The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1890-12-18

for the feast.
CHRIsTMAs At THE WHITE HOUSE.
Santa Claus has on his seven leagued boots
and he intends to call at the White House.
This is the only Admi ni5tfati0u which has had
babies in its family for years and Mrs. President
Harrison believes in all the delightful fetious
Of the time. IL Is from her and the other mem
hers Of the family that ] am able to tell you
how the day will DO celebrated in the EXecu-
tive Mansion. In the frat place, no business
whatever will be done on Christmas. The
President will put away his papers. and the
office will be locked. The most of the family
will be at home and the attention Of all will
be devoted 20 the children, who from daybreIk
TO dark, viii make tho historic old mansion
ring with the beating Of drums, the blowing Of
horns and the jingling Of sleigh-beli5 Last
Christmas the Presidents grandson, Benny
Mckee, enjoyed his first Christmas tree. 1t
took everybody about the house to prepare it,
and tho scenes Of its presentation made the
President smile, and caused DR.. ScOtt's old
heart to bound with the "reminiscences Of his
youth.
The little ones were taken downstairs and
given their breakfast before being shown into
one of the state bedrooms, which had been
daTkened for tho purpose. In this room the
tree awaited them, gorgeous with glittering
ornaments and lighted from top 10 bottom with
tiny wax candles. At the foot stood adiminu-
tive figure Of Kris-Ringle, holding in his out
stretched arms an manner Of gifts including
gaily-painted sled, upon which Benny Mckee
seized the first thing. giving vent 20 his feel
ings in a true bOyish shout. The children's
enjoyment was shared not only By the Presi-
dental family, bat by the servants who stood
about the doorway, the cook, sOup-ladle in
hand, bringing up the rear. The presents for
the family were arranged on tables, bureaus
and chairs, even the deep window 81 ats being
called into use TO hold the thousaud-and -oue
beautiful gifts shOwered on them from all parts
Of the United States.
President and Mrs. Harrison do not observe
the day as religious festival. as this is not the
custom Of the Presbyterian Church, but in all
other respects the day is with them as with the
rest Of Chrisfcndom. After a o'clock luncheon
the afternoon is passed according 10 the fancy
Of each individual. The present Christmas
viii be spent very much as was the last, in cosy
fashion, talking over the various gifts and
pleasant things in connection with the donors.
THE PRESIDENTS CHRISTMAS DINNER.
Dinner at the White House on Christmas
Day is strictly family affair and conducted
in all respects after the time-hOncred customs
in regard TO the menu. The meal is served at
Z O'Clock, the table beautifully decorated with
holly. small cluster Of the red berries show
ing from under the spray Of dark, glossy leaves
artistically introduced on the dish bearing the
immense erisply- Drowned turkey. Holly en-
twined in wreath will also decorate the plum
pudding, which. smoking hot and smelling Of
all manner OF spice and good things will be
brought in at the last the suitable wind-up
TO the feast.
THE WHITE HOUSE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS PAST.
Christmas has always been great day at the
White House. President Arthur celebrated it
with his daughter Nellie Arthur, and she fire.
queutly gave dinners to her friends on that
day The President and Mrs. Cleveland ate
SOME Of their Christmas dinners at Oak View,
but the President gave each OF the servants
- gold piece on that day. and Ut one time he
made general present Of fat turkey to each.
President Grant always had q large family
party or Christmas. Hayes celebrated the day
by playing with the children. and he was al
ways very liberal in his gifts to his servants.
It was Nellie Arthur who, in company with
the Other little daughters of noted men,
organized the Christmas Club, which gave
Christmas dinners and presents TO the poor
children OF Washington. This club entertained
from 2, 600 TO 5000 children every Christmas
and the rich little girls and boys among its
members acted as the walters on such occas-
ions.