The Raymer enterprise., 1916-12-14

1SHl on the large plantations. but on the
= smaller FARMS and even In the negro
k~ quarters. So all get their full measure
0 of gifts and turkey.
Perhaps the first sign Of Christmas
II the killing of the fat hogs which have taken
On flesh rapidly since they were put up and hard
cned on good. sound ear corn. Hogkilling time
means generous supply of fresh" In other
words sausage. sparerib, chine, cheesesouse, pigs
feet, and. Of course, that fresh pork ham baked
during Christmas week This is hanked by a
baked ham two years old aud sugar-cured. II
will all furnish mighty good eatng for visitors
who drop In for a little while, but have not time
to stay to the regular dinner
Those who have spent years tidewater vlr
ginla. plantation know just what hog killing time
means to host and hostess All through the coun-
hyside. from the humblest negro holding to the
largest river estate preparation for Christmas
begins with hog killing time for then the corn Is
gathered, the woodpile is ready and farm work in
general Is In such condition that all are In pretty
good shape for the holidays
That Christmas Gobbler.
Two weeks before Christmas the turkey pob
bier Generally Of the years rasing) Is singled
out from the flock put up In n Slated coop In the
back yard, fed on sheed corn till he is In proper
condition, killed the day before Christmas hung
w oh tne nuItH sue OF Inc pOfeh anu next day
when cooked In the old-time kitchen by an old.
time negro Kitchen queen" forms the pece-de-
resistance for the big dinner The Christmas
menu rejoices In roast turkey stuffed with oysters
bread crumbs. etc. A sugarcured ham ffrom one
to two years old, crisp celery, Irish and sweet
potatoes 1.-THE latter canded), satisfy and spinach
(all grown In the home "gyardin.D macaronl,
and. Of course, cranberry sauce for the turkey
The dessert consists of jelly tplenty Of wine for
seasoning), blanc mango, both white and choco-
hate. meringues, fruits, such Malaga grapes,
rosy checked apples, bananas and oranges. Wine
Is served at table and n toddy of whisky. sugar
and water, with dash of nutmeg, will most likely
be taken by the gentlemen beforehand ut tho side
board Roquefort cheese and coffee end the feast
This menu Is indicative of n typical plantation
dinner; others will be In proportion to the taste
and means Of the diners, but It can be safely as
serted that nowhere would guest or Il stranger
alt down to meager 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 all decorated Mantels,
halls, and even bedrooms Witnesses to the sea-
son Of lolllty. Family portraits OF ancestors. now
long laid at rest are 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. vrgnla7 On Christmas
morning glass of eggnog toddy is taken by the
gentlemen as they 20 into breakfast After this
meal, the company will separate. II is possible
that some of the party will go to the Colonial
church In the neighborhood for morning service.
The ancient brick edlhce will always have been
decorated by loving hands for this season.
Wreaths Of evergreen intertwine on walls. 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
distance; happy. inexpensive recolleetions of the
season. but apprecadvely Indicative Of the mo-
mentous occasion. Back from church. home folks
and guests are ready for dinner.
Hunting Parties.
The east virginians have ever shown penehant
for hunting, and chasing the fox behind good
pack Of hounds has always been a sport par ex-
eellence. This sport still exists In the country dis
aricts and In spite Of wire fences. now almost