The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-12-25

mas may be Christmas in the spirit or it's observance the world over,- it can only have the real ring, the genuine f1a- and the stars glitter like diamonds in the keen frosty air. That is the habitat Of jolly Saint Nick, and from palace to the poorest cottage all over ~NorWay tne houses are fragrant with spruce ana mas bells ringing their messages of cheer and good will. The gracious GUS. tom still obtains of fastening sheaves or wheat or corn outside the windows that Christmas too. Visits are freely exchang- ed on Christmas Day and to all corners is offered the so-called poor mans cake, "fattigmandes. There is nothing poor about the cake, however, for it Is very delicious compound.
 The preparations for the great festival begin early in October. the first step be- ing the butchering of specially selected animals. In Delecarlia, Sweden; there IS always a particular butcher who passes from farm to farm to kill hogs and cure hams After this comes the house clean ing which is no small operation, as the entire house from garret to cellar IS gone over and left in most immaculate con- dition. The washing of clothes. blankets and curtains also takes place at this time, so that by the first oe December all Is in readiness for the Christmas baking; one would think the fate of the
 
 butter, eggs, spices and various other edibles. All the women and children who are old enough have hand In these preparations, seeding raisins. smelling sizes and descriptions are made; the reg ular Christmas cake somewhat reseIn- bles our raisin bread and the poor man cake which Is something of misnomer is a rich compound of eggs and cream @d other ingredients. Just before Christ mas comes the bread making, in order that by Christmas Eve all may be done and the servants and housekeeper may be free from care during the twenty days following Christmas, which are given over to festivities.
 The day before Christmas Eve sees the last marketing done and the market place at that time Is scene for an artist From far and near the peasants gather. many of them in quaint costumes of variegated colors. Such a clattering of voices as there Is over the bargaining and buying, such an exchange of greet ing such a moving mass of color. Sud denly all comes to an end. at o'clock the bells of all the churches begin tc ring and all the shops are closed.
 The Christmas Eve celebration is all ways one of family reunion and Is look ed upon as a sacred time. Early in the evening one of the younger children re- cites a Christmas hymn, which Is fol lowed by the serving of supper. Some of the dishes which are pretty sure to
  spare ribs cranberries and poor man s cake. After supper the doors of the par Tor are thrown open tos display in the center the great tree loaded with gifts. The company enter two by two and en- circle the tree singing a merry Christ mas carol, after which the presents are distributed Early Christmas morning the sound of bells and music Is heard far and wide. Bands are stationed at different places, at some instances in the church towers the sheaves of wheat are placed in the windows for the birds and at lO o'clock everybody goes to church.
 Many unique customs are practiced by the peasantry living In the central noun tains of Norway, though masquerading Is not as much indulged In as formerly. There is legend of an old man called Dovregubbe, who was supposed to have lived in an enchanted castle and drive about on Christmas night, visiting his wrath upon all peasants who failed to place a bowl of rye porridge in his way.
 Very little shopping or unnecessary work is done in Norway until January I3. the time between that date and Christ mas being largely devoted to Joyiul family and friendly reunions. The ,Swedes and Norwegians of America, who are able to visit their native land always plan to do so at the Christmas season for it Is one of their greatest joys to be at home in time for the heartfelt greet ing of "Glaedelig Jul"