An English Christmas

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 141, 18 December 1928, Page 27

An English Christmas

Cynics declare that Christmas is out of date and that the so-called merry season brings us nothing better than bills and Bank holidays. But Christmas holds its own, although we do not now keep the feast exactly as our ancestors did, writes the Hon. Mrs. Fitzroy Stewart in the "Daily Mail." Royalty, as usual, gives the lead find shows us the charm of a domestic Christmas. Last year, the King and Queen had their children and grandchildren at Sandringham, and probably they will adopt a similar plan this year. Cithers who followed suit were tho Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, who. had a large family party at Chatsworth; the aged Duke of Bichmond at Goodwood; and tbo Duke and .Duchess ol! Portland at Welbcck Abbey. Lord land Lady Bath had a family party at Longlcat, which included the youthful bridegroom and bride, Lord and Lady Weymouth. Lord and Lady Camden ■entertained at Bayham Abbey; and Lord and Lady Harrowby at Sandon. Such us these keep Christmas in the old-world way, with a. family dinner, which includes schoolboys and schoolgirls, and with heaps of holly and mistletoe, and Christmas carols sung by village children or by, retainers. In a few houses a boar's head is still carried in triumph iuto the dining-room. A gay, modem Christmas is kept in the shires and in other hunting centres. If tho weather is open many sportsmen and sportswomen elect to spend tho holidays at Melton, Market Uarborough, or near Badminton. In that case, Americans are much to the fore, and there are dinners, balls, and suppers, at which can bo sampled the newest dances, dishes, and cocktails. Wireless and gramophones arc up-to-date amusements; and on the Bank holiday there may be air trips and motoring to places of interest; or, if a big town is near, luncheon at its best hotel. If frost sets in, not a few people will spend Christmas in London. Tho days are short and dark, but in late afternoon the houses arc, bright and warm, with te;i, talk, calces, cards, cocktails, and often dancing. Also there is a round of dinners, play parties, and restaurant, suppers. We keep Christinas with 'a'will In our Merry England.