Jim Kershner’s this day in history

From our archives, 100 years ago

The Spokesman-Review’s editorial page waxed poetic about “The Yuletide Spirit in Spokane.”

“The schools have let out for the holidays and crowds of merry children and gay collegians are at home again for the festivities of Yule,” wrote the editors. “Family reunions from far and near are the order of the day. Quiet homes ring with jest and laughter. The churches are filled with song from tuneful choirs repeating the angels’ anthem old and sweet.”

However, the editors also weighed in on the question of the best Christmas gifts for children, and concluded that the best gifts were: simple and few.

They warned of the “disintegrating consequences of overdone Christmasing.”

“It is wise to lessen the number of toys given, for children are happier with few than with many toys,” said the editors. “These should be selected with reference to the real needs and be durable and beautiful.”

They suggested one “well-printed, well-composed and artistically illustrated book,” or one “well-made piece of furniture.”

The best gift of all, they suggested, was tools for children to make their own toys.

Also on this date

(From the Associated Press)

1924: Adolf Hitler was released from prison after serving nine months for his role in the Beer Hall Putsch; during his time behind bars, he’d written his autobiographical screed, “Mein Kampf.”