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Morning View Kentucky

26 December 1957
Hello Mr. McCarthy,
Thought you might enjoy the enclosed picture.
I heard something about Ireland several days ago that I had
never heard before. I listen to a great deal of short-wave radio
during the day. On either the armed Forces radio or the Voice of
america, I have forgooten which, I found an interesting program
detailing the origin of many of our Christmas customs -- such as
the tree from Germany.
They said the putting of a light in the window Was brought here F
by immigrants from little Irish villages. Apparently it had
long been the custom there for the village priest to visit each
home and pray with the family during the Christmas season.
Candles were set in the windows to guide him through the darkness
of the winter nights.
When these Irish came to this country, they continued to place

- candles in their windows, endeavoring to keep Christmas as it
was done in their home land, and the custom quickly spread.
Though we are constantly being told the background of our holiday
habits, this particular one was completely new to me.
Quite a few of your listeners send me Christmas cards, Mr. McCarthy.
Would you please thank them for me? It Was very kind and
thoughtful of them, and I wish them all the best of new years.
Sincerely,
a. i
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