and hither and thither sleds
shoot by, laden with parcels of painted toys, instruments of mock
music and septuagenarian dread, from a penny trumpet to a sheepskin
drum.

Christmas seems to be a popular period among the young folk for being
mated, and a surprising number approach the altar this morning.
Whether it is that orange-flowers and bridal gifts are admirably
adapted to the time, or that a longer lease of happiness is ensured
from the joyous character of the occasion, we are not sufficiently
learned in hymeneal lore to announce. The Christmas week, however, is
a merry one for the honeymoon, as little is thought of but mirth and
gaiety until the dawning New Year soberly suggests that we should put
aside our masquerade manners.

In drawing-room amusements society has a wealth of pleasing indoor
pastimes. We remember the sententious Question _reunions_, the
hilarious Surprise parties, Fairy-bowl, and Hunt-the-slipper. We can
never forget the vagabond Calathumpians, who employ in their bands
everything inharmonious, from a fire-shovel to a stewpan, causing more
din than the demons down under the sea ever dreamed of.

What, then, between the sleigh-rides, the bell-melodies, old Santa
Claus and his fictions, the egg-nogg and lunches, the weddings and the
willingness to be entertained, the Americans find no difficulty in
enjoying Christmas Day. Old forms and new notions come in for a share
of observances; and the young country, in a glow of good humour, with
one voice exclaims, "Le bon temps vienara!"

PRESIDENT HARRISON AS "SANTA CLAUS."

Writing from New York on December 22, 1891, a correspondent says:
"President Harrison was seen by your correspondent at the White House
yesterday, and was asked what he thought about Christmas and its
religious and social influences. The President expressed himself
willing to offer his opinions, and said: 'Christmas is the most sacred
religious festival of the year, and should be an occasion of general
rejoicing throughout the land, from the humblest citizen to the
highest official, who, for the time being, should forget or put behind
him his cares and annoyances, and participate in the spirit of
seasonable festivity. We intend to make it a happy day at the White
House--all the members of my family, representing four generations,
will gather around the big table in the State dining-room to have an
old-fashioned Christmas dinner. Besides Mrs. Harrison, there will be
her father