A Western Christmas in the Old Days – Mrs. W. H. Corning
"A WESTERN CHRISTMAS IN THE OLD DAYS. BY MRS. W. H. CORNING. Christmas week there was no school, but such a succession of dining days, and visiting days, and day parties, and night parties, that Fanny, who looked forward to the week as a season of rest, thought that the regular routine of school duties would be less fatiguing. Christmas at La Belle Prairie was the one jubilee of the year, something to be talked about for six months beforehand, and to be remembered as long after. It was a time of feasting and recreation for both master and servant. Days before, preparations commenced in the kitchen. Various smells issued from thence—savory smells of boiled, baked, and roasted meats; and sweet delicious smells of warm pastry and steaming cakes. Aunt Tibby was rolling pie-crust or stirring cake all day long, and the chopping of sausage-meat, the pounding of spices, and the beating of eggs were constantly heard. Everything was carried on with the greatest secrecy. The children were all kept out of the kitchen, and when "somefin' good" was to be transferred therefrom to Miss Car'line's store-room, Aunt Tibby came sailing in, holding it high above the reach of the curious little heads...." ... this is an old Western Christmas story published in 1895. I thought it you'd like it. I've read all your emails & promise I'll be back in person real soon! For the moment - enjoy the story. And if you want to drop me a line you can do so at wrf@mail.com. Merry Christmas!