Deck The Halls!

irXan, Christmas Celebration during the Candlelight Walk — Dec. 9th and 15th Refrahments • FREE Gift SPECIAL HOLIDAY DISCOUNTS! FOR THE NEEDLE GRAFTERS ON YOUR LIST • on rannuns • • STfXZDK STDFFE8S • • DTS • GIFT ACCESSORIES • J? CHRISTMAS TREE I » ^ am*Am aeimx mm {

WIKTERWOOD Gtv'L&nAS' jihojopo Fine Selection of Gifts & Christmas Accessories • Over 2,000 Ornaments from around the world • Plush Artificial Trees • Rockwell & Hummel Collectables • Large Assortment of Stocking Stuffers Open Sun. thru Thurs. 10 A.M.-5 P.M. Fri. & Sat 10 A.M.-9 P.M. 706 N. Shore Rd. <Rt 9), Rio Grande V6 mile North of Rio Mall on Rt 9 465-3641

The custom of decorating with greenery has its origin in pagan winter rites marking the winter solstice. However, Pope Gregory I encouraged early church officials to incorporate into the Christian holidays such of the local customs as woe capable of Christian interpretation. Thus holly, which was worshipped by the ancient Druids of England and early Romans was turned into a Christian legend because its prickly leaves and red berries were a reminder of the crown of thorns worn by Christ and the blood shed. Mistletoe has no Christian interpretation but has long ben associated with Christmas festivities in many different countries. The ancients revered mistletoe and believed it to have magical properties because it was the only plant they knew which grew without ever touching the gound. In the Celtic language mistletoe is still called “all-heal’’ and was commonly considered to be an antidote for all poisons. How it came to be associated with kissing may be explained by an early Norse legend which says that the misUetoe berries were formed by the tears of the goddess of love and beauty, Frey a, when

her son was wounded by a dart made of mistletoe. She decreed that the plant should never again be used for evil and the goddess bestowed a kiss upon anyone who paused under the mistletoe. The pointsetta was first introduced to the United States by Joe R. Poinsett in 1823. He was the U.S. minister to Mexico at that time and sent the species to his horticultural friends in South Carolina. It was introduced as a Christmas plant by the Paul Ecke family of Encinitas, Calif., who recognized the commercial possibilities of a plant which produced red and green foliage during the shortened days of winter. Over the years, this plant has gained wide popularity in other countries at Christmas time. Reprinted from Historic Denver Newt. Dec. IMI.

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“trees visible through the window, whose green boughs are laden with fruit, richer than the golden apples of the Hesperides, or the sparkling diamonds that clustered on the branches in the wonderful cave of Aladdin.” from the Saturday Evening Pott, Philadelphia. Dec. 10. 182S

(YOUR BEST CHRISTMAS BUYS

• THE BEST OF FASHION

• THE BEST QUALITY 1 WE CAN FIND AT • THE BEST LITTtr PRICES IN THE MARKET

ARE WAITING AT FRONTIER DRY GOODS WASHINGTON ST. MALL ( AT OCEAN ST.) CAPE MAY 8840304

Sunday I iclonan brunch, featuring silver sen ice and crystal coffee pots at each table and delightful selections, including caviar omelets and luscious desserts is a steal at 9.95 ” —Courier Post .. Dinner fantasies begin at 6 P.M. Open Fri.-Sun.. Sunday brunch 9 A.51. to 1 P.M. House tour ajter dinner on Sundaynight Our dress code is relaxed — we dress up. so you don't have to Reserva tions recommended 884-2555 Visa. MasterCard. American Express.

ALEXANDER’S INN & RESTAURANT «53 WASHINGTON STREET. CAFE MAY. NJ <«oe> HA4-2SSS

Special “DICKENS DINNER THEATRE” On play nights Dec. 9. 10. 16. 17,‘28, 29. Six course dinner beginning at 6 p.m. out by 8.15. S25.00 (incl. tax) per person by reservation

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CHRISTMAS IN CAPE MAY 1983

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