German composition

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 ceremony⁠1. Finally, in the midst of an interesting conversation, we heard the bell ringing at the head of⁠2 the stairs. We all started up, and made for⁠3 the door. I ran up the steps with the children at my heels, and at the top met⁠4 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. From⁠5 the centre rose the beautiful Christmas tree, covered with wax tapers to the very top, which made the room nearly as light as day⁠6, while every bough was hung with sweetmeats and gilded nuts. The children ran shouting around the table, hunting⁠7 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 joy⁠8. 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 shackle⁠9 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 feeling⁠10 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.”

Notes

1 wie sie sich bei dem Feste benehmen würden.

2 at the head of, oben auf.

3 = ran towards.

4 = found.

5 = In; rose = stood.

6 as — day, tageshell; ‘to make’, here erleuchten.

7 = and searched for (nach).

8 = empfangen.

9 Use this noun in the pl., Fesseln; bears = bear.

10 = love; to — together, um das sie verbindende Band fester zu schürzen.