The state herald., 1914-12-18

ASAeut hInity Win tnem ior hucn conferences,
In Virginia, where the Church of England was
strong and its adherents steadfastIy observed the
holidays as in the home country, there was al
ways more of the Christmas spirit and abun dant
cheer and merrymaking than elsewhere at this
season. Here the Yule log held its place and
here were the games and the feasting that made
II indeed the merry season OF the year. Later
when New Amsterdam became New York and
the English came into power the character OF the
Christmas holiday was changed again somewhat
although the Dutch influence continued dominant
for many years
Owing to the large number OF Germans in Penn.
sylvania Christmas there partook largely OF the
nature OF the festival In the fatherland. II was
largely family affair. The children for months
before the day OF the Nativity saved their pennies
and bought material from which they fashioned
their gifts for their parents and for another.
These were presented on Christmas eve and the
next day the parents In turn spread out their pres
ents for the children on n large table in the best
room. Stockings were hung. too and the good
children had them filed with sweetmeats. pepper
cakes and other goodies. but those who had been
bad sometimes found birch rod as u Christmas
gift There custom that was frnughi
with great terror to children. One Kneeht Rupert
went from house to house induiring about the
children on Christmas eve and recommending
wards punishments according 10 the reports
that he received OF their conduct during the year
The Pennsylvania Santa Claus was popularity
kindiein. the little Christ
Throughout the colonies In the seventeenth and
eighteenth centuries toys were an almost un
known factor. but wherever Christmas obacrv.
anceb were not frownod upon by religion fcaSting
and good cheer were abundant and bond and free
rich and poor. old and young shared In the games
abundan food and genial atmosphere. Not only
did tho muninccnco Of those who well sup
piled with worldly goods extend 10 their depend
entr and to all within reach Of their charity bu,
In some places even tho animals had an extra
allowance OF food TO let thom know that Christ
mas had come again
In the eighteenth century toys began 10 make
their appearance In tho colonies. Some Of thum
wcro brought from overseas and had the cnchant
ing quality Of novelty. Little Girls who had helped
10 mother their younger brothers and sisters were
delighted with dolls that were all their own 10
dress and undroar. to fondlo and coddle punish
and reward Simple and quaint were those early
dolls. like the children they belonged to one
can fancy the surprise and terror Of tho timid
when they first behold Jack jump into the air
when nm innocent looking box was opened toy
was n thing to be- cherished In those days II
was indeed q woudrous saint who could bring
,uch things In his pack Some of tho Gifts wore
OF real intrinsic value for tho shipping and trad.
Ing we're growing 10 be important factors IN tho
colonies aud mon brought treasures of all kinds
from the Far East 20 the HeaportH whence they
were distributed 10 other parts of the colonies.
The war for Independence interrupted this and
ue children shared In the sefsaerinces and do.