The Dolores star. [volume] (Dolores, Montezuma County, Colo.) 1901-current, 1916-12-15

EJ quarters. SO all get their full measure
zk0 OF gifts and turkey.
Perhaps the first sign of Christmas
81 the killing of the fat hogs which have taken
on nesh rapidly since they were put up and hard
ened good. sound Hog-killing time
means a 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 fanked by
baked ham two years old and sugar-cured. 1t
WIN NIL furnish mighty good eating for visitors
who drop In for little while. but have not time
~ Say to the regular dinner. H.
ThpGe who have spent years on a tidewater yir.
61aia. paantation know just what og-killing time
msans to host and hostess. All through the coun-
f1yn1dN. from the humblest negro holding to the
Largest river estate, preparation for Christmas
os9ins with hog-killing time, for then the corn is
0fhered. the woodpile Is ready. and farm work in
general In In such condition that all are In pretty
god SHAPE for the holidays.
That Christmas oobbier
Two weeks before Christmas the turkey COB
oasr Generally Of the years raisng) is singled
nut from the flock, put up In Slated coop In the
hack yard fed on shelled till he is in proper
euodition. killed the day before Christmas hung
~ on the north side of the porch and next day.
Nhen cooked in the old-time kitchen by an old
elns negro Kitchen queen" forms the piece-de-
sssastnnce for the big dinner. The Christmas
0aau re3oaces in roast turkey stuffed with oysters.
hgsad crumbs. etc. A sugar-cured ham (from one
- two years old), crisp celery, Irish and sweet
poeatoes (the latter candied), satisfy and spinach
Nan grown In the home "gyardin,") macaroni,
- q course. cranberry sauce for the turkey.
- doaseEt consists Of jelly (plenty Of wine for
slng3. blanc mango. both white and choco-
naaA meEingues, fruits such as Malaga grapes,
kuU cheeked apples. bananas and oranges. Wine
= served ut table and toddy of whisky sugar
and water. with dash Of nutmeg, will most likely
b t1ken by the gentlemen beforehand at the side
board. RoQuefort cheese and coffee end the feast.
This menu Is Indicative Of a typical plantation
dinner; others will be In proportion to the taste
and means of the diners, but 1t can be safely as
Dsgtsd that nowhere would guest or a stranger
II down to meager feast on this day. for even
tho negroes have prepared most literally for the
Neat 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 are witnesses to the sea-
son OF jollity Family portraits of ancestors, now
Dong 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, Virginia? On Christmas
morning glass Of eggnog or toddy is taken by the
gentlemen rs they go 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 neighborhoOd for morning service.
The ancient brick ediice will always have been
decorated BY loving hands for this season.
Wreaths Of evergreen intertwine walls, chancel
and pulpit
The morning service over. the congregation e1-
change Christmas greetings outside. Some pres
ents taken to church for neighbors who live at
distance; happy. Inexpensive recollections OF the
season. but approximately indicative of the mo-
mentous occasion. Back from church. home folks
and guests are ready for dinner.
q Hurting Parties.
The east virginians have ever shown a penchant
1or hunting and chasing the fox behind good
rack OF hounds has always been sport par ex-
eeilence This sport still exists in the country dis
kricts and In spite ( wire fences now almost