The Pulaskian., 1916-12-15

Perhaps the first sign of Christmas is the killing of the fat hogs, which have taken on flesh rapidly since they were put up and hard ened on good sound corn. Hogkilling 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 ham two years old and sugar-cured. It 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 on tidewater Vir ginia, 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 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 GobbIer.
 Two weeks before Christmas the turke- gob- bier fgenerally of the years raising is singled out from the flock, put up in 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 od-tme kitchen by old time negro "kitchen queen" forms the piece-de- resistance for the big dinner. The Christmas rejoces in roast turkey stuffed with oysters, bread crumbs, etc A sugarcured ham (from one to two years old) crisp celery Irish and sweet potatoes (the latter candied), salsify and spinach (all grown in the home "gyardin,) macaroni, and, of course, cranberry sauce for the turkey. The dessert consists of jelly (plenty of wine for seasoning), blanc mango both white and choco- late meringues fruits such as Malaga grapes, rOsy-cheeked apples bananas and oranges wine is 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 the side board Roquefort cheese and coffee end the feast rf,;. ipJio otiuo Of 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 a stranger sit down to a meager feast on this day. for even the negroes have prepared most liberaliy 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, farIn- house and cottage are all decorated Mahteis' halls and even bedrooms are witnesses to the sea son of jollity. Family portraits Of ancestors now long laid at rest are honored with a wreath or green and the red berries of the holly, Chris'ae greeting from the stern canvas
 What are the social customs that emphasize thls season in Tidewater, Virginia? On Chrlstinas morning glass of eggnog or today IS taken oy Lne gentlemen as they go into breakfast. Alter uns meal the company will separate IL IS possioAs that some of the party Will eo lo 'iie church in the neighborhood for morning serslce' The ancient brick edifce will always nave oeen decorated by loving hands f'r ths season Wreaths of evergreen ntertwine on walls chahcei and pulpit ov- The morning service over, the congregation e4- ebanee Christmas greetings outside Some pres ents are taken to church for neighbors who i've at distance; happy, inexpensive recollections or lne season. but appreciatively indicative or the @ imo, mentous occasion Back from church nome ioiAS and guests are ready for dinner.
 Hunting Parties
 Tho east virainians have ever shown penchant for h,nfinp and chasing the fox behind good mack of hounds has always been sport par eA- ceilence This sport still exists in the country ols tricts, and in spite of wire fences -" a''''',7'