It was Christmas time, and the busy, cheerful crowds of people were thronging the streets, bent on last-minute shopping. They were hurried, but even so there were few who failed to see the little newsboy on the corner, and many turned away with dimmed eyes and softened hearts.

Yes, they were used to seeing him there, leaning on his crutches, dispensing papers, change, and smiles. But this -- well, it made a lump in the throat. For there he stood, cheerful as always, leaning on his crutches which he had decorated with evergreen and tied with red bows.

"Sure, it's tough to be crippled," he said to a questioner, "but I want to get all the joy out of Christmas that I can, and the evergreens seem to make the season happier. Merry Christmas, sir."

This young man had a real handicap, but he had come a long way in overcoming it, for he had learned that a cheerful outlook on life is a big help in conquering difficulties. He could have been cross and scowling. He could have been gloomy and sad. He certainly had plenty of excuse for it. But what would he have gained? Not a thing. In fact, he would have lost. Besides the extra wear and tear on himself, he would have received not a bit of sympathy. He would have lost customers because of his frowning face and sour disposition. As it was, his continual cheerfulness attracted people to him, both in sympathy and in appreciation for the courage he was showing in spite of difficulties.

If the day is dark, why make it darker with a gloomy face? If the rain is falling, why add more moisture with your tears? If the rest of the family is gloomy and ill-tempered, why lose your personality in such a crowd? Stand out -- be cheerful -- be different. The unfailing medicine of a cheerful spirit will soon effect a cure for the grumpiest member of the family. Besides, just remember that it is really easier to smile than to frown. Frowning takes sixty-four muscles, and smiling only thirteen!