The Harrison times. (Harrison, Boone Co., Ark) 1876-1938, 1882-12-23
The Old Virginia Christmas.
apple cider, 'simmon beer
~ = -, - $500, :, 900

that II does not come any olteheT J
rare things ara generally valued,
Why, if diamonds were US common
as dewdrops in May, or pearls as
frequently seen as the frat jewels
of December, people would say,
"lovely but valueless," And il
Christmas came two or three times
a year il would soon lose its popu
larity and be held thing Of no ac-
count. As ii is, how brightly do
we anticipate ITS coming; how CO.
gerly is il welcomed, and with what
reluctance do we see it depart !!
And If Christmas is now .'a joy for
ever" what must 1t have been in
the fine old "dsys of yore y Only
those who have passed Christmas
at Virginia mansion, can realize
its pleasures. Its joys begin with
Christmas Eve, when the scattered
MON bers of the family and iow
chosen guests begin to gather in.
Carriage alter carriage rolls up to
the broad steps, and merry, happy
faces are collecting in the cosy sit
ting room. Tumult rules the hour,
for everybody is glad to see every.
body else, and each one has a thous.
and things 10 say. But after sup
per they quie. dowr, and begin to
enjoy rational conversation. The
little ones hang their stockings up
and want to sit up half tho night
talking about Santa Claus. AT an
early hour the "good nights are
spoken and all go to sleep, $50 as to
feel refreshed tomorrow" To-
morrow begins at an early hour, tor
before cock crow the servants come
in to kindle the fro, each eager to
be the first to claim "Christmas gil"
of tho "white folks" The children
also rise early, to seek in the toes of
their stockings the hidden treasures
that have filled their dreams. The
lazy elders slumber on, or try TO
slumber on, for the children and
darkies are too hilarious to admit
of undisturbed slumbers. About
nine comes the smoking break
fast, the table drawn up to the wldo
old fireplace blszing with hickory
logs. The little ones, still busy
with Santa's presents, are grouped
on the rug, discussing and compar-
ing their stores. The grown people
take their places ut the table; the
haired father returns thanks
for dali these blessings" each one
devoutly bending the head the
while, and the children hushing
their chatter, Whispering, grandpa
is saying grace" After this the
plates are turned and many expla,
nations of pleasure are heard as one
after another finds some pretty pres
ent under his or her plate. Those
must all be examined, and break fast
IS forgotten until the father says
"Come, girls, breakfast is getting
cold. You can look at your pres.
ents after breakfast" The mother
pours the amber coffee, clear as
wine, and all begin to discuss the
good things that Dinah has sent in
from her savory kingdom, the
kitchen. Breakfast over, the ladies
begin to dispense useful presents to
the servants, aprons, handkerchief,
wooden gloves, stockings and socks,
sacks and dresses for their children,
etc. Chloe comes in radiant in
crimson bandana turban, new cot.
ton dress and an immense shiny,
many.colored necklace "a present
from young Joe, the dinlng.room
servanO to wash the breakfast
things. The house is put into beau.
tiful order, and after awhile the
guests invited TO partako of the
Christmas dinner begin to arrive.
The pleasant day passes quickly.
The older people are in the sitting.
room, quietly enjoying themselves
the parior is given up to the young
folks, and whenever the door is
opened gag sounds OF song merry
chatter and bursts Of laughter issue
into tho hall. About five o'clock
the sumptuous dinner is ready. /
can use the table now, grooming be.
meath its load. The place of honor
is occupied by the lordly turkey,
stuffed with oysters, and accompa
MED by its celery sauce. AT the