The Elbert County tribune., 1916-12-15


>n0 of gifts and turkey.
Perhaps the first sign of Christmas
is the killing of the fat hogs, which have taken
on flesh rapidly since they We're put up and hard
ened good, sound Hog-killing time
means generous supply of "fresh," in other
words sausage, sparerb. chine cheese-souse, pigs
feet and. of course. that fresh pork ham baked
during Christmas week. This is fanked by
baked hmm two years old and sugar-cured. 1t
Will all furnish mighty good eating for visitors
who drop in for little WHILE but have not time
to stay to the regular dinner.
Those who have spent years tidewater vir.
s1nia. plantation know just what hog-killing time
means to host and hostess. All through the coun-
tryside. from the humblest negro holding to the
largest river estate, preparation for Christmas
begins with hOgkilling time, for then the corn is
gnthered. the woodpile is ready, and farm work in
general is In such condition that all in pretty
good shape for the holidays.
That Christmas GobbIer.
Two weeks before Christmas, the turkey rob
bier (generaly one of the years rasing) is singled
ont from the flock, put up In n Slated coop in the
back yard. fed shelled corn till he Is in proper
condition. killed the day before Christmas hung
up on the north side of the porch and next day
when cooked in the oldtime kitchen by an old
time negro Kitchen queen.' forms the piece-de-
resistance for the big dinner. The Christmas
menu rejOices In roast turkey stuffed with oysters
bread crumbs, etc. sugar-cured ham (from one
70 two years Old), crisp celery. Irish and sweet
potatoes (the latter canded). satisfy and spinach
Gall grown in the home "gyardn,") macaroni,
and. Of course, cranberry sauce for the turkey.
Tho dessert consists of jelly (penty of wine for
oca8oning), blanc mango, both white and choco-
late, meringues. fruits, such Malaga grapes,
rosy checked apples, bananas and oranges Wine
II served at table and tOddy of whisky, sugar
and water, with a dash of nutmeg, will most likely
be taken by the gentlemen beforehand at tho side
board. Roquefort cheese and coffee end the feast.
This menu is Indicative of typical plantation
dinner; others will be in proportion to the taste
and means of the diners, but 1t can be safely as
serted that nowhere would guest a stranger
ait down to menger feast on this day. for even
the negroes have prepared most literally for the
great occasion.
Christmas Decorations.
The good old custom of decorating the houses
for Christmas still obtains, and the generous
supply of holly. running cedar and pine growing
In the Virginia woods. is used. Mansion, farm
house and cottage are all decorated Mantels,
halls, and even bedrooms witnesses to the
of jollity. Family portraits of ancestors now
long laid at rest. honored with wreath of
green and the red berries of the holly, Christmas
greeting from the stern canvas
What are the social customs that emphasize this
season in Tidewater. Virginia? On Christmas
morning glass of eggnog toddy is taken by the
gentlemen they 30 into breakfast. After this
meal, the company will separate. 1t Is possible
that some of the party will go to the Colonial
church In the nelghborhood for morning service.
The ancient brick edifce will always have been
decorated by loving hands for this season.
Wreaths of evergreen intertwine on wallis chancel
and pulpit.
The morning service over. the congregation ex-
change Christmas greetings outside Some pres
ents are taken to church for neghbors who live at
a distance happy. inexpensive recollectons of the
season, but appreciauvely indicative of the mo-
mentous occasion. Back from church, home folks
and guests are ready for dinner.
Hurting Parties.
The east virgnians have shown penchant
Tor hunting and chasing the fox behind good
pack of hounds has always been sport par ex-
cellence This sport still exists in the country dis
xricts and In spite of wire fences. now almost