Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1856-12-25
From the Southern Light.
CHRISTMAS IN THE oLDEN TIME.

CHRISTMAS IN THE OLDEN TIME.
A CHAPTER OF FRAGMENTS.
In the olden time, that was, when.I was
happy glecsome child when the freshness
and elasticity of early youth bathcd my
heart and hopeful Imagination in haloes in
spired and beautiful; when the soft and ra-
diant tintings of the rose gave colouring
to every glance into the perspective, and
cast dreamy shadows on the heeting sorrows
of the past.
The Christmas festivals of my childhood,
Oh ! how doubly dear, as I remember them
now. Those palm m-crowDed oases so luxuri-
ant in fruits and flowers, where the waters
gush free and sparkling beneath the grateful
shadows of some moSs-covered rock in this
weary land. Chritimas eve-and we little
ones, after long lingering look in the teem-
ing pantry, have bounded like so many wild
things over the broad pasture grounds and
steep activities to the old mill pond, enha.
ling the bracing, frosty atmosphere, and an
ticipating the delights of tomorrow, until
the Sun had descended in his golden car into
the unfathomable depths of darkness, and
the stars came out, one by one, and claimed
their places around the throne of the queen
of night Eighteen hundred years ago and
still brighter star than these appeared above
the plains of Bethlehem and with far
greater awe and reverence than even We lit
tic ones felt, as we gazed above, did the
wondering shepherd behold the glorious phe-
nomenon-the herald which proclaimed the
nativity of the Prince-Emauuel. We had
been told this beautiful story from our era
dies, and as the remembrance came with the
hallowed anniversary, it caused the warm
blood to glow with an increased acceleration
about our young hearts. Christmas morn
ing! Time honored festival! Thou glorious
Mecca of Christians hopes-how delight
full the memory of thee as connected with
my girlhood days. The great dawn has pro-
claimed thy arrival from the blushing east,
and little feet patter over the chilled rooms
in search of the well-6lled stockings. What
exclamations of surprise and delight comes
from each little chattering mouth as the re-
cipients of "old Krip's" bounty dart back
to the snug nests they had left but for mo-
mont, and then we children debate the ques-
ton whether or no, it could have been the
elf himself or the good mama, who made
such efforts to bring happiness to the little
ones at all times, and particularly at the
epoch from which We date all our heeting
joys and sorrows. BY the time that this in
tercsting matter is discussed a platoon is fred
from sundry old muskets, rifles and crackers
under the windows, followed by the "Merry
Christmas Massa Merry Christmas Misses" !"
of the maids and the refrain, "Christmas
gift, Massa and Misse, ah I done cotch you
fus," of the old namas. Well do I remem-
Der the never failing salutation of one old
African from time immemorial, "Melly Clis-
mas Massa-Melly Clismas Misses-Melly
Clismas young Massa and Misses, happy new
year-hope you ebry one lib to see ten tou-
san more"
Hiliarity was the order of the day and
frolic and glce unchecked and uurestrained
by fashion or other restraint, caused the
hours to fly at telegraph speed-the dinner
in all its luxuriant bounty and richness is
through with. The fruit and nuts are eaten
and made merry over; pleasant walks are
taken and cousins, brothers and sisters gath
er around the bright cracking fire to play
hunt the slipper, sell the thimble and similar
pastimes.
As the twilight deepens, and candles are
being brought in, we remember that mama
and the elder sisters have been mysteriously
absent, for several hours. Before the mys-
terry is solved by US, however, a door is open
ed and long table, beautifully decorated
with every variety Of cake, fruit and confec-
tionary, is presented to our view, whilst in
the centre, in huge white tub, fourishes a
most singularly fruited tree, lighted with
scores of wax tapers and laden with such
treasures of toys, dolls, dogs and horses, birds
! nfs tha .;ra and hnasfa nf the fnrasf-ir, min.