The Florida agriculturist. [volume] (DeLand, Fla.) 1878-1911, 1895-12-18

longer than his toy "steam engine" once
| given nor will they get out of order like the
mechanism of the train of cars. For gifts
for the older members of the circle prepare
ton should have been begun some time ago
when there is very little money in the purse
or some consideration must be taken of
their likings and needs. A book that has
long been wanted, a dainty apron fashioned
by the fingers of mother or sister, 1--WE have
had from time to time directions given for
beautiful fancy work by Mrs. Merryman
which may now be put to good use) n dozen
table napkins hemmed by eft fingers or
set of doilles all will be found acceptable
presents, something may be devised out of
the common every day order of things, to
make the Christmas season one of pleasure
and recreation, even when the inmates of
the home are all "grown up children" The
house should put on gaia day attire-fowers
and''green things growing"be freely used in
| the rooms-don't think because the walls
are plain implanted boards. that a few
wreaths ofgreen will accentuatelthe ugliness
they will add brightness and the very sun
shine itself will be factor in the merry
making If we add to our preparations the
sunshine of happy smiles, cheerful words and
warm welcome to all who may enter at the
wide open door.
"What perfect day!" is generally the
first comment made; for who has ever seen
aught but smiling weather for the Christmas
de in Florida? Old traditions to be sure
are of windy ,sleety, bitter weather, of sleigh
bells ringing and big fires glowing. But old
traditions gladly give way when we may go
into the garden and gather the roses and
honeysuckles for the table center-piece
wreathe the ever green vines around the
windows tack the broad green fans of the
palmetto over the doors and archways, then
wear corsage bouquet that shas cost not a
penny though vieing with the most costly
exotic.
1t may seem trihing thing but believe
in making a festal occasion of every ami.
versary and holiday, in putting aside as far
as possible our daily labors, getting this
humdrum existence out of sight if we can
as We put off our working garb on Sundays.
Is it pleasant fiction only that is
holiday? Let US make it one in reality,
first in memory Gof the blessed infant who
lay in the manger, when the angels pro
claimed Peace on earth" before the Christ
mas had name; in memory of days past
and gone when youthful voices called out
| Merry Christmas" from room to room in
| joyful greeting, and "hen happy group
gathered under holly and mistletoe to sing
and dance and play. If a sad memory in
| trudes, as you remember the days that are
no MORE" chase it away with smile, for
happiness is a duty now, for the sake of
| others, if not ourselves. There is charm
in preparations for the hallowed time, even
the simplest that [ make (and they are
never elaborate) that would not miss, It
makes one young again, puts a thankful,
joyful feeling into the heart, lifts the brood.
ing cares that have gathered like q pail and
threaten to extinguish ali life and gaiety
Let songs be sung, let children, and old
folks too, make merry for Christmas comes
but Cnce year."
Before close [ want to tell you of a nice
set of doilles that were last year sent to me
| by loving sister thousands of miles distant.
made by hex while sitting up in bed (she
| accomplished great deal in the line of
| fancy work while suffering almost indescrib-
able pain-a lesson for some vf the rest of
us).
These nankins arc Of butchor's linan