INVITATION TO SHINE'S CHRISTMAS PARTY

Invitation to Shine Smith's Christmas Party

It snowed the night before Shine Smith's Christmas Party for the Navajos was held at Shonto Trading Post, north of Tuba City, last year. The little girl in the accompanying photograph was one of 1500 Navajos who attended the party. She got up before the sun rose because she had to ride seven miles on her burro to be there in time for the beginning of the ceremonies. She was very excited. For weeks all of her friends had been talking about the party. "Crismus" meant food and gifts. That good friend of the Navajos, Shine Smith, had promised the best party ever. He had been holding these Christmas parties for many years. The response of the readers of ARIZONA HIGHWAYS had brought tons of clothing and food for the party last year, assuring one of the best parties of all. Even when the sun rose it was cold and no matter how hard she urged, the burro would go no faster. At last, however, she arrived at Shonto. Great cauldrons of stew were being cooked by Trader Rueben Heflin and his Navajo helpers and the smell of the stew was wonderful. It was exciting to see so many of her people there for they came from all over. After the morning religious program stew was served. No matter how much everyone ate there was plenty left. Then finally the little girl got in the line for the gifts. She received fruit, candy, two pair of stout shoes, stockings, a sweater and a coat. Later in the winter when it got so very cold, she was warm with her clothing. When she started for home late in the afternoon of Shine's party her burro was loaded down. It had been a wonderful "Crismus," even better than she had expected. For 30 years. Shine Smith has been doing good things for the Navajos. He came to the reservation as a missionary of the Presbyterian Church. His real name is the Rev. Hugh D. Smith, but to the Navajos he's just "Shine." Many years ago he began his Christmas parties. He'd call on friends in Northern Arizona towns and beg gifts of food and clothing to give his Navajo friends. His party became an annual event on the reservation. Last year ARIZONA HIGHWAYS suggested that readers send gifts of used clothing, canned goods, fruit. The response was overwhelming. Because it was so successful we are proud and pleased to help Shine with this year's party by again inviting our readers to take part. If you have any old clothes wrap them up and send them to Shine Smith, Flagstaff, Arizona. They will be distributed to needy Navajos this Christmas Season. Canned goods, food that will not spoil in shipping, fruit, especially oranges, are desperately needed. Checks or money orders, representing small monetary contributions, should be made out to Shine Smith. Anything that is sent will be put to good use. The address is Shine Smith, Flagstaff, Arizona. . . . R.C.