On 22 December 1949, Mrs. Buswell handed out pieces of yellow paper cut ca. 5.5 x 3.5 in. to the incipient members of the KHS Class of 1952 and asked each to write on "What Christmas Means to Me." Following are the results. A few were done on the first day after Christmas vacation, in January 1950.

Transcription was done by Susan Edwards Kraus and minor editing (for some spelling and grammar errors, really only a few) was done by your webmaster, Susan's father.

Edward Lee Koonce
December 22, 1949

Christmas means to me, first of all, the birth of Jesus Christ nearly two thousand years ago. It is a day that should be consecrated to Him and everyone ought to go to church even though they never go the other 364 days of the year.

Next, Christmas means a time of fellowship and brotherly love, a time to show our affections to our family and friends. But we should not only think of our relatives and close friends but we should consider the poor and needy, knowing that "whatsoever good thing a man doeth, whether he be bond or free, the same shall he receive of the Lord."

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Jack Stallcup

What Christmas Means To Me

Christmas means to me the joy of knowing I have a Christ to worship. To be able to give and receive and most of all to be glad God gave us a son to save us. And also the joy of knowing the friendship of your friends

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1949

What Christmas means to me!

Christmas is one of the most glorious holidays in the world, because this is the very same day in which our Savior, Jesus was born. Ever since then we have known Christmas for giving gifts, as the shepherds gave gifts to the Christ Child. ______________________________________________________________________________________

Soph. Dec 22, 1949

"What Christmas Means To Me".

Christmas is the time to have a giving attitude and to think why the twenty fifth of December is a holiday. It is a time to think of friends, relatives, and enemies, to give them something you like for them to have. Christmas means a "Mass For Christ". It is the time to think about the great thing Jesus did to relieve the world of its sins.

".The End."

LD Waller Dec. 22, 1949

What Christmas means to me.

It means a time when everyone should by happy and Joy and Peace on Earth Good Will Toward Men.

What Christmas Means to Me.

Jimmy Davis Dec. 22, 1949

I think Christmas is a time to be happy and joyful because our Christ was born on Christmas.

The shepherds and wise men brought gifts to him, and now it is our old American custom to exchange gifts in remembrance of that day.

Dec., 22, 1949

What Christmas means to me.

To me it means the day when all people should be happy because Christ was born on this day a lot of years ago.

December 22, 1949

Christmas is one time each year when everyone should be happy. But somewhere some will not have a happy Christmas. So I think the people that have some Christmas should be happy with what they have no matter how little they have.

What Christmas Means to Me

Christmas means that the good lord was born for me and everone else, and some people don’t know it. But If the Lord were not born for us we would go to ruin, but I am glad I have a chance to go to heaven

December. 22, 1949

What Christmas Means to me.

Earl Bengs Dec 22, 1949

Christmas to me means the anniversary of the birth of our Savior. It also means that the world should be at peace in honor of Him. It also is a sign of good will felt by all men and at this time of the year we should be most thankful that we can do as we please. Christmas is a time for the exchange of gifts and being as it is a national holiday everybody has the right to enjoy it.

Dec. 22.

"What Christmas means to me."

I am always happy to be alive so I can celebrate Jesus' birthday.

And I like to help other people. For it is better to give than to receive.

What Christmas Means To Me

Johnnie Parsons Dec 22, 1949

To me Christmas is a time to remember the birth of Christ.

Christmas is a time to forget all your troubles and be happy.

Christmas is also a time to think of giving as well as receiving & to remember that all men are created equal.

Virgil Hawkins 12-22-49

What Christmas Means to Me.

Christmas is a time when everybody should be happy for what they got and another thing Christmas means to me is "Peace on earth, good will toward men."

December 22, 1949

"What Christmas Means To Me."

Giving and receiving Christmas Cards.

Giving and receiving Christmas Presents.

Seeing the snow on the ground.

Year of 1949

Date, December 22,

Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy, cheer, and I might add Thanksgiving since it marks the birth of Christ. But I am afraid that not very many think of Christmas as it should be.

John Sain Dec 22-49

Xmas means the time for good cheer. It is when all the kids are happy. I know when I was younger I just couldn’t wait for It to come. I tried to go to bed early but I just could not go to sleep. But all and all I love Xmas because everybody is happy

Dec. 22, 1949

What Christmas means to me.

It is celebrated for Jesus’ birthday. I am very happy that I live in a country where we can have a Christmas. As the Lord said, it is better to give than receive. Everybody should know what Christmas means.

By Richard Conley

Sophmore

49-50

It means a time to be thankful to God for giving his Son to us. That’s where we got the idea of giving gifts to the ones we love.

It’s a time to think of the people who are less fortunate than we.

What Christmas Means to Me

Jan 3, 1949 Mary Jo (Ed.: Bookout)

Christmas is the busy time of the year. Everywhere you go you see people hurry this way and that way with packages. Christmas is not only the time of the year you get presents or give presents away. That glorious day is the day Christ was born. Our Savior was born in a stable in Bethlehem. When you put the Christmas tree up and start decorating the tree you think what the decoration stands for. The star at the top of the tree stands for the star of Bethlehem. The one that guided the three wise men. Then the angel goes up by the star. The angel is the one that looked over the Christ to protect him from being killed. The lights stand for the rest of the stars that shone on that precious night. The angel hair stands for the clouds up in the beautiful heaven where Christ is now. There we have what the Christmas tree is at Christmas time.

What Christmas Means To Me

Jan 3-1950 Betty Cowan

Since Christmas is the birthday of our beloved Christ child, Jesus, it is considered a holiday to the entire world. For it was on this day that God sent his Son to earth to make peace with the world.

On Christmas we exchange our gifts and it is really wonderful to watch little children on Christmas morning run to the tree and open their presents and to see the looks of surprise and happiness on their small faces.

But most of all we thank God for giving us this peace and happiness, and may it always be.

What Christmas means to me

Christmas is a day on which everyone should give gifts and receive gifts. I think they should give, thinking of the Joy their gift will bring others. Not thinking about the gift they may receive in return. You shouldn’t get drunk thinking you’re celebrating Christmas. You should celebrate it as Christ would want you to. For Christmas is Christ’s Birthday. Christmas means that we are celebrating the birth of a great Christ who died on the cross so that we may live.

(What Christmas means to me.)

Christmas is the only day you shouldn’t work at all. You should go to church on Christmas day. On Christmas is when Jesus Christ our Savior was born.

To me Christmas means a time of happiness and a time when we should think of our fellow man with much respect. It is a time of rejoicing over the birth of our Christ. We should think more of him than of the worldly things which we receive. I think Christmas is the most beautiful and wonderful time of the year and hope that the religious aspect of it will live forever and never be put in second place.

What Christmas Means to me.

I think Christmas is losing its original meaning. Christmas is a time for families to come together and worship.

Most people now wonder how much to spend on everyone else’s gift. We should all remember "Tis more blessed to give than to receive."

I love Christmas, the family reunions & the spirit that goes with it.

Sophomore 1949-50

What Christmas Means To Me

It means that Christ was born in Bethlehem, he was put here on earth to save us from our sins and wrong doings.

It also means to me that it is the time to be Merry and Joyful toward everyone.

Peace on the earth and good will toward men.

You are the best teacher I have ever had. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.

What Christmas Means To Me

By – Pat Gangel

To me Christmas means a time of rejoicing, because Jesus Christ was born on that day.

It is also a time of the year when people exchange gifts.

What Christmas means to me

I think Christmas is the happiest time of the year. I love the Christmas spirit and presents.

What Christmas Means to Me

Christmas is the time of year when all hearts are light and gay and the spirit of giving gifts reigns high. It is when we celebrate the birth of Christ.

Everyone seems to be happy and have no cares, and the world is full of love.

What Christmas Means to Me:

It means the birth of our Christ Jesus. And how the Lord himself sent him here on earth and then took him because of all our sins. You’re one of the best persons I ever knew. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. May God bless you in your years to come.

A School Student

What Christmas Means To Me

By Mary Ann Francis

To me Christmas means a time of joy when their should be peace all over the world. A time when man should rejoice in his fellowmen. A time to thank God for his blessings and to help others who are not as fortunate as we. It is also a time for children to be happy and merry.

What Chirstmas Means to Me.

Christmas is the birthday of Christ our Lord. On this day and near it, we celebrate by singing carols and hymns. We also exchange gifts for the enjoyment of giving.

What Christmas Means to me.

At Christmas time every one is nice to every one else. You read about people helping out poor people and it just makes you feel so good. Then you have the fun getting and making the Christmas presents.

During Christmas I do try to rededicate myself to Christ and I think everybody should.

Also the music is so beautiful.

What Chrismas means to me

It is the time of the year when we all have so much to be thankful for.

I does not mean the time to get gifts but the time to give the time to rejoice and be thankful that you live in America.

You are the best teacher I have every known and I think lots of you. Merry X mas.

1949

What Christmas means to me

Christmas means first, the anniversary of the coming of Christ, and then second it means presents, having fun and such. I hope I always remember the real meaning of Christmas.

Merry Christmas Mrs. Buswell

What Christmas means to me.

Jimmie Edwards

As Christmas time draws near each year the beautiful Christmas carols begin ringing through your ears. From one to one hundred they all sing. From the churches, over the radio they come. To me Christmas might even be dull without Christmas carols.

And always there is the remembrance of the Christ child in the manger and the bright smiling faces on Christmas as each toy is unwrapped. This is what Christmas means to me.

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What Xmas Means to Me

It means a time when our family can get together and be happy. And the celebration of Jesus’ birthday. It is a time when everyone is very happy and in a giving mood. I wish everyone were as happy every day as they are on Christmas.

What Christmas Means To Me

I think Christmas is the time to be joyful and friendly to everyone. It is the time to think of Him who was born at this time and gave His Life up for us that we might live.

What Christmas means to me

Christmas means to me that people all over the world are free to worship God on his birthday. That without Him there would be no people and no Churches, Hospitals, or any service centers where the needy may go.

Christmas shows God’s love for us by allowing His son to go through so much suffering so we might live.

What Christmas means to me.

Christmas is the time of year when all people celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Lord. It is the time when everybody is friendly and everybody else knows why, because it is Christ’s birthday, of course. These are my abbreviated thoughts of Christmas.

What Christmas me to me

Christ was born in Bethlehem. If weren’t for Christ we wouldn’t have any Christmas. It is the most happiest day of the year. That’s when everyone’s face is lighted up smiling and singing. That’s when everyone can sing those pretty Christmas carols.

And that’s when Mrs. Buswell is the most wonderful teacher there is. I want to wish you a Merry Christmas.

What Christmas means to me

Christmas day is the day for Christ. He was born in Bethlehem on the 25^th of Dec. It’s a Holiday and should be celebrated for him.

I hope you will have a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. You are my favorite teacher and the very best in the world.

a student

What Christmas mean to Me

Christmas means a lot to me because it was the day that the Christ Child was born. That’s why we celebrate Christmas day because He’s such a wonderful person we all want to celebrate His birthday.

Christmas is that time of year when every one is happy and joyful because Jesus Christ was born on December 25, and too we all exchange gifts. But most of all because its Jesus’ birthday.

Christmas to me means a happy and cheerful time of the year, and the thoughts of giving for Christ said, "As ye give unto the least of these ye have given then unto Me." Remembrance of the birth of Christ who died for our sins on Calvary.

"What Christmas means to me"

It is a time when most families get together and celebrate the birthday of Jesus

It is the happiest time of the year for most people and when everyone exchanges gifts.

It is a time that everyone should remember because if it had not been for Christ we would have no Christmas.

What Christmas Means To Me

Christmas is the birthday of our beloved Christ. If it had not been for Christ the world would not have been what it is today. I think we should forever keep this in mind.

What Christmas means to me

Christmas, the anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior means the time when all grudges are forgiven. It is the only time of the year when peace reigns on earth. Even in War the soldiers’ hearts must be in peace. At this time only do people want peace so much they give gifts just to see the happy smile on the receiver’s face

"What Christmas means to me".

Christmas is the time when everybody forgets their troubles and worries and has a good time. Christmas is Christ’s birthday. Everybody was happy and made merry when he was born and it has been celebrated the same way ever since. Christmas is when families and friends get together and exchange gifts and have a lot of fun.

Sophomore "49-50"