The Christ Doll & All

Religious groups throughout the U.S. report some success with their continued campaign to "put Christ back into Christmas." Manufacturers are only too glad to help, but the results can be odd. Some of the items offered for sale:

P: Christ child doll--an unbreakable, washable, 9-in. model of the Christ child, packaged in a straw and satin crib with a picture of the Bethlehem manger and appropriate Biblical texts in either King James or Douay versions. Price: $8.00. A "de luxe model with beautiful cathedral background" costs $12.00. The Christ child doll has not been a conspicuous success, despite approval by both Protestant and Catholic authorities. A comparison shopper for Macy's in Kansas City reported excitedly that "the Jones Store has marked Jesus Christ down 50%!" Explained Macy's K.C. manager ruefully: "I guess mothers just feel their children shouldn't be dragging the Lord across the floor."

P: "Chrismah" (contraction of Christmas and Chanukkah)--a watch-charm ornament combining the cross and the Star of David ("Symbolizes Unity of World's Religion"), advertised as "worn and cherished by people of all faiths . . . royalty, leading government officials, prominent businessmen, also movie, stage and TV stars." Price: $1.00.

P: Patron Saint of TV--a lamp combined with a ceramic statue of St. Clare of Assisi. declared patroness of television last year by Pope Pius XII--"a welcome source of inspiration . . . just right for the top of your TV set." Price: $9.50.

P: Medal for Admen--bearing a bas-relief of St. Bernardino, and advertised in The New Yorker. "A new patron saint has been appointed! Henceforth St. Bernardino* of Siena will keep a special eye on advertisers, publicists and public relations experts . . . For anyone engaged in these professions, it's a perfect gift." Price: $35.

P: Biblical Playing Cards--"bring romance and color of the Bible to the card pack. Old Testament personalities substitute for Kings. Queens. Jacks." Price: $2.69.

Readers of some Roman Catholic magazines were encouraged to buy a "Little Nun" or a "Little Priest" in 40-or 45-in. sizes, each $8.95. "Watch," says the ad, "how [children] will assume the quiet dignity of those who have dedicated their lives to the Church." But Christianity's smash commercial success is a song, composed by Disk Jockey George Donald McGraw. 30, of Salem, Va., who got tired of hearing "songs about funny animals, Santa Claus and filter cigarettes" at Christmastime and decided that "everybody was kind of starved for something real sincere." The something Deejay McGraw provided and had sung in unretouched hillbilly by the eight-year-old daughter of a friend is selling platters from Albany to Atlanta. Excerpts:

Happy Birthday, Jesus,

Mamma said that you was near,

And that you had a birthday

This time every year . . .

She splained how bad they hurt you

Those awful naughty men

But that you let them do it

For girls like me what sin.

*St. Bernardino (1380-1444), famed for his dynamic oratory, used the hard sell to inspire a more fervent faith in his listeners. St. Clare (1193-1253), lying ill in her convent on Christmas Eve, is said to have seen and heard a midnight Mass being celebrated two miles away.

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