WITH this issue THE STORY HOUR has the pleasant privilege of wishing all
its readers a Merry Christmas. That the Christmas spirit may everywhere
prevail, and prevail abundantly, is its sincerest wish; and if the
stories herein told and retold will contribute their mite in enhancing
this spirit, it will indeed feel that it is fulfilling its mission.
* * * * *
AMONG the many elements of cheer at Christmas time is the Santa Claus
myth. Belief in this myth adds greatly to the enjoyment of Christmas in
early childhood. The children who believe in it, and pass out of the
literal belief without a shock to their faith, are to be congratulated.
They never forget looking back to the time when they watched, waited and
listened for Santa Claus, animated by an expectancy tinged with a happy
fear.
But this belief naturally cannot persist through life. Near the
beginning of the school period it must be replaced by a knowledge of the
literal truth, which the children get usually from their associates.
Whether the knowledge of this literal truth is to be more true or less
true than the belief in the myth depends upon the parents, teachers and
adult friends in whose care the children are. It rests with them to
transform the myth into a symbol filled with meaning. The best things in
life are such things as faith, love, kindness and generosity. These we
cannot touch, hear or see. They exist primarily as soul experiences, and
in order to make them more palpable and give them a base of reference we
symbolize them. Now one of these symbols is Santa Claus. He stands for
the cheer, good will and love of Christmas time, and every feature of
his traditional representation symbolizes these qualities. He is as real
as Uncle Sam, and his mission is no less important. He is the embodiment
of Christmas love, and even children of six can appreciate this
signification of Santa Claus. The fact that they previously believed in
the kind saint literally only helps this appreciation. And who would not
have a child believe in this kind of a Santa Claus, and believe in him
always?
* * * * *
FOR several years Mr. Wyche has told his original Santa Claus story to
audiences in many places. It has been in great demand, but has never
heretofore been published. The version given in this number of THE STORY
HOUR from a stenographic record will be a permanent addition to the
Christmas literature of the country. It will be noted that this and all
other articles in the magazine are copyrighted.
* * * * *
READERS are requested to write us freely regarding their experiences in
story telling, also to suggest stories they wish to have reproduced, or
stories they have found useful in their own work.
* * * * *
SUGGESTIONS of principles and methods contained in the notes from local
leagues are already becoming one of the most helpful features of this
magazine. It was so anticipated by the publisher when he planned the
local news department. It is desired to have such notes frequently from
all local leagues in the country.
* * * * *
MOTHERS are becoming interested in the new story-telling as a means of
home education and even discipline. They are making inquires as to
methods and materials. THE STORY HOUR will be a helpful counsellor for
them.
* * * * *
A QUERY PAGE will be useful to many, especially to those who live remote
from the cities and their large libraries. Any who desire information of
any kind regarding stories, or the literature of stories, or anything at
all related to the subject of story-telling, or the League movement may
feel free to write to THE STORY HOUR. Our best efforts will be made to
give suitable and helpful replies.
* * * * *
THE STORY HOUR invites contributions of articles on story-telling and
any topic related to the general subject, also stories for use in
story-telling. Both original and retold stories may be submitted.
* * * * *
MANY expressions of interest in and approval of THE STORY HOUR magazine
have reached us. All say that it will supply a real need—a long-felt
want.
-------------------------------------------