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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1989-12-22, Page 32PAGE 32. THE CITIZEN, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1989. Student reflects on Hanukka The Christmas Story by Sonya Albert Grade 5, Brussels. Once upon a time long ago I remember when I was a little girl asking my mom if there was such a thing as Santa Claus and mom said think what you want to think. I said that I want to believe in Santa Claus. My mom said then you can. Then I got older and I did not believe in Santa Claus any more. One morning I woke up and saw a letter. It was from Santa Claus and then I saw there were presents under the tree and I was so happy. Then I started to think that there was such a thing as Santa Claus and I do believe in Santa Claus now and I hope you do too. And I know something else I could tell you. One Christmas Eve Jesus Christ was born in a stable because all the inns were full of people. That is why Mary and Joseph had to have Jesus in a stable. That is why we celebrate Christmas. The End. Hanukka by Shawna Walker Grade 5, Blyth. The nicest holiday to me is Hanukka. It’s a Jewish holiday, usually before Christmas. Hanukka was started a long time ago. We play Hanukka games that included the dreidle. Long ago, the Jews lived in the kingdom of Judea. Antiochus the IV ruled the land. He worshipped Greek Gods, but Jews were allowed to pray to their own god on top of a great hill there was a temple, that’s where they prayed. Antiochus was not happy being king of Judea. He wanted to be King of Egypt too. He made war on the Egyptians but lost. This put him in a bad, bad mood. “There are treasures in the temple”, he said. “I will take them for myself.” And he did. They even took the Menorah. King Antiochus was angry because the Jews fought them. Messengers were sent to Judea with the King’s orders. This is what it said, “Jews must worship Greek gods. The Jews ignored the message, and prayed and studied in secret. One day a soldier came into Judea and asked Mattahis, the village elder to step forward. “Bow down and sacrifice a pig to our greek god.” “No!” he exclaimed, he turned to his five sons and said “Attack the soldiers” he shouted. The villagers joined Mattatthias’ sons. The soldiers were so surprised they fled. “Today a few soldiers came,” said Mattathias. “Many more will come. We will have to move to the caves in the hills. “You are Maccabee which means hammer. Make our people in to Maccabee and strike against the King.” Mattathias and his sons taught the people how to fight. They made surprise attacks and won small battles. Word of the Maccabees spread and many people joined them. King Antio­ chus was very angry. He sent for Appolonians his favorite general. “Take an army to Judea,” he said. “Attack the Maccabees and defeat them.” The Maccabees were out­ numbered, but they won the big­ gest battle ever. They found Gener­ al’s sword and kept it forever. When they returned a terrible sight met their eye. King Antiochus wreaked the temple. Inside they found a little pot of oil. It was only suppose to burn for one day but burned for eight. This was called Hanukka. The Christmas that nearly wasn’t by Beverley Thompson Grade 6, Grey. It was four more days till Christmas and up in the North Pole everyone was in a dither, because Santa Claus decided he wasn’t going to carry through with Christ­ mas. “Oh honey, everyone will be disappointed in you!” moaned Mrs. Claus. “But dear, nobody cares any­ more. They’re getting way off track with the meaning of Christmas and well, they don’t appreciate me anymore,” replied Santa. “What’s all this talk about you quitting Santa?” cried the elves. “Well elves, like I told the Mrs. no one appreciates me anymore, so I’ve decided to quit,” said Santa. “I’ve got an idea Santa, said Mrs. S., why don’t you go and visit some of the people you deliver to!” “Well okay,” mumbled Santa. A few days later Santa was in Toronto, walking down the main street, when he bumpbed into a little boy and his older brother. “Watch where you’re going please, mister!” said the older brother. “I’m sorry, I guess I didn’t see you. Do you believe in Santa Claus?” asked Mr. Nicolas. “Well, of course we do!” replied the boys. Santa said good-bye and went on his way. A few hours later he was reading one of the gift idea letters that one of the children sent him. It read: Dear Santa Claus: This Christmas all I’m asking for is to spend the holidays with both my mommy and daddy. You see my father left one year ago with a publishing contract, leaving me and my mommy all by ourselves. So if you could somehow bring us all together for Christmas, I would be good for the rest of my life. Your friend, Jennifer Backster P.S. I still believe. On the other side of the envelope was her address. So Santa walked to that address and waited until someone came out. “Excuse me, but are you Jenni­ fer Backster?” questioned Santa. “Why, yes 1 am. What’s it to you?” replied Jennifer, rudely. Well, Santa told the whole story of him reading the letter and quitting Christmas and all that. “Are you going to take me and mommy to my daddy?” said Jenny with excitement. “Well, if your mommy allows it,” replied Santa. Santa Claus went to talk to Mrs. Backster. It didn’t go so well at the first but then he started saying things about previous Christmases, things that no one should have known, and she started believing him. “Well, I don’t know where he works or lives!” said Mrs. B. “But I do and with a flick of my nose I could get you there!” replied Santa. “Well O.K., I haven’t seen him in a year, so, well, let’s do it,” she cried. “Fine. Jennifer, your mom agreed, so if you go get packed we could be on our way,” Santa shouted. A few hours later Jenny, her mom and her dad were standing hugging and kissing, so Santa waved good bye and was back in Continued on page 33 ‘King In«4 ‘Rgally Great Qloliday We wish you all the blessings of the season. It’s been a delight doing W businessbusiness with you. ETHEL GENERAL STORE 887-6039 Ethel Happy Holidays We wish you a season of Beauti­ ful Christmas moments — lasting memories to treasure always! BROMLEY ELECTRIC CHRISTMAS JOY TO ALL With special thanks for your patronage and good will, we wish you a very happy holiday. Gene & Nan Gore & Elaine Brown of GORE'S HOME HARDWARE BLYTH MERRY CHRISTMAS May the blessings of health and prosperity be with you all the year through. Thanks for putting your trust in us. glHHHHFW T o <> ! /> <> -JUHHHHHHR I < < YOUNG'S CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR Brussels 887-9541 Christ­ mas tree, O Christmas tree,Witt haypiy ness^we^reercydw. Wh&r deeaert withC candtes ants a, yeer^Ync fiTourfYwrts wittCMYYr cYeer O Christ^nastree^OChrist­ mas tresYJitdhaypiness wegreetC youW Cfhristmastree, O Ciwititrras trceYHaw tavety are your brandirs. Lho stamer sun, in winter snow, dress qreenyaw always show. O Christinas tresy C Christmas tree,tdow Coveby are/your branches. OLDCAROLz "Best Wishes during the Christmas Season” FROM YOURFRIENDSAT ZILLIAX FURNITURE ANO APPLIANCES ------ ---------------I LISTOWEL Wallace Avenue North Monday lo Saturday 9 30 to 5 30 p m Friday till 9 00 p m ' 291-1481 GODERICH Bayfield Road, South Monday to Thursday 9 30 - 5:30 p m Friday till 9:00 p.m 524-4334