The Lure of the Useless:
Once again the season is upon us when we are foreed to devote serious thought to the ticklish problem of what to give, to whom, for a Christmas present. Don't think that this is written with: the! idea. of providing any helpful ssu tions, Suggestions, as a rul are more aggravating than gor If it wore not for the fact} time of the year, we could decid the whole matter easily in half an hour, But every year we hear more about the importance, of choosing the right thing, and being carefull to study the tastes of the individual concerned, It is all very bewildering, particularly nowadays, for we are told that, whatever we do, we must be practical, and buy' something useful.
We ought not to consider, therefore, the possibility of sending box of chocolates, tied up with tive ribbons, to Cousin Dorothy, a3 has hitherto been our reprehensible habit, nor must we purchase another elaborate tea-cosy for Aunt Jane, who prides herself on her collection. Instead, we must in each case determine to provide a gift that is usefal—one that will label us a wise] and thoughtful soul in the eyes of the recipient. Cousin Dorothy is the difficulty. Were we to send hor half a dozen dusters, which is the first alternative to 'a "box of{ sidered, Must we inflict upon them, also, these tantalizing practical presents? We had thought of a scooter for the eldest boy, but perhaps it had better be a dictionary.
The Only Way 'A tour round the shops is worse than confusing, for everything, from a reel of cotton to a motor is taetfolly described 1 gift" "My" attention was caught the other day by a display of absurd doll mascots, fascinating-_ ly, dressed, all sizes and shapes, entirely frivolous and completely} useless. Such things as slippers, umbrellas, and dictionaries faded in: to the back of my mind, I hesitated for a moment, and in that moment was lost, for a salesman approached—"Can T show you something more useful, madam?"
Meekly I followed him to another department, and so the search goes on,. Still I have decided on a plan of action. Fathers and mothers, uncles and aunts, sisters and broth: ers are all buying useful gifts. 1 know, for they have told me so. My intention, however, is to choose! the useless ' things—those things that most people want just because they are wholly delightful and unnecessary. Cousin Dorothy' shall have her chocolates, Aunt Jane her teaw-cosy, and the eldest boy his scooter. It is the only way!)—LAGW. in "G. Herald"
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.