Very soon that old rogue Father Chrisimas himself made his appear-Jance in local shopwindows, peeping forth from piles of iced Christmas cakes, winking at passers-by from the midst of displays of turkeys, luscious fruit, and Christmas. trees, grinning at the crowds who gathered around the shop-windows to look at the Christmas toys. An indomitable spirit such as his, "which insisted upon sporting a cheery grin spite of the unusual position. in which Shanghai finds itself this Yuletide, deserved some _apprecia: tion from war-weary Shanghallanders.
They soon found themselves war dering into department stores, looking over turkeys fresh in from the north, purchasing Christmas cards, and presents of all -deseriptions which will ensure that those hopeful stockings hung up on Christmas Eve bulge as usual this year, With local shops. assuming an air of indifference to the misfortunes of the past fow months, and struggling bravely to put up as good a display as sta this year, it was only natural that the Shanghai. public should follow sult. While there' ly not get quite the same spirit of gaiety noticeable this year" as in [previous years, it is evident that Shanghaitandery are' determined to make the most of the festive season, The titling of the curfew in both the Settlement and the French Cov jeession on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve has undoubtedly hod most benelleinl effect, and arrange-monte are fast being pushed for making full use of these two Local cabarets are making plays special Christmas festivities though naturally of a more moderate scale than last year, and" first-rate profirammes are being prevented at the Shanghat cinemas. Tt is probable that while many wilt follow the custom of past years, and make parties to celebrate" in musement spots, more than the sual numer wit! be content remain at hom Christmas with traditional English style, The harder times which Shanghai is facing fact, will probably return of the real Christ mas spirit" which makes Yuletide season a tine of family inion, und celebration" by the hearthside,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.