berries. This is a f^r cry from the

berries. This is a f^r cry from the lavishly decorated trees of today in which electric lights, baubles, tinsel and all manner of factory-made ornaments are used.

The custom of lighting Christmas trees is accredited to Martin Luther by many historians. The story is told that he was strolling through the countryside alone one Christmas Eve under a brilliant sky, and his thoughts turned to the nativity of the Christ Child. He was awed by the heavens and the wintering landscape, the blue light on the low hills outside his home and on the evergreens,, the snow flakes sparkling in themoonlight. Returning home, he toTd his family about it and attempted to reproduce the glory of the outdoors. To a small evergreen tree he attached some lighted candles so as to portray the reflection of the stary heaven. , Each year thousands of homes are lost by. carelessness in the handling of Christmas trees. This year as in years past, the Christmas week will start out in a happy, carefree manner and end in hopeless disaster for many families. By observing the following general rules the greater part of the danger from fire can be eliminated. Place the tree t in water by using a bucket filled with rocks and water or by using one of the special Christmas tree holders sold at most stores during the Christmas season. Do not overload the electrical outlet used to plug in the tree lights. A few cents , spent on extension cord to distribute the load to different outlets may save a priceless home. Never place the tree near radiators, stoves or hot-air outlets. Never leave the tree lights on when leaving the house, even for only a few minutes, a bucket or two of water, strategically placed and camouflaged with Christmas paper, may mean the difference between a scorched wall apd a lost home.