The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1895-12-25

long tables in the village school.
each portion labeled with the name of
the recipient; added to it will be the
materials for pudding, and often, also
articles of clothing or blankets, and
sometimes more special personal pres
ents; for the lord and lady of the manor
know much of the individual circum-
stances and needs of their people On
Christmas eve, the whole royal party, or
some at least of its members, will gen.
orally go to distribute the gifts them
selves; or at all events, they look in at
the schoolroom to see the spread ready,
with its gay decoration of holly and
lucky recipients.
Everybody in the house, too, is sure
of a present of some kind. Often the
gift takes an added value from being
the handiwork of the princess who be-
slows it. The young princesses Of
Wales are accomplished in many arts.
Leather work, wood-carving, brass
chasing, and poker-work, as well as
embroidery with the needle and water
color painting, are all done really well
by these clever young ladies, who are
inspired in all these undertakings by
the example of their mother; for the
princess of Wales herself is an excellent
wood-carver and leather-worker. Thus
many Of their gifts to their special
friends are the work Of their own hands.
On Christmas morning there are gem
orally many guests in the house, who
are allowed the option of breakfasting
in their own rooms or in the usual
apartment, where breakfast is laid at
small round tables, visitors appearing
for the meal at the hour they please
tho use of the small separate tables
preventing this liberty being in auy
way unpleasant or inconvenient. The
royal hosts do not appear till after
breakfast, and only come down ready
for church. some little time before it
is necessary to set out, TO greet their
guests with seasona bic wishes in what
is called "the saloon" huge apart
ment, half hall, half drawing-room.
that was added to the house when it
was rebuilt after the fire few years
ago. Then the whole house party sets
OFF to service in the Church of ST. Mary
Mag6alene, in the park. 1t is pleasant
walk through belts OF evergreens and
strawberries that protect the pedestri-
an from the wind: but If there be any
elderly or delicate persons there, or il
the weather be unfavorable. there il
also n good carriage drive from the
house TO the church. and various vehi-
cles come forth 10 convey the company.
After church, luncheon is taken at the
small tables that were used for break
fast. The afternoon is spent in various
ways. There is a good-sized lake at
Sandringham, opposite the smaller
house which used TO be called Bach. !.
elor's ball." because when the big
house vas full any young men amongst
the guests would be sent down 20 the (
cottage to sleep; but it is now known 4
as York cottage and serves for the .
country home OF the duke OF York and .
his wife. II the weather be cold 4
enough, skating is enjoyed on Christ /
mas afternoon on the lake. The 4
ern home already an expert skater. and (.
her light and graceful figure makes her .
appear 10 particular advantage in this
favorite pastime- II IL Be not skating 4
weather there are the kennels and sta
bles 70 visit: or the princesees VIII de-
light the listeners with their musical 4
accomplishments: and the many arts
tic and curious treasures that decorate
the house, relics Of the prince. s foreign
travels and gifts from many and vari- !
GUS lands, viii be inspected and talked
about So the tine viii Be spent til 7
afternoon tea Is served IA the coxy
small drswing-roorn- where the Grim
soR plush hangings and white furni-
ture touched with gold make pleasant
spot Of color in the light OF the winter
fire and wax candies Dinner IS fuuc-
ton here - well - elsewt-re- s=..-