The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1857-12-23
A BRIEF CHAT ABOUT CHRISTMAS.
BY HENRY c. WATSON

We will speak of Christmas we have known it-of
sports in which have been actor and which, though
lacking that intense and general harity which charac
terized the ancient Christmas genial and
hearty than the present season will OFFER search where
we win.
We were invited by schoomate I, spend the holidays
with him AT the house of his father which situated in
Of the most beautiful portions Of Kent II old
house. quaint and irregular proportions and
full Of ghcsty galleries and mysterously unexpected
was Just such place q city youth would feel
uncomfortable in where he would walk at the twilight
with repidaton, and look with increased pulsa
ton, furtively his shoulder 20 from whence
proceeded those footsteps which seemed 10 follow
country house would have made cheerful the drea.
rest hovel in the land. The OLD people and the
young men and maidens seemed bound together by
bond OF love which showed itself in thousand gentle
ways-n kindness, charity and genuine courtesy
wards each other, which the air or heart refine
that education alone could never give Simple in
their but Thorough in their breedng-for the
gentle blood Of many generations showed itself in the
nobiest ype,he stranger felt the welcome offered not
merely OF lip utcrance but OF heart sincerity Religion
with them was not more conviction than inheritance,
for they worshpped where their forefathers had
shipped before thcm and the old church spre seemed
ever 10 point 10 them the way 10 God BY their neigh
bors they loved, by the poor they blessed.
As the world goes they were ole fashioned they delight
ed Dot in gorgeous furniture they followed the vain
caprces Of fashion, they thronged not their house with
saucy menias; they pinned not after rous and balls and
late hours but content with their old oak carved
furniture, though The chair backs straight, and
tapestried walls; their dress rich but chss,e;
their servants were almost old friends; they
III
reJoiccd TO welcome neighbour loved old music, espe
ciay Handel. danced once year at the county ball,
went 10 bed early. owing nothing but good Will 70 any v
ing creature the earth and owing 10 Heaven the
evening morning prayer of hansfuness for o~cehts re-
ceived and mercies shown.
Among such PEOPLE il my happiness TO pass one
Christmas time. Old fashioned as we have described
them, they were the cheerfu,cst beings we have
known. Their cheerfuness sprung from goodness and
content and the ring Of their laughter was musical In
jcyounes Old aud young shared the sports equally for
little pleasure would the children have found i the pa
did parcTate H. And love made the old people
young again, dwelling that distinction which age creates
without destroying that reverence and affection which u
should ever excite.
The weather was bright, clear and bracing; the
thick upon the ground but II was dazzling white,
bard and crisp, and lie clear musical crunchng beneath
feet provocative 10 walking and seemed 70 give
n spriugy ightness 10 tread. AZ the tardy
morn Of the day before Christmas afforded sufficient light
having made hearty break last, large party Of us
started tor the woods gather the holly and the sacred
nisietoe. such whooping and laughing never re-
sounded through the old trees before, and merrier
party never climbed the gnarlcd trees or rolled in
The virgin with keener zest than the party
there assembled. We all too active TO feel the
cold: sang while worked, and when had gather
ed enough Of the green stores We marched homewsrd
with trophies, 70 decorate the old hall with the plea
SAINT symbols Of Christmas This afforded us employ
for thbest Of the day The fair daughters Of our host
and their young friends assisted and the truth must
be told the unaffected charms and the sweet companion
ship Of beautiful assistants made US nger over the
work which became 10 some OF us at least labor OF
love. When the evening came we were hurried from
substantial tea BY loud hurrahs and proceeding in
body 10 learn the cause found the heghbors and te
nanfry tagging away at enormous boc OF tree and
involuntariiy cried
The conclusion Of this article describing the different
games and ceremonies attending English Christmas
Will be found in FRANK lESIIE'S GREAT FAMILY Nr
Illustrated PAPER, No. los ready this morning at all
depots This l. tho hantsomest and most entertain
slsies Don't fai 70 get at once before they are all
sold.