Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1854-01-06
THE CHRISTIANS PRESENT.

AhE ONhAo \ LAD nE0E I'm Il.
"Merry ChrIstmps!" ga merry Christ
mas, Fatherl "merry Christmas, Moth
eel" ""merry Christmas Katel" "No, /
caught you first; merry Christmas Henry,
Edward, allofyou!" These were the
pleasant sounds that passed from lip TO
lp-thc echo Of glad hearts, in the fami-
ly Of Mr.. r, on bright morning Of
that day which celebrates the anniver-
sary of our glorious Saviour's birth.
"a happy Christmas to you all; that Is
better than a merry one" said Edward, as
he took his seat at the breakfast table.
His young face was beamng with Joy +,
such us he had never felt before.
edward Is right" said the mother,
casting look Of pleasure upon her cid.
est "it Is better to be happy than merry;
and may we long be as happy as we are
to dayl" Her face, like Edwards,
seemed to say that a new source Of Joy
had lately been opened TO her.
AS soon as breakfast was dispatched
(and all were too happy and expectant
to eat much,) they proceeded TO the front
parlor to examine the Christmas tree.
Great pains were always taken by these
kind parents to make II beautiful, and
many elegant and tasteful presents were
hung upon the green branches, the name
cfthose Tor whom they were intended
being attached, and those articles which
were too heavy TO be suspended, were
arranged at the base, while the toys and
candies, the oranges, raisins, and figs,
which seemed to grow IN such luxuriant
clusters on that wonderful tree, caused
the little ones TO dance aud shout for
joy. Here's Just the wagon that wan
ted, and it's filled with cakes too; and oh,
here's dog Ior me, here him barkl"
"Oh what beautiful doll with my
name on IT," said Maria, ''and see, she
can cry aud laugh too. I've been wish
ing SO much Tor one OF these oh, isn't
she beauty! aud what darling little
bedstend for her to sleep on."
"What is this with my name on"
cried Kate, "oh the most elegant writing
case ever saw; just the thing | wanted
most!"
"But look at my beautifcl work-box."
said Fannie, "it's handsomer than Mary
'rhorp's, and how used to covet hers!
can hardly believe that It is really
mine!"
"Deur Father, I thank you for these
valuable books" said Edward, "tbey,
will prove fie addition to my little
library; and 20 ar mother, the slippers
you have worked for me, shall always
keep to remember this day by" As he
drew near to kiss his mother, tear glis-
tened on his dark eye.lash; but his
brother and sisters following his exam
pie, crowded round to kiss father and
mother for their presents, and a scene
OF gayety and confusion ensued; but
Edwards peculiar emotion had not cs-
capcd his fathers eye. Soon the par.
cuts retired 10 the library for the mother
was anxious 10 communicate, tldlngs
which She knew would cause the fathers
heart 70 glow with gratitude, ae her own
had done for the last hour, for just be-
fore she loft her dtessing.room, Edward
had knocked for admittatee there, and
had told her glad secret, which We will
tell TO you, reader, by aud by.
Mlrth aud feasting were the order OF
tho day In Mr., T---'s household on
that most happy Christmas. The ser.
wants, cheered by appropriate presents,
and the kind wishes OF their mistress,
moved cheerfuly about their work. and
the children, occupying themselves nj.
ternately with cakes, ca ndles, and or.
anges, were enjoying ehlldhood's priv.
llege OF repletlon, Aunts, unelea, and
cousins came TO dine with them, and that
wondrous Christmas tree was found 10
contain something for each one OF the
Juveniles. What pleasure they took In
comparing presents, each one maintain.
ing that his or hers was the pretiiest of
all. Dul as this was done with perfect
good temper, Il only Increased their on
ioyment,
From the wayln which the eonCec'
tlons continued lodlsappear, one would
suppose they would have had but III.
tle appetite for dinner, But when
they assembled around the table. the
roast turkey. brown rs chestnut, and
the steaming oysters, had no reason 10
complain OF being slighted; nor did the
children fail to pay their respects TO
the tarts and custards, jellies and ices.
which followed. Somany good things
might have hurt them, had there not
been SO much lively conversation, and
omuch hcallhlul laughter between the
intervals OF eating.
When the shadows of evening be-
gan to deepen, the children escaped
from the parlors, and the grown up
people, to the long dining room, and
by The lire light epgaged in II fine
game of blind mans buif. AS their
glad shouts penetrated even 10 the
parlors, "our children are certainly
enjoying their Christmas" was re-
marked, and one aud another Of the
parents went out to watch their inno-
cent play.
"oh what happy, happy day this
has beenl" exclaimed the children, rs
they returned TO the parlor fire, after
bidding their cousins good night"
IL am sorry that Christmas is over"
"Well we have something to think
about,at any rate, +" said one, land then
you know our presents have not gone
with the dayp'
"No, We can keep them to remember
Christmas by. and | mean To keep
mine until next Christmas comes"
"Imean lokeep mine aslong us | liye"
Mother. why do we have Christ
mas?" asked little Harry.
81 was just going TO ask you Il you
knew why we celebrate IL" said the
mother.
III used TO know" said Maria" but
| have forgotten.
"Why did giyeyoua party month
ago, Maria"
"Because il was my birth day. mother.