The Rugbeian. (Rugby, Morgan Co., Tenn.) 1881-1882, 1881-01-01
Tho First Christmas in Ruq6y.

oHduoWH1S lCSuVC SCdSOu was HCIdluCQ Dy Cne.
arrival of seasonabe cards by loving hearts in Old
England to the spirited sons and daughters who have,
for the first time in their lives absented themselves
from the loving company and gatherings of English
Christmas homes to (happy for them) take up their
abode in this enchanting spot of the New World
Christmas pudding fever found its way to each
household, and our American residents, although
mpervous to such ravages in the past, fell victims
to the Guaranty malady. Anglo American exertons
were put forth at the 'Tabard," and in private
dwellings, to decorate walls in true English STYLE
Nature was bountfu in rich supply Of full red berried
rich green-leafed holly; but, alas! the mistletoe
was hunted for by both sexes in vain. 1t was sug-
gested that few dozen roots of this the only tree
that gives Ito the young especially generous and
pleasing annual license, should be imported from
England Doubtless some friends in the Old Coun-
try will come to the rescue, by forwarding to care of
the editor few roots of beloved tree, the plant
ing of which we assure them will be performed with
due ceremony.
Young ladies and matrons We'd with each other in
the best production and decoration of plum pudding;
they were each, however, compelled to labor in the
sad disadvantage of having suet nor candied
lemon, such necessary ingredients not having arrived
in the colony.
The day was heralded by sharp frost and snow;
the innumerable lovely pine trees covered with
mantle Of purity Young gentlemen and sturdy
artisans went shooting deer and wild turkeys, which,
thanks to bene6cent Providence, are plentiful here
The young ladies made morning calls Of salutaon, &C.
There occasion for ringing the usual dinner
| hall oI &c %hox Cd ~, ~.
spective homes punctualy, and with such heartiness
that it would have gladdened the eye of English
friends at home to have witnessed. Ample justice
having been done to the beautifully supplied tables,
and the accustomed silent wish in partaking of the
first mince pie having been duly and solemnly per-
formed, toasts to Old England, her Homes and Fire
sides, were given, Nature being bountiful
in supply of cold water in drinking to such toasts,
(wnes spirits being prohibited sale or license with
in four miles of the town.
Festivities of the evening kept up at the
hotel and in various households. One happy inter-
rupton to such festivities the appearance in the
dark shadows of night and the heavy falling of snow
Of four English coloniss, carrying with them huge
branch of pine tree, suspended to which were sun
dry large lanterns. Their appearance seasonaby
pleasing, and their singing of wellknown gees and
anthems proved simply delightful 1t must have
cheered them in their dark, damp Journey to have
witnessed so true and genuine ring of British and
American cheers which greeted them, and especially
the hearty laugh at the reception given to their po
etically expressed wish at each household the follow
ing recited before the house of one of the first En-
gish settlers being echo of other expressed wishes
"We hail thee dear Blackjack, we hail thy good wife,
We hail the old lady who brought thee to life;
We hail thy sons, and hope they will be
! As worthy Briton we've always found thee"
As we wish to be practical in any notice we may
take of proceedings in the colony, we hope that this
mode keeping Christmas festivities WILL like leaven,
permeate throughout the States. Our only regret is,
that owing to the church building not being COM
pleted, religious service of praise and thanksgiving
could not be held. We were, however, cheered to
hear from the friends Of coonists the loving sweet