The citizen. (Honesdale, Pa.) 1908-1914, 1912-12-13
CHRISTMAS WITH THE
TOILERS OF THE SEA
YANDLTBBERS that you are, did you
ever reflect that there is a world
where Christmas is as meaning


where Christmas Is as meaning
less day as the Path or 26th
Of December? Did you ever think far
enough beyond the spicy vapors Of
your own plum pudding to realize that
the seafaring folk were living their
Christmas day rs if they knew naught
Of its fame? They do know what it
means, however, as well as ever do
you, but winds lash and waves thump
on the 25th as on every other day, and
it's a foolish sailorman who counts
on turkey or holly berries. The chances
are he'll see little Of them.
Christmas is disobliging enough to
come in the very beginning of the mad
dest weather, and the weather never
gives way one inch. The pilotboat
people and the life savers make pa.
thetic little attempts at holding hou-
day, but ten to one they will be moth.
ing more than attempts. If the sea
chooses to make merry in its own
way the sea commands and must ba
Obeyed.
The captains of the life saving sta
tons along the beach try each year to
celebrate with their men. A turkey is
always brought to the headquarters
and a good meal prepared around it
as star attraction. But anywhere
from drumsticks TO nuts and raisins
may come the signal from the coast
guard. Perhaps a crab fishing boat
has capsized; perhaps 1T is a big ship
going down-the result is the same.
The Christmas turkey is left to grow
cold, the mince pie is forgotten, and
It's of to launch the lifeboat and then
TO the oars and away. Night or day
the summons may come. If at night
there are a flashing of lights on the
beach and q fight, man against stOrm.
In the blackness Of the surf.
On the lightship provision is made for
a good dinner, but there the pleasure
ends. Day and night the ship rides at
anchor ten miles off shore. Always the
changing Of the fog bell is heard and
the lights are watched. and break in
.he monotony there Is none, save for a
setter bill Of fare than usual and an
extra glass Of grog. then back to the
bell and the lights again, and men for
get what Christmas celebrated or that
1t was celebrated at all.
1t was during the carving Of the last
turkey that the bells rang fiercely, for
fog was driving in past the heads, |
and lights were being enveloped In It, !
TWO new men were among the crew,
and they sprang, frightened, away from |
the table. The old sailors assured
them that IT was no trouble out of the |
ordinary, but they could not be Undue |
"a to come back to the dinner. They i
are bl2se now and are laughing at
other new men, but their companions |
have not forgotten TO mention the din
1er that they missed by gazing shud- |
ieringly into a winter fog and expect
ng the death of themselves or some |
'ne else every moment.
Christmas Is a lottery to the pilots.
No man Of them knows when his turn
s coming to guide ship into port, and
'hips must be guided when 1t Is their
will Some Of the pilots may
lave a snatch Of the day at home in
he midst of Santa Claus gossip and
in horns and stuffed stockings. Who,
'ver the other pilots may be, they are
IN the water with a good dinner stow
"a away awaiting its opportunity.
which may or may not come. If
hip is suddenly sighted, then never
mind the dinner.
The life on the great steamers and
ailing vessels is more systematic, and
is worth while to prepare for az
much meriment as the inconsistencies
4 empty sea view will permit. There
nay be a Christmas tree and music
nd dancing; but, be you a seadog or
landlubbsr, it's all the same-you
you'd rather be At home over table
hat does not roll and spend a good
hrtstian Christmas with all its ira.
fffnnal -.