien a MORNLOIOIL ES a we want-to wish all of our many friends the richest of Life’s Management and Staff of Ranch Hotel were thanked appropriately by the. EERE NEM NEUEN ENED ENE REY VENEER SEY EN EYEE NEN First authentic mention of De-| birth was made by a Latin historian | cember 25 as the date of Sinise yin 354 A.D. = Wonton oVhy, the happiness of the Holiday season, deepened and strengthened by the spiritual inspiration of the Christmas message, abide with you throush all the days ahead. This is our warmest wish for you . and yours, as through the soft silence of a Holy night, the shining wonder of Christmas once more dawns upon the World. § The blessings of friendship and loyalty are the very essence of the Spirit of Christmas... and so, at this joyous and heartwarming season treasures—peace, good health and happiness.