Old Christmas Recalled - online book

Washington Irving's description of Old Christmas, Illustrated

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	10                                     CHRISTMAS
	sounded with the harp and the Christmas carol, and their ample boards groaned under the weight of hospitality. Even the poorest cottage welcomed the festive sea­son with green decorations of bay and holly—the cheerful fire glanced its rays through the lattice, inviting the pass­enger to raise the latch, and join the gossip knot huddled round the hearth, beguiling the long evening with le­gendary jokes and oft-told Christmas tales. One of the least pleasing effects of modern refinement is the havoc it has made among the hearty old holiday customs. It has completely taken off the sharp touchings and spirited reliefs of these embellishments of life, and has worn down society into a more smooth and polished,