Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-12-29

each Otner SOCietys OF"
more closely together by dependence
on each other for enjoyment; heart
calleth unto heart, and we draw our
measures from the deep wells OF iiVing
kindness which lie in the quiet recesseS
Of our bosoms; and which, when re-
serted to, furnish forth the pure eie-
ments Of domestic felicity.
The pitchy gloom without makes the
heart dilate on entering the room hilea
with the glow and warmth OF the even
ing fire. The ruddy blaze ditfuses an
artificial summer and sunshine through
the room, and lights up each coun'e-
nance into a kindlier welcome. where
does the honest face Of hospitality ex,
pand into broader and more cordiai
smile-where is the shy glance oil love
more sweetly eloquent-than; oy the
Preside? And as the hollow blast OF
winter rushes through thei ciaps
the distant door, whistles about the
easement, and rumbles down the CHM
new, wba, can be more grateful than
that feeling of sober and sheltered Sc
curity, with which we look ROUND up
on the comfortable chamber, and the
scene Of domestic hilarity!
The English, from the great preva'
lence Of rural habits throughout every
class of society, have always been fond
of those festivals and holydays which
agreeably interrupt the. stiffness Of the
country life; and they were in former
DAYS particularly observant of the tell
pious and social rites of Christmas
Il is inspiring to read even the dry de-
tails which some antiquaries have CIV
en- of the quaint humors, the burlesque
pageants, the complete abandonment
to mirth and good fellowship, with
which this festival was celebrated. 1T
seemed to throw open every door, ana
unlock every heart. 1t brought the
peasant and the peer together, ana
blended all ranks in one warm gene
rous glow OF Joy and kindness. The
old halls of castles and manor hous-
es resounded with the harp and the
Christmas carol, & their ample boards
groaned under the weight Of hospital
~ Even the poorest cottage welcom-
ed the festive season with green deco
rations of bay and holly-the cheerful
fire glanced its rays through the lat
,ice, inviting the passenger 10 raise the
latch, and Join the gossip knot huddled
round the hearth, beguiling the long
evening with legendary jokes, and Oft
told Christmas tales.
One of the least pleasing effects OF
modern refinement is the havoc II has
made among the hearty old holyday
customs 1t has completely taken off
the sharp touchings and spirited re-
liefs of these embellishments Of life,
and has worn down society into a more
smooth and polished, but certainly
less characteristic surface. Many OF
the games and ceremonials Of Christ
mas have entirely disappeared, and,
like the sherris sack of old Falstafi,
are become matters Of speculation and
dispute among commentators. They
flourished in times full of spirit and
lustihood, when men enjoyed life
roughly, bur heartily and vigorous
~: times wild and picturesque, which
have furnished poetry with its rich
est materials and the drama with its
most attractive variety Of characters
and manners. The world has become
more worldly. There is more Of dis
sipation and less Of enjoyment, Plea
sure has expanded into broader, but
a shallower stream, and has forsakcn
many Of those deep, and quiet channels,
where it flowed sweetly through the
calm bosom Of domestic life. Society
has acquired more enlightened and
elegant tone; but it has lost many OF its
strong local peculiarities, its home
bred feelings, its honest freside de-
lights The Evolutionary Gust. ms of
golden hearted antiquity, its feudal hos
FATALITIES, and lordly wassailings, have
passed away with the baronial castles
and stately manor houses in which
they were celebrated. They comport-
ed with the shadowy hall, the great
oaken gallery, and the tapestried par
lor, but are untitled for the light snowy
saloons and gay drawing rooms of the
modern villa.
Shorn, however, as it is, of its an
cient and festive honors, Christmas is
still a period of delightful excitement
in England. 1t is gratifying TO see
that home feeling completely aroused
which holds so powerful place in eve
ry English bosom. The preparations
making on every side Tor the social
board that is again to unite friends and
kindred-the presents of good cheer
passing and repassing, those tokens Of
regard and quickeners of kind feeling
the evergreens distributed about
houses and churches, emblems of peace
and gladness-all these have the most
pleasing effes in producing fond asso-
and kindling benevolent SYM
pathies. Even the sound Of the Waits,
rude as NAV be their minst rrlsv breaks