Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1910-12-22
CHRISTMAS IN THE OLD SOUTH.

(By Mrs. Bake H. WOOuSon'j
Christmas in the old south What
tender memories cluster around that
timei Memories, which like immor-
telles will last forever.
who OF us that lived in those blessed
days can forget. Truly it was hallow-
ed season and one which we will never
see again.
The passing away OF the old life in
the south after the civil war was to be
deplored for With it died so many
beautiful customs and none more so
than those which surrounded the Christ
mas season.
Everywhere the true holiday spirit
prevailed, which made giving a pleasure
from the heart, and not, as now, a
favor.
In that blessed time, friendships
were formed, which lasted for gen
erations, and were handed down with
other precious legacies from father to
son.
The commercial value, which is the
basis of most modern friendship, was
unknown. A mans integrity, sterling
character and moral worth was rated OF
greater value than his financial status.
Who OF us that lived south before the
civil war can forget the grand old man
sions where good cheer reigned su-
preme. and whose great hall door stood
omen all the time, rs il to bespeak the
hospitality one was sure to enjoy when
once within its portals.
The families in those days we're large,
for Gods laws we're observed in all
things. and to be childless, or to have
hut one or two children, WAS considered
a deplorable misfortune if not a dis
grace.
Entertaining was second nature
and through all the year, there was
generous hospitality everywhere; 1t was
at the Christmas season that 1t reach
ed the zenith OF its perfection in its
layishness.
For weeks beforehand, huge boxes
arrived by boat and train, and were
cmptied OF their contents behind closed
doors "ole Marse" and "ole Miss
with perhaps trusted few, attended to
this. after which the great store room
was locked and the key placed safely
away. Oh, those blessed old days, when
10 ms children, everything was wrapped
in delicious mystery, for thank God, w
had old-fashioned mothers, whose ex
ample and teachings kept us pure anc
innocent. and our belief in dear ole
Santa Claus was unshaken.
Don't YOU remember, you OF my
readers who lived there, as it neareC
Christmas, how we went in the biS
wagon and hunted the wood and low
land for mistletoe, moss and othei
eyergreens, and what fun to ride home
on the top of the load, our laughing
voices making the welkin ring? IheI
how we watched for the glossy holl,
sure to come to us from the uppe
country.
Christmas eve, young men anC
maidens, the boys and girls, wouiC
gather in the old home, and make gar
lands and wreaths of evergreen, twin
ing here and there bright holly ant
pearly mistletoe. Many romance wa
woven in with the glossy leaves ant
bright berries.
Oh those we're days of innocent Joy
and pastimes, when the stolen kiss iron
under the mistletoe was so pure tina
oven the angels must have smiled
benediction on Loves Young dream.
On Christmas eve too you Will re
member that delicious time when on
noses we're regaled with odorS sweete
than those of "Araby the blest;
emanating from pantry and kitchen
when Aunt Chloe, with head handker
chief awry aud sleeves rolled up wa
busy With her assistants making tooth
some delcacies such as you mooerl
cooks never dreamed OF. Blessed
Aunt Chloe Had l the power
would rear monument to her ana tn
many other faithful darkies who mad
the shadowy back ground to a mos
beautiful picture, one which was
portrayal of perfect ciqilization oiSa
ideal life.
Late in the evening what a sight
was to see big Jim and Pompey wit
others bring in the huge back log an
place it in the great hall fireplace, ths
precious Yule log which was lighte
solemnly with charred chunk lei
from the year before, and which ha