Daily Davenport Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1864-1874, 1866-12-24

CHaIsrNAs.-On to ofmcrrow morning, the
SAVIOR came int, the word, just 1866 years
ago. The churches the Cath
olic-celebrate this event with imposing
ceremonies. All Christian nations solemn
ize it-as they should-and after the solsm.
mites are over, the balance Of the day and
night ore spent in holiday sports. The Ger
mans being Of more social character than
any nation. adopted the hsbit Of giving pre-
ents on that day. or the evening prsvieus
rather, attributing the arrival Of the pressnts
for their children and friends, 10 the agency
Of St. Nicholas, the national saint Of Fadef-
landt. The German custom took with 9TH
ers and now it is almost universal 70 sur
prise one smother with pretty things on
Christmas morning. St. Nicholas 10 called
Santa Claus BY the little folks and his arsi-
val is anxiously expected this evening.
Christmas is said to have been instituted
. festive season by Pope Telsephorus.
who died A. d., 1873. At first it was NOV
able, and sometimes celebrated In April and
May. In the 4th century, an order was 10.
sued by Pope Julius L., for investigation
concerning the day Of Cnris.s rativity,
which resulted in an agreement upon the
o5th Of December. II has been . tradition
that Christ was born at midnight, and hence
in Roman Catholic countries the custom Of
ushering in Christmas day by three masses
-one at midnight, the second at early dawn,
and the third in the morning. The day wa
considered one Of holy commemoration and
. cheerful festival. In the middle ages il
was celebrated BY mysteries, performed BY
persons in grotesque masks and curious cos.
tunes. In Protestant districts Of Germany
and the north Of Europe. Christmas 10 often
called 1.-The children's festival" and Christ
mas eve had ito christmas tree" loaded
with presents Of various kinds. It is IN old
Swedish tradition that at the Christmas fes.
tival men in tho far North are turned into
~olves, and become very fierce aad destroc-
tive. or the customs Of our own country
We need not speak.
Gen. Geo. p. Morris Of New York. put
this child like anxiety 'for "U!d Nick's"
coming, into verse many years ago. II 10
below:
Twas the night before Christmas. when all thro the
house
Not creature was stirrng, not even a mousel
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
IL hopes that st Nicholas coon woald b there:
The children were nestled all enug in their beds.
While Visions OF tugar plans danced thru their
heads:
And mamma in her kerehief and u ny cap,
Had just settled our brains for long winters nap
wheu out on the lawn there arose such . after.
sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away 10 the window flew like fash.
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The mOoh, ON the breast OF the new fallen enOw.
Gave ustre of mid. day TO objects below;
When. what 10 my wandering eyes should appear.
Bur q miniature sleigh and eight tiny rcin-decr.
With q little old driver so lively and quick,
knew in \ moment II must be 81. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came.
And he whistcd and shouted and illsd them by
''Now. Dasher now. Dancer now. Prancer. now
Vixen
On, Comet. on. Cupid. on Dunder and Bli.en.
To the top OF the por, b, TO the top Of the wall
Now. dash away. dash away, dash away all =
As dry leaves that before the wild hurrican nv.
When they meet with an Obstacle mount to the sky.
So, up to tho hOueetop the conrsers :ey flew,
With sleigh full oftnys-and st. Nicholas too
And then in n twinkling heard on the roof,
the prancias and paving Of each little hoof
Az drew in my head and was turning around.
Down the chimney It. Nicholas came with n bound.
lie wa. dressed all in fur from his head his foot.
And his clothes were all furnished with ashes and
SCOT:
bundle of toys he had nung on his back.
Aud he looked like pedlcr just opening his pack
His eyes how they twinkled. his dim Piles how merry
Ills checks were like his nose like cherry
li- droll little month was drawn up like a how.
And the beard oi, his chin was white o. the
The stump Of pipe he held tight in HE teeth.
And the emoke. II eucivcled he head like wreath.
He had broad face and little round belly
That shook whom he laughed. like bowl full ofjelly
lie Was chubby AID plump-a right jolly old elf
And laughed when saw him 10 spite OF my self
wink OF his eye and twist Of his head,
soon gave me to know had nothing to dread,
He spoke not . word, hut went straight 10 his work
And filled all the stockings; then turned with jerk
Aud laying bis finger aside Of his nose,
And giving nod, up the chimney be rose.
lie epfung to HE sleigh to his team gave whistle
And away they oil flew like the dows Of thistle:
But heard hin sxclaim, he drove out Of sight
"MMnY CnAAfMAe TO AL. ANn TO Ii Goop NIGaI."