Part 191

+Euch.+

+um die Kleinen daran zu erinnern, sich gut zu betragen.+

+Der St.+ (S. 103, N. 33) +Nicolaustag+; forerunner, +Vorfeier+, f.

Section 222.

CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY.

II.

When this time was over, we all began preparing secretly our presents for Christmas. Every day there was a consultation about the things which should be obtained. It was so arranged that we should interchange presents, but nobody must know beforehand what he would receive. What pleasure there was in all these secret purchases and preparations! Scarcely anything was thought or spoken of but Christmas, and every day the consultations became more numerous and secret. The trees were bought some time before-hand, but as we Americans were to witness the festival for the first time, we were not allowed to see them prepared, in order that the effect might be as great as possible. The market in the Römerberg Square grew constantly larger and more brilliant. Every night it was illuminated with lamps and thronged with people. Quite a forest sprang up in the street before our door. The old stone house opposite, with the traces of so many centuries on its dark face, seemed to stand in the midst of a garden. It was a pleasure to go out every evening and see the children rushing to and fro, shouting and selecting toys from the booths and talking all the time of the Christmas that was so near (S. 48, N. 6). The poor people went with their little presents hid under their cloaks, lest their children might see them; every heart was glad, and every countenance wore a smile of secret pleasure.

Finally, the day before Christmas arrived. The streets were so full, I could scarcely make my way through, and the sale of trees went on more rapidly than ever. These were usually branches of pine or fir, set upright in a little miniature garden of moss. When the lamps were lighted at night, our street had the appearance of an illuminated garden. We were prohibited from entering the rooms upstairs in which the grand ceremony was to take place, being obliged to take our seats in those arranged for the guests, and to await with impatience the hour when the “Christkindchen” should call us.

+statt´finden.+

= procured, +an´schaffen+.

= but that nobody should.

went with = had.

= that I.

to make one’s way through, +sich einen Weg durch die Menge bahnen+.

+vonstatten gehen.+

+bestehen (aus).+

+welche ... hineingestellt waren.+

= and were obliged.

Section 223.

CHRISTMAS IN GERMANY.

III.

Several relatives of the family came (S. 104, N. 19), and, what was more agreeable, they brought with them five or six children. I was anxious to see how they would view the ceremony. Finally, in the midst of an interesting conversation, we heard the bell ringing at the head of the stairs. We all started up, and made for the door. I ran up the steps with the children at my heels, and at the top met a blaze of dazzling light, coming from the open door. In each room stood a great table, on which presents were arranged, amid flowers and wreaths. From the centre rose the beautiful Christmas tree, covered with wax tapers to the very top, which made the room nearly as light as day, while every bough was hung with sweetmeats and gilded nuts. The children ran shouting around the table, hunting their presents, while the older persons had theirs pointed out to them. I had a little library of German authors as my share; and many of the others received quite valuable gifts.

But how beautiful was the heartfelt joy that shone on every countenance! As each one discovered his presents, he embraced the givers, and it was a scene of unmingled joy. It is a glorious feast, this Christmas time! What a chorus from happy hearts went up on that evening to Heaven! Full of poetry and feeling, and glad associations, it is here anticipated with delight, and leaves a pleasant memory behind it. We may laugh at such simple festivals at home, and prefer to shake ourselves loose from every shackle that bears the rust of the past, but we should certainly be happier if some of these beautiful old customs were better honoured. They renew the bond of feeling between families and friends, and strengthen their kindly sympathy; even life-long associates require occasions of this kind to freshen the tie that binds them together.—BAYARD TAYLOR, “VIEWS AFOOT.”

+wie sie sich bei dem Feste benehmen würden.+

at the head of, +oben auf+.

= ran towards.

= found.

= In; rose = stood.