Semi-weekly herald., 1908-12-21

Christmas is almost upon us, and
one hears the expressions which come
with the holiday season just as regu-
larly as the seasons themselves make
their steady progress upon an unsus-
pecting world. Somehow we seem to
expect each year that Father Time
will be little more lenient. that he
will stay the chariot wheels to allow
US to catch up few of the lost hours
and minutes that we have ruthlessly
lost along the highway.
DO you know that It's only one
week till Christmas?" said one breath
less matron yesterday in a mad rush
to get through one of those traps that
make shop doors perfect terror down
town. DO tell me something / don't
know" said the little woman all in
smoke gray who was lost in the
throngs around the toy counter. So
1t goes. Each year our most fervent
resolution is to be ready for Christ
mas next time and to the best of my
knowledge that next time" never
comes. and l always think of the say
ing of an old colored nanny who
was my Joy and solace through many
fiery trial: Never mind, honey,
We surely catch up hereafter"
want to describe real old-time
holiday season for which a friend of
mine is planning. 1t sounds mighty
good to me. and we may all carry out
some of the ideas or at least try to
bring the spirit of the affair into this
blessed holiday time. Most of us buy
our Christmas green's from necessity
| and miss the very beginning of the
| happy preparations. Now, this is the
outline: There will be house party
| of six intimate friends; the men to
go out from business at night the day
before Christmas eve; the next day
the evergreens with huge log in lieu
of genuine Yule log will be gathered
and the room decorated. If there hap
pens to be snow there will be skating
and tobogganning, with cider and
doughquts afterward.
| A lord of misrule" is to be chosen,
who will have full charge of the mer-
| ry-making There is to be a box of
holly and one of mistletoe. and trim
ming the house will be most delight
full duty, performed with all the pomp
| and hat al
can give.
| Christmas eve is welcomed by the
host giving this toast at the dinner
table:
| Welcome be ye that are here,
| Welcome all, and make good cheer.
Welcome all, another year.
Welcome Yule. ...
The privilege of kissing under the
mistletoe is always granted at this
season and no one is supposed to take
offense at what happens" On Christ
mas day after the morning breakfast
there is to be huge tree on which
every one will find his gifts, which
the wise hostess has limited to so
cents.
Then the young children are to have
gala time dressed as Christian mum
mers and maskers"; they are learning
the old-time carols and will be per-
mitted to go to the neighboring houses.
| They will have drums, horns and other
| instruments of musical torture and
will be led by Father Christmas" and
the lord of misrule" Rare Ben
Jonson" has evidently been consulted,
for the roster of the mummers up to
date bears the names OF Mince Pie,
Baby Cake. Carol and Gambol, Robin
| Hood. Maid Marian and st. George
with his dragon.
The children are wild with delight
over this chance to dress up, and
as their mother expressed 1t, they are
absorbing a little necessary history
sugar coated" The windup will be
dancing and the singing Of the ever
beautiful
Everywhere. everywhere, Christmas to-
night
Christmas where snow peaks stand
solemn and white,
Christmas where corn fields lie sunny
and bright;
Everywhere. everywhere, Christmas to-
night
Fer Christmas Party invltatlsns