d my sleeping
soundly; so that when the others were attempting to steal away the
next morning to go to church, I was fully roused, and implored so
earnestly to be taken with the rest of the family, that at length my
prayer was granted; but on condition that I should keep perfectly
still during the service.

Arrived at the church we found it brilliantly illuminated, and
decorated with the boughs of the holly and other evergreens.

It is quite certain that a child of five years old could not
understand the importance, beauty, and extreme fitness of the sublime
service she so often witnessed in after life; yet I can recollect a
peculiarly sweet, sacred, and mysterious feeling taking possession of
me, as my infant mind received the one simple impression that this was
the birthday of the Saviour I had been taught to love and pray to,
since my infant lips could lisp a word.

Since early impressions are likely to be permanent, it is considered
most important in my fatherland to surround, Christmas with all joyous
and holy associations. A day of days, indeed, it is with us--a day
never to be forgotten.

So far is this feeling carried, that it is no uncommon pastime, even
at the beginning of the new year, to project plans and presents, happy
surprises, and unlooked-for offerings, to be presented at the far-off
time of Christmas festivity.

* * * * *

Another writer, at the latter end of the nineteenth century, gives the
following account of the Christmas festivities at the German Court,
from which it appears that the long-cherished Christmas customs are
well preserved in the highest circle in Germany:--

CHRISTMAS AT THE GERMAN COURT.

In accordance with an old custom the Royal Family of Prussia celebrate
Christmas in a private manner at the Emperor William's palace, where
the "blue dining-hall" on the first floor is arranged as the Christmas
room. Two long rows of tables are placed in this hall, and two smaller
tables stand in the corners on either side of the pillared door
leading to the ballroom. On these tables stand twelve of the finest
and tallest fir-trees, reaching nearly to the ceiling, and covered
with innumerable white wax candles placed in wire-holders, but without
any other decoration.

In the afternoon of the 24th great packages are brought into this room
containing the presents for the members of the Imperial household, and
in the presence of the Emperor his Chamberlain distributes th