Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-12-17
CHRISTMAS WITH THE
T0ILERS OF THE SEA
YANDLUBBERs that you are. did you

YANDLUBBERs that you are, did you
ever reflect that there u world
where Christmas II as meaning
- less q day as the Path or 26th
Of Decembs-f 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 As II they knew naught
Of It's fame? They do know what 1t
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
thedc little attempts at holding hou-
day. but ten to one they will be moth.
ing more than attempts. II the sea
chooses to make merry In Its own
way the sea commands and must be
obeyed.
The captains Of the life saving sta
lions 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 1t
as q 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 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 nfeboat and then
to the oars and away. Night or day
the summons may come. II at night
there are a flashing Of lights on the
beach and a 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 or shore. Always the
changing Of the fog bell IL heard and
the lights are watched. and break In
the monotony there Is none. save for q
better 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 ut all
It was during the carving Of the last
turkey that the bells rang nercely. for
a 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 IL was no trouble out Of the
ordinary. bot they could not be Undue
Cd to come back to the dinner. They
are blass now and are laughing at
other new men, but their companions
have not forgotten 10 mention the din
ner that they missed BY gazing shud-
deringly into q winter fog and expect
ing the death Of themselves or some
one else every moment
Christmas Ia q lottery 30 the ptlotA
No man Of them knows when his turn
b coming to guide q ship into port and
ships must be guided when Il u their
captains win Some Of the pilots may
have q snatch Of the day at home IN
che midst Of Santa Claus gossip and
Tin horns and stuffed stockings. Who
ever the other pilots may be. they are
on the water with good dinner stow
"a away awaiting 1ts opportunity,
which may Or may not come II q
ship b suddenly sighted. then never
mind the dinner.
The life on the great steamers and
sailing vessels II more systematic. and
Il p worth While to prepare for a.
much merriment Al the homesickness
Of empty zee view WIN permit. There
may Be q Christmas tree and music
and dancing: but b you q seadog Or
q landlubber. It's an the same-you
would rather be at home Over q table
that does not roll and spend q good
Christian Christmas with an In ira
ditioual noneensa-San Efanci1co Can