THE CHRISTMAS DAYS OF LONG AGO.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3711, 21 December 1912, Page 15

THE CHRISTMAS DAYS OF LONG AGO.

Ah, well-a-day for those glad times Before this weary world grew old, Ere children sneered at Santa Okras, Or gingerbread that lost its gold, When knight and vassal, page and squire, Met round the Yule-fire’s ruddy glow, And strove to meetly celebrate The Christmas Days of long ago. The wassail bowl went gaily round, While songs were sung and games were played; The country dance was featly tripped By smiling youth and blushing maid; While rosy cheeks grew rosier still Beneath the berried mistletoe, Whose mystic rites were duly kept On Christmas Days of long ago. Then rich and poor, the friends of years, And strangers met in kindly throng; And young and old their voices joined In merry Yuletide glee and song. The waits sang blithely, while the bells Chimed softly o’er a world of snow, For "Christmas weather” always graced The Christmas days of long ago. But now we’ve grown so wondrous wise We vote such humble joys a bore. We mock at all the homely ways, And simple mirth of days of yore. No more we meet in friendlv guise Beside the Yule-fire’s ruddy glow. We shudder at the 'homely fare That came with Christmas long ago. —Maud E. Sargent.