Jason Elmer Hammond

“ At five o'clock Christmas morning all must be at church for the early service. In some parts of the country each person carries a Christmas candle to be placed on the edge of the pew in front, the candles furnishing all the light for the church. As the people go home, the trees in the houses are lighted and the shades are raised so that the Christmas cheer penetrates the darkness. ”

“ Germany is the children's paradise through the Christmas season, for this is the true home of the Christmas tree. So many of these are required that the raising of the trees is an extensive industry, and many train loads are carried to the cities in anticipation of the day. The market places appear almost like forests of evergreens that spring up at Christmas time. The tree is usually brought home and concealed in some cool place till the evening of the twenty-third, when it is placed in the most favorable position in the best room and the doors are closed. ”

“ As the mother-hurries in and out of the room, the excitement of the children grows more and more intense, and the air of mystery pervading the whole house is one of the enjoyable features of the holiday season. ”