The review. [volume] (High Point, N.C.) 1908-19??, 1916-12-14


IA and are regularly observed, not only
E'~SAAl on the large plantations but on the
= smaller farms, and even in the negro
kT%@ quarters. SO all get their full measure
1A-<S0 of gifts and turkey.
Perhaps the first sign of Christmas
is the killing of the fat hogs, which have taken
flesh rapidly since they were put up and hard
ened good sound corn. HOgkilling time
means a generous supply of "fresh" in other
words sausage Sparerib, chine, cheese-sOuse pig $
feet, and, of course that fresh pork ham baked
during Christmas week. This is thanked by
baked ham two years old and sugar-cured 1t
will all furnish mighty good eating for visitors
who drop in for a little while, but have not time
stay to the regular dinner.
Those who have spent years on tdeWater Nir
ginia plantation know just what hOg-kiling 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 in pretty
good shape for the holidays.
That Christmas GobbIer.
Two weeks before Christmas, the turkey COB
bier GENERALLY of the years raising) is singled
out from the flock put up in a Slated coop in the
back yard, fed shelled till he is in proper
condition. killed the day before Christmas, hung
up the north side of the porch and next day,
when cooked in the old-time kitchen by old
time negro Kitchen queen" forms the piece-de-
resistance for the big dinner The Christmas
rejOices in turkey stuffed with oysters.
bread crumbs, sugar-cured ham (from one
to two years Old), crisp celery, Irish and sweet
potatoes (the latter canded) satisfy and spinach
(all grown in the home "gyardin,) macaroni,
and, of course cranberry sauce for the turkey.
Tie dessert consists of jelly (penty 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 dash of nutmeg, will most likely
be taken by the gentlemen beforehand at the 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 it can be safely as
serted that nowhere would guest or stranger
sit down to a 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 are witnesses to the sea-
son of jollity. 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 the social customs that emphasize this
season in Tidewater, Virginia? On Christmas
morning glass of eggnog or toddy is taken by the
gentlemen as they go into breakfast. After this
meal, the company will separate 1t is possible
that some of the party will go to the Colonlal
church in the neighborhood for morning service
The ancient brick edifice 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 taken to church for neighbors who live at
a distance happy inexpensive recollectons of the
season. but appreciatively indicative of the mo-
mentous occasion. Back from church. home folks
and guests ready for dinner.
Hunting Parties.
The east Virginlans have ever shown Penchant
for hunting and chasing the fox behind a good
pack of hounds has always been a sport par ex-
cellence This sport till exists in the country dis
tr1cts, and in spite of wire fences, now almost