Based on my search of Ellen White's writings, here's what she wrote about Christmas: ## Ellen White's Perspective on Christmas Ellen White acknowledged Christmas as a legitimate time to remember Christ's birth, but she expressed concerns about how it was commonly celebrated and offered guidance for proper observance. ### Her Main Concerns About Christmas Celebrations: **Misdirected Focus:** "In celebrating Christmas, fathers, mothers, children, and friends are diverted from the great object to which the custom is attributed. They give their whole attention to the bestowal of gifts upon one another, and their minds are turned away from the contemplation of the Source of all their blessings both spiritual and temporal. In their attention to gifts and honors bestowed upon themselves or their friends, Jesus is unhonored and forgotten" (BEcho December 15, 1892). **Worldly Holiday Patterns:** "The world has many holidays, and men become engrossed with games, with horse races, with gambling, smoking, and drunkenness. They show plainly under what banner they are standing. They make it evident that they do not stand under the banner of the Prince of Life, but that the prince of darkness rules and controls them" (CT 343.2). ### Her Positive Counsel for Christmas Observance: **Gifts Should Go to Jesus:** "Christmas should be a special time for bringing gifts to Jesus—Yesterday was Christmas. Did you do as the Wise Men did by offering your gifts to Jesus? Or has the enemy changed the order of things, and directed the worship to himself? The gifts are now bestowed upon friends instead of Him who has made so great a sacrifice for us. All the gifts should flow in another channel, where they could be used in the salvation of men" (PaM 182.1). **Following the Wise Men's Example:** "The wise men have left us an example of what we should do. Jesus should be the object of our adoration, the recipient of our gifts. It is not man, but our Redeemer, that should be honored. To Him we should offer our praise and gifts and treasures" (BEcho December 15, 1892). **Making It Meaningful for Children:** "When you have a holiday, make it a pleasant and happy day for your children, and make it also a pleasant day for the poor and the afflicted. Do not let the day pass without bringing thanksgiving and thank offerings to Jesus" (CS 297.1). **Redirecting Holiday Spending:** "Not only on birthdays should parents and children remember the mercies of the Lord in a special way, but Christmas and New Year's should also be seasons when every household should remember their Creator and Redeemer. Instead of bestowing gifts and offerings in such abundance on human objects, reverence, honor, and gratitude should be rendered to God, and gifts and offerings should be caused to flow in the divine channel" (CS 296.3). ### Her Practical Suggestions: Ellen White suggested that Christmas money could be redirected to missions: "Every dollar and every dime that we can spare is needed now, to aid in carrying the message of truth to other lands. At the holiday season much is spent by our own people upon gifts and various gratifications which are not only useless but often hurtful... How can we more appropriately celebrate the coming Christmas, how better express our gratitude to God for the gift of His dear Son, than by offerings to send to all the world the tidings of His soon coming?" (PaM 261). Ellen White didn't condemn Christmas observance itself, but rather called for a Christ-centered approach that honored Jesus rather than focusing on material gift-giving and worldly festivities. She encouraged making it a time of gratitude, giving to the needy, and supporting God's work.

Based on my search of Ellen White's writings, here's what she wrote about drums and percussion instruments in worship: ## Ellen White on Drums and Percussion Instruments Ellen White did not specifically address modern drum sets in her writings, but she did discuss percussion instruments in the context of worship music, particularly referencing biblical examples. ### Biblical Percussion Instruments She Mentioned: **Timbrels (Tambourines) and Cymbals:** Ellen White positively referenced biblical percussion instruments used in worship: "David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord ... on harps, and on psalteries, and on timbrels, and on cornets, and on cymbals" (PP 704.5). She also quoted Scripture approvingly: "Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob. Take a psalm, and bring hither the timbrel, the pleasant harp with the psaltery" (8T 12.3). "The music of harp and cornet, trumpet and cymbal, floated heavenward, blended with the melody of many voices" (PP 707.1). ### Her General Position on Musical Instruments: **Supportive of Instrumental Music:** "The use of musical instruments is not at all objectionable. These were used in religious services in ancient times. The worshipers praised God upon the harp and cymbal, and music should have its place in our services. It will add to the interest" (Ev 500.4). "In our camp meeting services there should be singing and instrumental music. Musical instruments were used in religious services in ancient times. The worshipers praised God upon the harp and cymbal, and music should have its place in our services" (6T 62). ### Her Concerns About Musical Excess: **Warning Against "Bedlam of Noise":** However, Ellen White strongly warned against excessive noise and inappropriate use of instruments: "The Holy Spirit never reveals itself in such methods, in such a bedlam of noise. This is an invention of Satan to cover up his ingenious methods for making of none effect the pure, sincere, elevating, ennobling, sanctifying truth for this time. Better never have the worship of God blended with music than to use musical instruments to do the work which last January was represented to me would be brought into our camp meetings. The truth for this time needs nothing of this kind in its work of converting souls. A bedlam of noise shocks the senses and perverts that which if conducted aright might be a blessing" (2SM 36). ### Her Principles for Worship Music: **Music Should Be Appropriate:** "Those who make singing a part of divine worship should select hymns with music appropriate to the occasion, not funeral notes, but cheerful, yet solemn melodies" (ST June 22, 1882). **Skillful Handling Required:** "Let the singing be accompanied with musical instruments skillfully handled. We are not to oppose the use of instrumental music in our work. This part of the service is to be carefully conducted, for it is the praise of God in song" (9T 144.1). ### Application to Modern Drums: While Ellen White didn't specifically address modern drum sets, her writings suggest that percussion instruments can be appropriate in worship when: 1. They are used skillfully and appropriately 2. They contribute to worship rather than creating excessive noise 3. They support rather than dominate the service 4. They maintain the solemn yet cheerful character appropriate for worship Her concern was not with specific instruments but with how they were used - whether they enhanced genuine worship or created a "bedlam of noise" that distracted from the sacred purpose of the service.

Based on my search of Ellen White's writings, here's what she wrote about pants for women: ## Ellen White on Pants for Women Ellen White addressed the topic of pants for women specifically in the context of her "reform dress" advocacy in the 1860s-1870s. Her position was nuanced and focused on health, modesty, and practicality. ### Her Support for Women Wearing Pants (Under Specific Conditions): **As Part of the Reform Dress:** Ellen White actually advocated that women wear pants as part of a reformed style of dress. She wrote: "Whatever may be the length of the dress, females should clothe their limbs as thoroughly as the males. This may be done by wearing lined pants gathered into a band and fastened about the ankle, or made full and tapering at the bottom; and these should come down long enough to meet the shoe" (How to Live, No. 6, p. 64). **For Health and Modesty:** "The limbs should be clothed with pants, always cut after an approved pattern, made tapering to meet the instep of the shoe" (HR May 1, 1872). "We believe it wrong to differ from others, unless it be necessary to differ in order to be right. In bearing the cross of adopting the reform dress, we are led by a sense of duty. And although it may appear objectionable to those who are governed by fashion, we claim that it is the most convenient, the most truly modest, and the most healthful style of dress worn by woman" (HR May 1, 1872). ### What She Opposed - The "American Costume": Ellen White strongly opposed what was called the "American Costume," which was an extreme form of dress reform that made women look like men: "There is still another style of dress which is adopted by a class of so-called dress reformers. They imitate the opposite sex as nearly as possible. They wear the cap, pants, vest, coat, and boots, the last of which is the most sensible part of the costume. Those who adopt and advocate this style of dress carry the so-called dress reform to very objectionable lengths. Confusion will be the result" (1T 459.7). ### Her Recommended Reform Dress: Ellen White's reform dress consisted of: - A dress shortened to about 9-10 inches from the floor - Pants worn underneath for warmth and modesty - The entire outfit suspended from the shoulders rather than the hips - Simple, unadorned styling "The above-described dress we believe to be worthy of the name of the reform short dress... In wide contrast with this modest dress is the so-called American costume, resembling very nearly the dress worn by men. It consists of a vest, pants, and a dress resembling a coat and reaching about halfway from the hip to the knee. This dress I have opposed, from what has been shown me as in harmony with the word of God; while the other I have recommended as modest, comfortable, convenient, and healthful" (1T 465.1). ### Why the Reform Dress Was Eventually Discontinued: Ellen White explained that the reform dress was eventually laid aside because: 1. Many church members opposed it and caused dissension 2. Some who adopted it didn't follow the proper pattern, making it look "grotesque and untidy" 3. Others complained it was a "heavy burden" 4. The controversy was destroying unity in the church "While none were compelled to adopt the reform dress, our people could and should have appreciated its advantages and accepted it as a blessing. The evil results of an opposite course may now be seen" (4T 639.1). ### Her Later Counsel: After discontinuing advocacy for the specific reform dress, Ellen White gave this guidance: "Follow the customs in dress so far as they conform to health principles. Let our sisters dress plainly, as many do, having the dress of good, durable material, appropriate for this age, and let not the dress question fill the mind" (3SM 242.4). ### Summary: Ellen White supported women wearing pants when they were: - Part of a modest, healthful dress style - Worn under an appropriate-length dress - Designed for comfort, health, and modesty - Not imitating men's clothing She opposed pants when they were part of mannish attire that confused gender distinctions. Her primary concerns were health, modesty, and maintaining appropriate gender distinctions while allowing women practical, comfortable clothing.

Based on my search of Ellen White's writings, here's what she wrote about women wearing pants: ## Ellen White on Women Wearing Pants Ellen White addressed the topic of women wearing pants in the context of the 19th-century dress reform movement. Her position was nuanced, distinguishing between different styles and purposes. ### Her Opposition to the "American Costume" **Strong Opposition to Masculine Dress:** "There is still another style of dress which is adopted by a class of so-called dress reformers. They imitate the opposite sex as nearly as possible. They wear the cap, pants, vest, coat, and boots, the last of which is the most sensible part of the costume. Those who adopt and advocate this style of dress carry the so-called dress reform to very objectionable lengths. Confusion will be the result" (1T 459.7). She specifically opposed what was called the "American costume": "This dress I have opposed, from what has been shown me as in harmony with the word of God" (1T 465.1). ### Her Support for Pants Under Dresses (Reform Dress) **Pants as Undergarments for Health:** However, Ellen White actually advocated for women wearing pants - but as undergarments beneath a modest dress for health and warmth: "Whatever may be the length of the dress, females should clothe their limbs as thoroughly as the males. This may be done by wearing lined pants gathered into a band and fastened about the ankle, or made full and tapering at the bottom; and these should come down long enough to meet the shoe" (1T 464.3). **Practical Instructions for the Reform Dress:** "Before putting on the reform dress, our sisters should obtain patterns of the pants and sack worn with it" (1T 521.2). "Be particular to have the pants and dress of the same color and material, or you will appear fantastic" (1T 522.2). ### The Key Distinction Ellen White made a clear distinction between: 1. **Acceptable:** Pants worn as undergarments beneath a modest dress for warmth and health 2. **Unacceptable:** Pants worn as outer garments in imitation of men's clothing ### Her Underlying Principles **Modesty and Appropriateness:** "Our sisters should dress with simplicity. They should clothe themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety" (3SM 242.4). **Following Customs That Conform to Health:** "Follow the customs in dress so far as they conform to health principles. Let our sisters dress plainly, as many do, having the dress of good, durable material, appropriate for this age" (3SM 242.4). **Avoiding Extremes:** "Christians should not take pains to make themselves gazing-stocks by dressing differently from the world. But if, in accordance with their faith and duty in respect to their dressing modestly and healthfully, they find themselves out of fashion, they should not change their dress in order to be like the world" (2SM 476.2). ### Historical Context It's important to note that Ellen White was writing in the 1860s when women wearing pants as outer garments was extremely radical and associated with imitating men. Her counsel was given in the context of the specific dress reform movement of her time, where she advocated for a middle ground between unhealthy fashionable dress and the extreme "American costume." Her fundamental principles were modesty, health, practicality, and appropriateness for the time and culture, rather than rigid rules about specific garments.