The Hawaiian gazette., 1869-12-29

On CHRISTMAS EVE, as is customary
Honolulu was almost turned into for.
est of Christmas trees. The question
Where do all the toys go to?-was triumph
antly answered on Christmas morning the
children. They got theml Every little boy
was loaded down with drums. trumpets
and whistles, and the only reason why they
didn't blow and beat all of them at once
was, because there wasn't hands and mouths
enough to "go round" The little darlings
did their best, however, as there was at
least one drum and one trumpet or whistle
sounding its loudest or shrillest, to each
boy. AS we saw the little girls, no less
happy than the boys, fondling their dolls, or
arranging their tea-sets, half msddened by
the deafening din the boys were making, we
irreverently wished they were all girls. We
don't, now.
At twelve O'Clock, midnight, salute was
fired from the Battery on Punch Bowl, at
which time High Mass was celebrated at the
Catholic Church, Rev. Father Modesto, as
sisted by the clergy, officiating. The church
was splendidly decorated and illuminated
Owing to the large attendance, the great
number of lights burning, and the necessity
of closing all the windows on account of the
strong wind, the church was somewhat I'M
comfortably warm. The ceremonies were
very impressive, the Choir, under the super
vision of the Rev. Father Hermann, adding,
BY their fine music, greatly to the impressive
ness of the occasion.
Services were also held at the Reformed
Catholic Church, the Very Rev. Dean Harris
officiating.
At 10 A. NJ, on Christmas, services were
again held at the Catholic Church. Besides
great number of native and foreign citizens,
the services were attended by many officers
and large number of seamen from Il. /. Z.
A. MS Frigate Donau. The band of that
ship assisted the Choir, rendering some of
the finest music it has ever been the privilege
of the citizens of Honolulu to listen to.
At Kawaiahao Church, on Christmas
morning, the Rev. Mr. Parker delivered
an eloquent sermon, in Hawaiian, to a large
number of natives and foreigners. The
Choir of this church, under the leadership
of the Hon. Mrs. Dominis, fully sustained
the reputation they have earned, of being
one of the best trained, and composed of some
of the best vocalists of any choir in town.
After services in the church, the children
repaired to the tables in the basement of the
church, where bountiful repast was served
up to them, and which they enjoyed as only
children can enjoy such things. The oeca-
sion was enlivened by the fine music of the
band of the Donau. We do not know the
smount of the receipts on the OCCASIONAL
small fee having been charged to all who
partook of the feast-but, judging from the
large number present, would presume it to
have been considerable.
Services were also held at the Reformed
Catholich Church on Christmas morning, at
8 and IL o'clock, at the latter of which, the
Bishop of Honolulu oficiated.
After the services In the several churches
in the morning, there were many social
gatherings; but we venture to say that there
were none where more thorough enjoyment
could be seen than at the AaaainG given by
His Majesty to His tenants, at the salt ponds
on "Fisherman's Point" A large canvas
lanai, capable of accommodating several
hundreds, had been erected for the purpose
at Aqua, and generous provision made that
the feast should be ample. Anyone, to have
visited the place in the afternoon, would
have seen some hundreds enjoying them
selves to the utmost, in the most quiet and
orderly manner. His Majesty passed the day
at Waikiki, where His household had the
honor of being entertained BY him.
The Catholic church was again illuminated
on Saturday evening.