Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1910-12-22
been carefully preserved for this pur-
nose after the Christmas festivities were

for we youngsters were sent to bed
early under Nanny Judy's care:
Dear old nanny, who bathed and
cuddled us while making dire threats
about Santa Claus who sholy would
bring muffin to little chillins dat didn't
drap dey haids lax lii white lilies and
go to Sleep" You remember after we
wercyall tucked in bed how we kept
wondering how Santa Claus could come
down that big chimney while that big
fire was burning,> and how you ask
ed the question and the dear old
black face with its towering head
handkerchief, bcut over you and said,
little chiilun must not ak no cues
tions. I spec he wor some kind OF
cloes dat don't burn. Now you go TO
sleep honey" and while tidying up the
room she would Groom some quaint
melody which must have been sopofi!ic
in its effect, for you were soon in the
land of dreams and did not see or hear
certain blue-eyed angel that tioated ln
and looked like mamma, rs she kissed
each rosy cheek and smoothed the hair
from each snowy brow. breathing 4
fond blessing all the while.
Christmas morning. Oh, the excite
ment was delicious. Before daylight
we we're awakened by the sound OF
many feet and laughing voices outside
on the lawn. After a hasty toilet with
our well filled stockings hugged close,
we ran down to the great hall to see
dear white haired grandpa handing out
the apple toddy and eggnog, both of
his own brewing. Each member OF the
family must take tiny glass, Just Tor
luck, you know.
Then the hall doors were thrown
open and myraid voices cried out.
"Chrismus gif ole Mars and ole Miss,
merry Chrismus to everybody" Oh
those joyous shining black faces wer"
so full of love, happiness and thanksas
each one was bountifully supplied with
all sorts of comforts and good things.
Not a child down to the latest plcka-
ninny arrival was forgotten. As look
back now over the years that have
flown, think grandpa must have look.
ed like a grand patriarch, as he stood
their surrounded by his people, rca-
tives and bondsmcn. all loving and re-
specting him.
After this came breakfast, and SUCH
a breakfast. can almost taste it yet.
I can see grandpa's bowed white head
as he gave thanks for all blessings and
that no vacant chair was there.
No vision Of warfare bitter and de-
vastating rose up 10 tell him that some
dav this ideal life would end and bis
loved sons and grandsons would be
sleeping on some battlefield, meath
the sod and dew. awaiting the judg-
ment day And that the happy darkles
would be scattered all over the land.
No! thank God he was spared thai
sight. After breakfast all went to the
little village church whose interior had
not been forgotten, for its walls were
hidden almost by wrcaths and garlands,
while over the chancel in beautiful
evergreen letters was the angels proc
lamation Of centuries ago:
"Glory be to God on high and
peace on earth, good will toward men,"
After the simple, but impressive,
services were over, there were meetings
and greetings, then home again,
followed by 4 score ormorc OF relatives
and friends. Dinner over, festivities
commenced which were to last until
the new year dawned.
Oh those merry dances With gallant
young beaux and lovely maidens, the
latter arrayed in the simplest attire,
wearing no jewels, save their bright
ewes and sweet modest manners. Old
and young joined in the merry making
for no ones feet could keep still when
Bob and old Ezra began to play on
their violins-tunes so familiar yet TO
many of us.
The evening closed when grandpa
gallantly led grandma out to lead the
Virginia reel. No dark spots OF dis
sension, jealousy or mean gossip put
a blot on that beautiful time. Alas
those days have passed away.
Like fog on the mountain,
Like dew on the heather,
Like bubble on fountain
They have gone and forever" "
A black storm cloud swep over the
scene, the lightning OF battle, the thun-
der of cannon broke up this elyslan
life, and today we see in many places
only the blackened walls OF the old
mansion stand sentinel-likc on the
spot where all this beautiful home life
was lived.
Grandpa and grandma have long
been sleeping in the quiet graveyard
meath the hill. Their children have
long grown up and scattered-some
in the far west have built new homes
and formed other ties. The dark'es
sing no more by the old cabin door.
Ir. their hearts were sown seeds OF dis
trust and hatred toward those they
once loved so dearly and they wander
now restlessly, no man truly their
! friend.
Yet as long as life lasts, when we all,
kinsman and one-time slave, now
weary Of toll ard strife, OF the base
and untrue, our minds will revert to
those peaceful yet joyous days which
surround the Christmas time in the old
south.