LIBANIUS

The impulse to spend seizes everyone. He who, the whole year through has taken pleasure is saving and piling up his money suddenly becomes extravagant. A stream of presents pours itself out on all sides.

The festival of Kalends [the new year] is celebrated everywhere as far as the limits of the Roman Empire extended….Everywhere may be seen carousels and well-laden tables. Luxurious abundance is found in the houses of the rich. But also in the houses of the poor better food than usual is put upon the table. The impulse to spend seizes everyone …. People are not only generous towards themselves but also towards their fellow men. A stream of presents pours itself out on all sides…. The Kalends festival banishes all that is connected with toil and allows men to give themselves up to undisturbed enjoyment.

The impulse to spend seizes everyone. He who, the whole year through has taken pleasure is saving and piling up his money suddenly becomes extravagant. A stream of presents pours itself out on all sides.

The festival of Kalends [the new year] is celebrated everywhere as far as the limits of the Roman Empire extended….Everywhere may be seen carousels and well-laden tables. Luxurious abundance is found in the houses of the rich. But also in the houses of the poor better food than usual is put upon the table. The impulse to spend seizes everyone …. People are not only generous towards themselves but also towards their fellow men. A stream of presents pours itself out on all sides…. The Kalends festival banishes all that is connected with toil and allows men to give themselves up to undisturbed enjoyment.