Season's Greetings

Which Cover For Christmas?

A wide-eyed child on Santa' s knee or a quiet scène of the nativity- which anoto to choose. Tfte heads of the judges for Argus Eyes' Cver Contest whirled One look at either photo spelled Christmas. Both were sharp and wellbalanced. The decisión was a difficultkme to make. Because the picture of the child with anta is completely ARGUS, the judges finally chose it for the cover. First, the photo was taken at Argus1 own Children's Christmas Party last year. Then, Santa Claus is none other than Russ Warren, Factory Supplies Supervisor. And last the child is Nicola Anne Widmayer (3-12-years-old when the picture was taken) daughter of Russ in the Machine Shop. Because the professional photographer, Eddie Girvan, who took the picture with an Argus C3 was not eligible for a photo prize, it was decid ed to give a second prize award of $10 this month instead. This prize went to Frank Skoman, Tool Room, who took the photo above. The judges feit that this nativity scène typifies the real meaning of Christmas . The figures were part of a Christmas display on Main Street in Ann Arbor. Frank took the photo with an Argus 40.

Andy Argus Looks Ahead To Christmas, 1975 C4head To Ckriilmai. 19 75

It's Christmas, 1954, and most of us at Argus are pretty satisfied with our lot. We've been patting ourselves on the back for chalking up the biggest and best business year yet. We've had a pretty full year of employment for all. Profit-sharing totals in those little blue books made us all sit up and take notice. And last, but at this season of the year not least, we' re all looking forward to a big Christmas dinner featuring that Argus turkey or ham . HOW LONG WILL OUR LUCK HO LD? This is a good world right now, but maybe you, along with me, are one of the chronic worriers at the plant. MHow long will this luck hold out?" some of ushave been asking. "This is wonderful, but what kind of Christmas will we be having- say a few years from now?" Arguisites, it seems, haven' t been alone in wonder - ing about the future. Economists in the United States, men who analyze past business trends and consider possibilities for the future as part of their jobs, have been wondering, too. They've put all their charts, graphs and figures together and have come up with a crystal ball, custom made for peer ing into the business future. These are their predictions: BRIGHT FUTURE AHEAD Economists say that the entire country will be doing twice as much business in 1975 as it is doing today. This is painting a pretty bright future, they teil us. It means that in 1975 you and I will have possessions we do not even dream about today. We' 11 be able to have more of the things we have now, if we want them . We' 11 have more leisure and more ways of making our leisure satisfying. INCOMES WILL RISE Economists predict that incomes will increase from an average of about $1,950 per person in 1953 to about $3,200 per person in 1975. Although these income totals may appear low to most of us, they are calculated as an average for every man and woman in the country (whether active or retired), every child and every baby. FUTURE GROWTH PREDICTED To make this rosy picture an actuality requires no miracle, but only a continuation of this country' s growth in the future as it has grown in the past. The high birth rate in recent years will give us more workers to make products in 1975 as well as more people to buy them. But- and this is where individual firms like Argus fit into the picture -to provide these workers with jobs, industries must continue to set aside an increasingly large portion of their profits for new plants, equipment and research. In order to sell more, we must produce more. In the past, U.S. production of goods and services has increased at an average rate of 3 per cent per year. If it continúes to increase at this rate, production in 1975 will be nearly twice the amount it is today. And experts see no reason why future growth should be any less rapid. HOW DOES ARGUS LOOK? O.K.- these are all predictions for the country as a whole- what about Argus? Well, during the last fiscal year, Argus reinvested $1,046,682 or better than 82% of net profits back into the business. That's just one way Argus is doing its part to make these predictions a reality . By expanding into the Germán and Canadian photographic fields, Argus is planning to provide work for more people in the future. New construction is now being planned that will give us added facilities for increased production when it is needed. So far as

creased birth rates are concerned, anyone who reads the birth notices in "Argus Eyes" knows that Argus people are doing their part on that score! WE'LL CASH IN ON THE FUTURE The predictions for the future of this country, of course, are not foolproof . No predictions can be. But barring external aggression or domestic tragedies, they are feit to be reasonably accurate. It's nice to know that when this bright future comes along, we at Argus will be cashing in on it. What a Christmas that can be-in 1975! We might feel that it's a good old world right now, but if these predictions come true, we' 11 never have it so good as we will in the future.

WATCH OUR POPULATION GROW from now till 1975! There'll be an estimated 190 million people in the United States at that date-that's 30 million more than today. It means more people to buy our products, more people in our working force to find and use new technical developments . Besides . an expanded market for industries like Argus, this growth means an increased need for schools, roads and other facilities.

NEARLY DOUBLED gross national product (the market value of all goods and services produced) if the country keeps growing at the present rate. Increased production along with more people to buy what is produced means more money and a higher standard of living for everyone. The estimates for this chart are based on the fact that in the past our total production has increased at an average of 3 per cent per year.

NEW WORKERS-some 22 millionwill join the labor forcé by 1975 if the present rate of population growth continúes. But, to provide jobs for all these workers, more individual savings as well as company profits must be invested in industry and business expansión. 22 million workers are a lot of people to absorb , but it can be done, experts say. These 1975 estimates were prepared by the National Association of Manufacturers .

With Argus' President _, Robert Lewis, currently in Germany Andy Argus is guest "business columnist for this month. But instead of "reviewing Argus' progress," Andy gets out the crystal tall and peers into Argus1 future.

Population Growth

Gross National Product

Total Labor Forcé

Production Engineers Are P A System Famous Names

(Continued f rom last month.) - an answer to a request received "by Andy Argus for "pictures of people with famous names" that are paged over the public address system.

Ñames of Production Engineers, along with those of Production Planners (men pictured last month) are among the names most often heard over the Argus P.A. System. Although the Production Engineering office is located on the first floor of Plant II, the men's work often takes them away from the office and into the plant. Then, when someone at Argus wants to find them, their names are paged over the P.A. system . Perhaps an apt description of a

Production Engineer's duties is the former title of this job, "trouble shooter." These men are responsible for maintaining the production of every one of our products- the C3, for example, the "75" or the projector. One or two men are assigned to each product. If a snag occurs somewhere to slow down or stop production, it's the Production Engineer's job to find the trouble and take both temporary and permanent corrective action to help get production going again.

You

Back again af ter another month, full and contented from that big Thanksgiving dinner. Let's start off at a nice slow pace this month by first taking a look at a note of thanks received from a profit sharer who attended the Annual Dinner. I know that Mrs. Radford, who was in charge of the dinner, will appreciate your letter. Thanks for the Annual Dinner "No questions. Just want to let you know how much I enjoyed the Annual Company dinner . Thought it was the best one y et. Thanks so much. A Profit Sharer" Payroll Deductions for a Christmas Club "How are chances of Argus starting a payroll deduction for a Christmas Club?" I turned this question over to Les Schwanbeck, President of the Argus Credit Union, who told me that the Credit Union had been considering this idea. However, it was discovered that Argus cannot have the same type of Christmas Club handled by downtown banks. It seems that the banks buy the services of the club from a separate corporation and the whole thing is copyrighted. However, Argus can have a holiday savings account. An informal survey was made in which about 60 people around the plant were asked whether or not they were interested in a Christmas savings account with the Credit Union. There seemed to be very little interest in this idea. But the Credit Union is still considering the possibility of creating a Christmas plan for members so that anyone interested can begin saving for next Christmas in January. Then by the next October or so, members could withdraw these savings for Christmas purchases. If the plan goes through, you will hear more about it from the Credit Union. Lunsford's Rolls Versus Cafetería Rolls "We have been hearing so many complaints about the Cafeteria lately that we think it is time someone complained about the people who use it. We have noticed lately that there is a group that goes up to Lunsford's every day to get rolls for their morning coffee break. Naturally, someone has to take the time to collect the money for the rolls and then go up after them . Inasmuch as the Cafeteria now has the same kind, or practically the same kind of rolls, we think this is rather silly. Aside

Asked Andy

from the time wasted, why not patronize the Cafetería. Maybe a little more cooperation from both sides is part of the answer to this problem." Ray Higgins will be happy to hear that he has friends on his side! Your idea of a little more cooperation from employees is a good one and could very well help in solving Cafeteria problems. Incidentally, Ray is always happy to hear suggestions which will help him find the answers to problems which come up from time to time. Envelopes for Hourly Pay Checks "Is there any particular reason why we can't receive our pay checks in envelopes? After we earn the money it's ours and we should have the privilege of keeping it private if we so choose.M This note went to Dave Merriman who told me that new payroll methods for Argus are being investigated right now. Although the procedure y ou mentioned is not customarily used for the hourly payroll in most factories, your suggestion will be considered. You will also be kept informed of new payroll methods as they occur. Junior Achievement Bouquets "I would at this time like to congratulate Mr.'s Lau, Donaldson, Cuny, Oughton and Pars ons for the work with the Junior Achievement program. This surely has made a splendid outlet for scrap reflectors and will furnish the Junior Achievement group with a ready source of revenue. But as in the past, the man from the Tool Room who conceived the idea and built the die gets no credit for his accomplishment . Fm thinking of Rube Koch, a former supervisor, who while in the Chelsea Plant in 1949, built this die on his own time and suggested a commercial outlet for these ash trays. Since then he has, in his spare time, stamped out a lot of them as a hobby and recreation for people's game rooms and cottages . Rube says the demand has been very good all these years . Rube has graciously loaned this die to Mr. Lau for the Junior Achievement program. An Argus Fmployee" Rube Koch is certainly to be congratulated for his fine idea, and ITm certain that the article as written in last month's MArgus Eyes" was not intended to slight anyone. The article described the Junior Achievement GroupTs program, and the names of the advisors were mentioned because these men are now working with the youngsters. Incidentally, these sponsors report that 404 ash trays (around $110 worth) were sold by the youngsters in the Argus

teria during one day's lunch periods last month. Stop Lights on 4th and Liberty MWhy doesnTt someone see about putting a red light on the corner of 4th and Liberty. That is a bad corner."

The installation of a traffic light on this corner would have to be the decisión of the Ann Arbor city traffic planning department and council. The corner is the property of the city rather than of Argus.

1st Argus Shipment Leaves State Street Warehouse

The first shipment of Argus products to leave the new warehouse at 1621 South State Street consisted of C3's and projectors, bound for U.S. Army bases overseas. Men working in the warehouse loaded 28 boxes, approximately 4,700 lbs., onto transfer trucks to complete the shipment last month. Although all the people scheduled to work in the new warehouse have not yet been transferred over there, the building, complete with an Argus sign, is now cleaned up and official - ly ready for business.

Herb Frederick Gets Top Suggestion Award

Biggest suggestion award last month, $71.76, went to Herbert ' Frederick, Accounting, who suggested a f aster method of checking customer's accounts for sales tax purposes. Walter Hanselman, Machine Shop, came in second with a $50 award received for suggesting that an indicator be ins talled on the threading head of a precisión lathe to assure better quality parts. A cash award of $34.48 went to Max Robinson, C4 Camera Assem - bly. William Martin, Service, won two awards- one for $29.12 and another for $10. Irvin Way, Machine Shop, received $10 and Charles Weir and Albert Prieskorn, Receiving, divided their $10 award. Jean FitzGerald, Final Inspection, received $5. Awards for the month totaled $220.36.

Credit Union Shares Total Over $14,000

In a November 30 financial statement, the Argus Credit Union announced that total shares purchased by members had mounted to $14,414.51. Members numbered 348 and cash on hand in the Ann Arbor Bank was $2,261.24. Since the opening of the Argus Credit Union this f all, 66 loans have been made to members. Unpaid loans are now out in the amount of $13,581.04.

Sales Holds Luncheon

Sales Department girlsgottogether for a luncheon at the Elk's Club on November 20 to say goodbye to Jane Maulbetsch and Francis Cate. Jane, secretary to Cari Chapman, left Argus to become a íull-time housewife and mother. Francis, Sales Mail Clerk, left to move to Big Rapids where her husband will attend Ferris Institute.

725 Attend Annual Argus Dinner

Profit-sharing blue books were the center of interest at the Annual Dinner in the Michigan Union Ballroom on November 8 as 495 Profitsharing members saw for themselves what another year of 4 to 1 returns added to their own savings . 134 additional members, the largest group to come into the Profit-sharing Fund at one time, were welcomed by Argus President, Robert E . Lewis . Five people who celebrated 20year anniversaries with Argus during 1954- Norman Egeler, Edward Kuehn, Calvin Foster, Edwin Nimke and Kenneth Holzhauer- werehonored during the evening. Lewis gave gold

watches to those men who were present. Ex-servicemen who had returned to work during the year as well as two men now in service who attended the dinner, Richard Parker and Bill Underwood, were recognized. Answers to questions which employees had submitted to him on Argus business composed a large part of Lewis' speech of the evening. The University Singers, led by Maynard Klein, as well as selections by The Great Yonely, a musical humorist supported by Earl Pearson's 3-piece band, topped off the evening .

Keeping Up With Argus People

WITH THREE NOVEMBER BRIDES, the Tabulating Department now proudly boasts a 100% married crew. At the left, Lorie Johnson examines her shower gifts as (left to right) Shirley Dersham, Florence Packard, Mary Rocco and Barbara Scharp watch . Lorie was married on November 20 in Boscobel, Wisconsin, to Arthur Waller. Mary and Barbara both surprised the department with marriages in Angola, Barbara to Jerry Scharp on November 15; Mary to Charles Rocco on Nov. 12.

A LONG-TIME MARRIED COUPLE now are John and Madeline Burkhart (pictured at their wedding above). Their marriage took place May 30 in the lst United Evangelical Brethren Church, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Bud Moseley (husband of Mary, Government Optical Assembly) gave the bride away. John and Madeline are nowat home at 904 Dewey Avenue, Ann Arbor. John works in Production Planning; Madeline in Optical Assembly.

NIGHT SHIFT Departments 29 and 31 honored Janet Riddle, Lens Coating, with a baby shower on November 18 in the Cementing Room. Janet was shower ed with gifts, and everyone present relaxed from work for a minute with cake and coffee. FRIENDY CRYSLER, Tool Room, Nights, has an unusual "family" of pets on his hands. Margery, his dog, became devoted to three kittens recently. When the kittens' own mother decided her offspring were oíd enough to be out on their own, Margery took over the cast-aside job of playing mother to the orphans.

SCRUTINIZING the electric coffee maker, his wedding gift f rom coworkers, is Martin Metzger, Optical Assembly. Martin was married to Ann Winger, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Amos Carlton Winger of Detroit on November 20 at the Evergreen Lutheran Church, Detroit. Mr. and Mrs. Metzger are now at home in Wayne.

Carriage Trade

Paul Masón, Lens Polishing (Night Shift) is the proud father of an 8 lb., 1 oz. girl, Karen, born November 18. Dennis Michel is the name of Grover JohnsonTs (Machine Shop, Nights) first child, born

October 29. Dennis weighed in at 7 lbs., 9 oz . James Kent was born September 13, weighing 9 lbs., 4 oz. to Pat Harnish, on leave of absence f rom Lens Centering. Lee Monson, on leave of absence from Tabulating, has a 9 Ib., 2 oz. son, John Phillip, born November 10.

Father And Son Become Fathers

That "like father like son" relationship is getting mighty complicated these days for the Loy's in the Machine Shop. On November 7, Wayne Loy, who works days, proudly announced that he had a brand new son, George Wayne. This announcement gave Wayne' s other son, Torn, who works nights in the Machine Shop, a new brother . Not to be outdone by his father, Torn rushed in 4 days later to announce that he, too, had a new son- 5 Ib . 11 oz. Thomas Russell, Jr., born on November 11. This addition made Wayne a grandfather four days after he had become a father again, and his 4-day-old son, George, an uncle. To complieate matter s even further, both new mothers were patients at St. Joseph's Hospital in Ann Arbor at the same time.

Farrell Is "legionaire Of The Week"

Louis "Bud" Farrell, Service Department, was named "Legionnaire of the Week" by Dexter Post 557 recently. Bud, who has been very active in veterans' af f airs, served as vice-commander for Post 557 in 1951, signing up 107 of the total 184 members for that year. In 1952, he was elected post commander. In addition to his activities in Dexter, Bud has served as a delégate to the Washtenaw County Council of Veterans for three years. In 1952 he was elected chaplain of the Second District. He also served on the District Blood Bank and Finance Audit Committees . At the present time, he is serving as chairman of the Second District Finance Audit Committee and Director of Post Activities.

Schneebergers Vacate "plant Iv"

When Argus purchased the house owned by Ernie and Angeline Schneeberger at 430 4th Street South (adjacent to Plant III), the house was dubbed "Plant IV" by the Schneeberger family. Recently Ernie (Accounting) and Angeline (Final Inspection) announced that they, along with their two children, have moved out of "Plant IV" and into a new home on Northwood Street in Ann Arbor. Actually, the "Plant IV" title for 430 4th Street will be short-lived. For the next six months or so, John Borgerson will have Government tools and equipment stored there. During this time, Bob Kalmbach and Darwin Cox will work in the home. Eventually, the spot where the house now stands will become executive parking space for Plant in.

Ambrazevich - Larsen To Wed

The day af ter Christmas, December 26, is the date set for Bill AmbrazevichTs marriage to Lois Larsen. Miss Larsen is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Larsen of Caro, Michigan. Bill is in the Tool Room.

Jack Turner Marries Agnes Wilson

November 27 was the date of Jack Turner' s (Service Department) marriage to Agnes Wilson. Mr. and Mrs. Turner are now living at 3779 Dexter Road in Ann Arbor.

Sports Review

League Standing Men's League Women's League 1 Lens Tools Arg-Eyes 2 Thirsty Five Ten Pins 3 Tabulators Jivin' Five 4 Tool Room Lucky Strikes 5 Planning Argus Etts ARCHERY Archery is probably one of the worlcTs oldest sports, but not so at Argus. Just one year ago the first organized Archery team was started and its efforts were well rewarded. The team won not only the league championship, but the grand championship as well. Not bad for beginners? Actually, the team members were far from beginners. John Sartori, Al Terry and son, Mike, Wilfred Bonnewell (Team Captain), Bill Miller and Louie Davis are no apple splitters, but nevertheless they were far better than average as evidenced by their last year's record. This year the same team is back in the Red Arrow League with one major change. Walt Bartell has replaced Louie Davis. This hasn't made any difference in the team's ability as they are presently holding down first place. This year, a second team has been formed. Members of this squad include such stalwarts as Jim Sieloff, Chuck Myers, Don Crump, Windy Hansen, Harold Thompson and Bill Brackney. These boys compete in the newlyformed Black Arrow League. All these leagues use the ranges provided by the Krohn's Archery and Tackle Shop in Ypsilanti. Handicaps are determined in somewhat the same manner as bowling handicaps. Competition is over a 20 -week period beginning November 1 of each year . The eight .teams in a league fire against one another in rotation. The ranges are twenty yards in depth and points are scored as follows: 9 points for a bull's-eye, 7 points for the first or red ring and so on down to 1 point for the outside white ring. These boys don't confine their sport to target practice . Many of them hunt with their bows for such game as rabbit, squirrel, and even deer. In last month's MArgus Eyes," I noted that Bill Wetzel brought down a deer with his trusty bow, which proves that it can be done. We will keep an eye on the two teams car ry ing the Argus colors this year and report our findings over the season.

Deer Hunters Bring 'em Back!

First successful deer hunter in his department was Bill Wetzel (shown at right) who got his buck with bow and arrow on October 23 in Barry County.

Paul My er s, New Products, came in second on November 15. Paul shot a 140-lb. spikehorn at 8:10 a.m. on that day, 40 miles northwest of Cadillac. Thirdsuccessful hunter was Loyal MSkinnyM Crawford, Tool Engineering , who came back with an 8-point, 140 lb. deer and this story: Seems that Skinny took a

shot at a spikehorn on November 15 and missed. The young deer, Skinny says, went home and told his dad about the bad men with the gun. So the father deer went looking for Skinny and found him, two days later, sitting down near Honor, Michigan. Skinny got up in a hurry, and this time, he didn't miss! MACHINE SHOP Walter Back shot a 4-point truck weighing 180 lbs.

the day the season opened, November 15, shortly af ter 8:00 a.m. Walter is shown at right with his prize, shot at Kalkaska, Michigan. George Br aun wasthesecond successful hunter with his 9-point buck shot November 18 at White Pine, Michigan . MAINTENANCE Marvin H a r g e r gotthe biggest buck

in this department- a 7-point, 175 pounder shot in the Waterloo area. Norman Richardson followed a close second with a 165-lb. spikehorn which he shot in Manistee County. PRODUCTION PLANNING John Shattuck was the successful hunter among the Production Planners who trekked into the north woods last month. John came back with a 4-point buck, weighing 125 Ibs., which he shot at Houghton Lake. John got his deer before 8:00 a.m. on November 15, the opening day of the season. LENS BLOCKING, POLKHING Opening day of the deer hunting season found Ross Wilson, already a successful hunter, with his 4-point, 110-lb. buck. Ross did his sharpshooting near Lewiston, Michigan. November 20 was Connie Ganzhornfs lucky day. He shot a 140-lb. spikehorn at Mesick, Michigan on that Saturday . SERVICE This department reports no successful hunter s-except Bud Farrell, and he was successful in a slightly different way. Seems that Bud didn't get a deer, but he did come back with a green "buck!"

Hats Off Dept.

New faces among the Sales Representatives are those of TED WATT, RALPH BEUHLER, JACK PEARSON and GEORGE MILROY. Jack was promoted from Service Correspondent; the others were promoted from their former jobs of Administrative Assistants in Sales. GLENN ALT, formerly a Stock Handler, was promoted to the job of Production Planner. Promotions were in order for girls in the Sales Department whén BONNIE GRIFFITH was boosted to the job of Secretary to Cari Chapman, Marketing Manager. Taking over Bonnie's former job of Clerical Correspondent was LOIS ELKINS, who was promoted from Order Clerk. DONNA GILBERT took over Lois' former job of Order Clerk as a promotion from her former job of File Clerk. HERBERT FREDERICK was promoted from Administrative Assistant in Accounting to Assistant Tax Manager. Charlie Desmond., Maintenance, thanks his Argus friends for gifts and cards recoived during nis illness.

Award Given To Brown-mclaren

At a recent Key Men's meeting, Argus presented an award certifícate to suppliers Brown-McLaren of Hamburg, Michigan, for their excellent record of supplying Argus with quality parts. This company's record, compared with that of other suppliers of similar parts, enables Argus' Receiving Inspection Department to reduce the time needed for inspecting parts . Brown-McLaren makes screw machine parts for cameras and projectors. Norman Symons introduced the two Brown-M claren representatives , Gerald Reason and John Moon, to the Key Men's groupwhile Bill Courtright summarized the certification system used and emphasized the effort needed to maintain quality.

Argus Anniversaries

Christmas Carolers

Argus Eyes

Published monthly for the employees of Argus Cameras, Inc. and their families. Editor- Dor othy Burge REPORTERS: Machine Shop, DOROTHY LIXEY - Paint Shop, WILMA SIMMONS - Camera Assem - bly, RUTH O'HARE - Lens Processing, BETTY SHATTUCK - Maintenance, EMIL JOHNSON - Optical Assembly, Inspection, JEAN FITZGERALD - Engineering, JIM MELDRUM - Standards, SUE WILSON - Production Planning, PATT DUCHARME - Tool Room, BILL FIKE - Shipping, HILDA WHITE - Accounting, BEULAH NEWMAN - Sales, JANE MAULBETSCH - Pur chas ing , DOLORES HELZERMAN - Service, TOM KENTES - Night Shift, GEORGE NAVARRE and LEO WDEDERHOFT. Feature Writers: Robert Lewis, Andy Argus, Art Parker, Jr. Photoprinting: Jan Gala

Argus Cameras, Inc.

ANN ARBOR. MICHIGAN Return Postage Guaranteed Oliva f. Crump 1309 Killer Ana Arbor, Mich

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Roving Reporter How Do Christmas Customs In Your Native Land Differ From Those In America?

IN SUSSEX, EHGIAND, WE SAY, MewUe GlfiiUmai

As a child, coming to America, I was puzzled at the name, Santa Claus. In England, Santa was Father Christmas. On Christin as Day in England, plum

pudding is usually a dinner dessert. The pudding is covered with brandy and set af iré in the kitchen. Then it is carried, flaming, to the dining room table. Objects such as a thimble, ring and button are baked inside the pudding. The girl who gets the thimble in her piece of pudding is supposed to become an oíd maid. A ring means marriage, a button- bachelorhood .

IN BEKLIN, GEKMANY, WE SAY, mlilcke W eilwuiclUeH.

The Christin a s holiday f o r working people in Germany extends f rom noon on December 24 through December 26 . December 24, our Holy Night, is the evening when mother and dad secretly

dress the tree and place the gifts around it. When there are young children in the family, the Weihnachtsmann or Santa Claus is supposed to bring the gifts. On December 8, the children place their shoes before the door of their home and the Weihnachtsmann's helper or Saint Nicholas filis them with candy.

IN SOLOUR, SWITZERIAND, WE SAY, tJieUuje % eiUncudtteti,

Early in December, on the 6th, Saint Nicholas visits the small children in Solour, distributing nuts and candy to them. He carries his long reindeer whip whichhe

cracks noisily as he comes. On Christmas Eve, a young girl is dressed completely in white to represent the Christ Child. She is the one who distributes the gifts on that day. Incidentally, most people in Switzerland can speak four different languages - French, Germán, Italian and English. But in Solour, Germán is the language used most often.

in OTEECHT, holiand, we say, GeiukJ&ia Kesiatleeii

The American customs of giftgiving and Santa Claus arrived with early Dutch colonists from Holland where both customs originated. Santa Claus is a deriva - tion of Saint Nicholas, the Dutch patrón saint of children, seafarers and merchants. Saint Nicholas was a real per son, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia. Super stition has it that on the eve of his birthday, December 5, Saint Nicholas distributed gifts to the children. So

December 5 is still the day of Christmas gift-giving in Holland. Saint Nicholas doesn't arrive in a sleigh, but on a boat, supposedly f rom Spain. Then he rides a white horse, accompanied by his colored knight, Zwarte Piete, who distributes punishment instead of gifts to children who have been bad! au.' 4ri

INLUZON, PHILIPPINES,. WE SAY, tf-elic&b PaáCtUl

The Christmas season extends from December 1 through the 25th in the Philippines. During this time, youngsters go from door to door, singing carols and accompanying themselves with flutes and other wind instruments. Sometimes homemade instruments are used when other s are not available. Money received for caroling is generally used for buying Christmas gifts. During the Christmas season, too, Philippine

people like to get together in groups to sing verses from the Life of Christ or the Passion. A superstition exists among Philippine people that the Christmas season is no time for marriage. Christmas is traditionally a time for sharing- and no newly-married couple wants to share life with friends, relatives!