Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1868-12-24
CHRISTMAS DAY.

marked that in England the traditional
methods Of keeping Christmas were fast
dying ont ; the carols, the mummsrs.
and the misrule equally giving way.
Since that was written, however, there
has been q marked disposition to restore
some Of the old ob~ssrvances, and there
is a general tendency to continue such
of its venerable and tims-honored Gus
toms as contribute to merry and happy
greetings. Even in New England the
hostility Of the old Puritaus is passing
away, and in the Middle and Southern
States Christmas 10 becoming more and
more each year a time for family re-
unions, presents, and all sorts of genial
and sffsctlonats gatherings, good cheer,
and good will. Devotion, rest from the
cares Of business, and merrimsnt used
to be considered as the three eonstitu-
ents Of this festival. Since the middle
of the second century special religious
services have been held in commsmora-
ton of the birth Of Him from whom the
whole family in heaven and earth is
named. Nor 10 there any doubt that the
Christmas carols, sung and followed
with 90 much interest through long
ages before the invention Of printing,
kept alive in the hearts Of the humble
elassesa knowledge and love Of relig-
ious truth and history, we now ind it
hard to realize.
1t Is, however, 81 \ Ieazon OF holiday
and Incorporating that Christmas has
for centuries been the great popular fes-
tival. The yuls-log is now in q meas
uro superseded by less postiesl meth
DDS Of heating. The " Lord Of Misruls,"
or "Abbot Of U%nrsason," whose Office
it was to make the rarsst pastimss to
delight the beholder," and whose do
minion lasted from All-hallow-evs till
Candlemas day, has also been super
seeded, but no family is the worse, but
the better, for a wise and temperate
season Of merry-naking on Christmas
Eve; and the Christmas tree will -four
ish for the young folks, it may be
hoped, long after we have passed away.
The evsrgrssns with which churches
and oven private houses have been en-.
b%sllished at this season, are, in fact, o
part Of the rich inheritance Of religion
and rejoicing belonging to ages and
customs older far than Christianity, and
to which it succeeded. The holly, ivy,
rosemary, laurel and mistlsto, "not re-
moved till Candlemas," were really de-
rived from ancient Druid practices. II
was, in fact, an old belief, that sylvan
spirits might flock to the svergrssns,
and remain, uunippsd BY frost,
till q milder season. This typi6ss
the fact that the froSts Of age
will touch moro lightly all those who
enjoy the season by making others
happy. To remember the poor at this
season Of the year and bring gladusss
to the hearts Of the afflicted, by season
able presents, has ever been M Of
those teachings of Christianity which
has made this festival so conspicuous in
the thoughts and enjoynsnts Of the
good Of all ages. It is a happiness in
which tina yonng cannot too early Ls
taught to share. Nothing will insure
them 80 much true pleasure a. 70 lay
apart q portion Of their probationary
to provide, BY thoughtful acts Of kind
ness, some grateful, cheerful token for
some Of those friends, too little eonsid-
cred, perhaps, BY most Of the world.
By dsvoting our time, thought, taste
and money to make others happy 10
without doubt the surest way Of bscsm-
ing happy ourselves. Goodness is ii,
own reward |; and to lift the veil Of win
ter from tho heart Of some ~unthought OF
family 10 one Of the most beautiful parts
of religion, and the sureSt method of Sc
curing a merry Christmas, and in due
time a happy new year.