Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1888-01-02
Christmas Festivities.

During the week of festivities, the spe
clal feature of enjoyment for the little folks
was the annual Sunday school entertain
meet, or Christmas Tree" az it Is common
~ called, and no one, am sure, has beer
more thoroughly enjoyed both by young
and old, than the one given at Clifton Sta
ton Thursday evening, under the supervi-
sion of n Thomas Graham, who as super
intenden S without doubt the right man
in the ma place. The exercises were
opened by singing Christmas carol, after
which followed recitstionB by the children
and the reading of Will Cartoons christmas
Party" by Miss Olivia Ford. The tree was
very tasteiully trimmed, q genial looking
Santa Claus keeping guard on the topmost
bough who. judging from his size and youth
full appearance. must have been grandson
of old Santa. As he was probably fatgued
from the heavy load of presents be had
brought to bis friends at Clifton, he did not
take any active part in the entertainment.
With each present was given basket OF
candy, and some who were more fortunate
than the others received several presents.
These were not confined strictly to members
of the Sunday school, for several were given
by friends outside. Fairfax's legislator was
present, and ct the close of tho entertain.
uent looked very much disappointed be
cause Santa Claus had overlooked him. He
probably thought representative was of as
much importance as Sunday school scholar;
but not here and not at this time that should
be devoted to children and their enjoyment,
then, if there be surplus, Virginias repre-
sentatives and the older folks in general
may come in for share.
LAST Wednesday evening witnessed a
large and gay assembly. OF young. people at
the residence of Mr.. John DeBsll, near Cen
treville. Judging from the number in at.
tendance, all the lads aad lassies within q
radius of ten miles must have turned out in
spite of the rain and mud, Virginia mud,
too, to say nothing of the young hurricane
which followed later in the evening. 1t
may be that the wind blows harder here on
account of its nearness to the battlefield, in
angry remembrance of the deeds committed
thereon in the past. Dancing commenced
early in the evening and continued until
after the chickens began to crow, being in
terrupted only long enough for the guests to
enjoy delightful supper. The following
names belong to some Of the ladies who
were fortunate enough to be 10 attendance:
Misses Mary MILAN, Barnes, Taylor, Bessie
MILAN, Ford, Wells, Misses Carter, Moore,
Lee, Eta MILAN. Triplett, MacheD, Harri-
son, Misses Green. Turbevile, Mrs. Watkins
and Balenger, OF Washington. The gentle.
men who had the honor of accompanying
the above named ladies are: Messrs. George
Carter, Simpson, Lee, Buckley, Rob.. Car
ter MILAN, DR.. Brooks, Harry Wilcoxen,
Utterback, Watkins and Morris. II was an
extremely enjoyable affair and will remain
fresh in the memories of all those who were
there, particularly one OF the lady guests
who was being assisted from one conveyance
to another by gallant young swain, when
he became so overcome by the immense
weight as to land her without ceremony 10
the deepest part of the largest mudhole in
this section of the country. Fortunately no
limbs were broken and the only damage
done were the impressions in the shape of
mud spots upon the gentleman's Sunday
pants. The guests of this occasion are much
indebted to their host and hostess for thoir
kind attention and hospitality. x.