New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-12-13
CHRISTMAS EVE.

Christmas evening the father buys n dozen candles
such used I'm tho Gregorian churches. These
are about tho thickness OF n leadpenc but little
longer. and are fastened about the edges OF tho
dining table. held In position by their wax.
The family now gather together tho father In tho
place OF honor the dvan with the table set IN front
OF him. while the family group themselves about IT,
seated on rugs. Tho candles are lighted and the
Christmas speech made by tho father who times his
remarks with the burning Of the candles In this
annual speech the story OF Christ's birth and
childhood Is told with great emphasis laid upon his
flIal obedience salutary lesson for tho children
whose mouths water for the coming feast. but
whose eyes watch anxously for the burning out OF
the candles.
When the last taper Is extngulshed and the last
moral pointed. all fall to-albet very decorousy-
upon tho luscious vands There are delicious little
beef rolls enveloped In watcrcress curious dolma
OF rolled cabbage leaves stuffed with a forcemeat.
the thin sheets OF Cul-laj. rolled and twisted, COW
cred with syrup and Armenian butter and crowned
with crispy walnut meats PiafY specially pre-
pared for this occasion with raislns and beech
nuts Is the piece de resistance. Then there Is tho
popular mahlebi. a kind OF custard, made with
-four. sugar and milk favored with water
and served with clotted cream: to say nothing OF
rasb'ab. concocted from raisins. plums. apples.
chemis. and often sweetened with honey and ia
vored with musk. rose water and lines.
Tho next morning. after the ordinary breakfast
Of light soup. toast and coffee. paterfamias at
tired In all the bravery OF his new suit makes out
his list for the days visits This must include not
only his nearest relatives and friends but prom
inent officials and business colleagues Mere ac-
quaintances lesser lumnaries may be left until
the second third days. the father may send
his compliments through his son.
In each house the children, dressed In their best
| are made ready to walt upon expected guests. II
there Is little he Is deputed TO open the door,
otherwise this responsibility rests with the young
daughter Of the house. In the reception room,
which Is the second floor. the mangal OF brass
or "copper" with Its Are OF coals'--just as when
Peter stood In the high priests palace and warmed
himself-sends out ruddy welcome. and tho per-
fume Of ambergris and altar of rose hs the room.
When the iron knocker on the lower outer door
announces the arrival Of n guest tho small recep-
ton committee pulls the cord from the upper
landing which opens the latch below. AS the
door swings open the lad descends tho stairs to
welcome the visitor. II he proves to be gentle
man of importance. the boy kisses his hand with
great respect, assists him In removing his shoes.
which ne places In orderly line at one side Of
the stairway. then precedcs and ushers him with
grace and courtesy into the reccptIon-room. where
the family are seated In state awaiting his arrival
After the Christmas salutation by the visitor.
"Shnorhavor dznoont; yev Mgurdudootun" CThe
gracious birth and baptism OF ChrisD. and the
hosts reply. ''Orhnyal e Dznoont Chrlstdasy
Mgurdudootun" blessed be His birth and baptism).
the children advance and kiss his hands and a
conversation Of generalies Is engaged In until the
young lady Of the house brings In the refreshment
tray.
This II Of iron, brass or silver. as circumstances
warrant; 10 obiong and decorated with pictures Of
flowers mosques. In the centre are several
glasses Of delicious sweetmeats, prepared OF sour
cherries distinctly. apricos or berries mixed with