New-York daily tribune., 1863-12-26
CHRISTMAS DAY.
Its Observance in thc City.

Our holidays are comparatively few, and,
at this Of the year far between but when ihey
come they are welcome ss angels visits The war In
which are engaged will make vast changes In the
structure Of society not only. bat civ" ne memorable
day, which will be famous In the future and celebrated
by coming generations Great deeds sure 10 lie !o!
lowed by brilliant record and great epoohs never fall
TO BE- honored y those who's. interests arc promoted by
them II we lad holiday for every hero there would
be no time for work for the year would be perpetual
festival Christmas differs from other days devoted 70
leisure or pleasure 10 its Observance being partly reli'
g,oas and il Is generally houored i'll al Christian
countries.
IT, every househoi tho little sks seek in their siooi
ines the gifts from Sarta Claus. The vfh OF the
benevolent myth. who wears snow.whi,o locks ros,
cheek. and rubicund no,e and who rdes fur clad In
tiny sleigh loaded with toys drawn b. team Of rein.
deer Is an event IN the life Of q child.
Yesterday Christmas passed "a pleasantly In the city.
Tie weather was delightful. II wes cold enough 20
constantly remind IA there II North. and yet he skies
were bright ~ though tie suu wished U. all o moIry
Chisimas In the forenoon many u the churches were
filed with worshipers and In The evening tho several
places Of ausement packed with pleasure
From morning until night tie cara were crowded
with visitors passing 10 and fro. The skating ponds
were thrcnged with those who love 10 chase the feet
ing hours "on ice" and on every hand signs of
Joyous rnerrment" Institutions devoted TO charity
we're nsde gay and happy by the generous donations
Of those who gave Of their abundance TO the poor.
Our noble army was not forgotten II was remem.
bered in the churches and a the fresde AID days and
days before thousands Of packages had been scaled and
forwarded to tie various military departments 90 ~ 70
reach tie brave boyS IN camp aud on the field Christ
NOS Day. n al the men IN the lard those Who risk
their personal safety In the ent national struggle de
serve our best gifts. wsrnost welcomes asd tho
crown Of laurel miseltoe and holly"
The police suhorties had bat Little work 10 DO ysster
dsy Tho element Of "sober sadness mingled with
their mr,h controlled 10 great extent the appe,es
and passions Of the masses that intemprance tie
parent Of many Woes" w~ not 40 prevalent az for
mery; hence tie triumph Of law and order.
CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS.
No other holiday In the calendar is looked forward
10 with groGter RnticpatioDs Of dclP, BY the ctys
children the Rondalls 1sl0nd boys, than Christmas
and for weeks before It's advent they indulge In un.
limitab!e calculations concerning the number and value
Of the gifts thcy will receive a the hands Of their gunr
dans, the Commissioners Of Charlie and CoirectioDs
The arrival Of tho hour which bcens the opening of
tho ausrcious day finds many Of them lying awake In
bed convcrsng with each other about their Christmas
ceremonies sndlong before the rising OF the Doary
all the boys are up and dressed in their holiday suits.
During the morning the boys assembled in tho chapel
and engeged IN singing defamation. dialogues and
other pleasing exercises at the close Of which thcy
were addressed by Commissioners Bell and Nicholson
who commended them for the progress they had made
In their studies during tho past year. and advised them
10 persevere and be digcnt so that upon leaving the
institution which had long been their home they
might 20 forth 10 the world possessed Of good ednca
,on with which they would surely find honorable on.
ploymont.
The youngsters then treated 10 Christmas din
ner. In which turkeys. chickens. pics puddincs. and
other goodies predomjnsted After dinner came the
illuminated Christmas tree laden with fruit
such Is only borne by Christmas trees consistng Of
books handkcrchiefs scarf and other useful articles
and toys Of every variety for the little ones During
the latter part Of the day oil restraint was removed and
one aud oil were allowed several houJS for play. The