Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1878-12-27
CHRISTMAS EVE.
HOW II WAS OBSERVED.

The night before Christmas is en-
phatically the children's festival of
the year. The venerated st. Nicholas
has glorifed the occasion by his mys-
ferrous but generous distribution of
the delights of child life, and the anti
cipation of his Christmas eve visit
quickens the beatings of thousands of
little hearts with the hopes and wishes
for untold joys which it is his province
to disburse. The little stocking by
The iireside and the Christmas tree in
the social circle are suggested by the
crowded sidewalks and stores on
wintry day like Tuesday, and the
namber of people who hurried past
with mysteri, us boxes and bundles of
all sorts and sizes. 1t is beyond
doubt that more gifts were distributed
in Island Pond than ever before for
the comfort and Christmas cheer of
tue little ones, so that the bright eyes
and expectant hearts had their faith
in 'Merry Christina" and its patron
saint strengthened and confirmed.
The different societies here held their
gatherings in their respective churches,
the principal of which we give below.
CONGREGATIONAL.
The Christmas gathering at the Con-
gregational Church on tuesday even
ing was very pleasant affair. The
children's recItations were in good
taste, well selected, and prettily deli
vered. The singing was fine, and the
"Christian's tree" was modestly aud
faithfully rendered, The presents
were distributed amidst the utmost
good feeling, and all went away feel
ing that they had enjoyed nice little
time. and witnessed as much happl-
ness in the little folks as Christmas
ever brought into our midst.
M. E. SOCIETY.
A large number gathered at an early
hour in Association Hall, where the
NJ. L. Society had two Christmas
trees, which were tastefully decorated
with great variety of presents, both
useful and ornamental, while upon
the sofa and platform a large number
Of packages and bundles were piled, /
and on table near by were to be |
seen some lovely specimens Of the
gold and silversmith's art, from the |
gold watch and chain, down TO the |
silvei napkin ring. Some idea ofthe
number Of presents may be gained
from the fact that more than one hour
was required by Messrs, S. D. Hobson
and E. e. Robinson with seven assis-
tants, in which to distribute them.
In the body Of the hall there were
no vacant seats, while others sought
the gallery and others went away.
Taken altogether it was very enjoy
able Christmas eve.
CHRIST CHURCH.
Was handsomely decorated with
Christmas evergreens, and short
service was held at pm, inter-
spersed with the singing of Christmas
carols by the children. After which,
accompanied by their rector, they
formed in procession ard marched to
the Guild Hall of the church where
the festivities were con inued. The
presents from two trees heavy laden
with gifts, the most of which were Of
a useful nature were then handed,
around. The editor of the liERALD
would here acknowledge his thanks for
the valuable present received by him
from an unknown friend. 1t is highly
priced. The enjoyment Of the occa-
sion by the children was certainly
enough to far more repay than those
who had the celebration in charge
for ali their trouble.