Democratic Sentinel, Volume 16, Number 49, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 23 December 1892 — CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM. [ARTICLE]

CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM.

The Day Should lie One or Joy and Happiness In the Rural Home. Because the regular routine of chores has to be gone through 305 days a year is no reason why Christmas’and other holidays should not be days of gladness and good cheer upon tho farm. Make the samo provision the day before, for the lessening tho amount of work that must be done, ns you do for Sunday: then let it bo don© up as quickly as possible as thoroughness will allow; and wo believe in showing “good will” to even tho dumb brutes by giving them an extra allowance oil foed, either in qualify or quantity—not that we think they have any appreciation of the day or motive that prompts it, hut they will approciute the fact. The work done ujl, turn about to have just as good a time as possible—a day full of joy and happiness because the pleasure of others is sought more than the gratification of self. If the home consists of only “wife and 1.” sec that wife has as much attention and “waiting on" us when you were courting her. If there is sleighing the old times can be all the bettor revived, if not, and the wheeling is not good, just make tho day one of the best in which to see your “girl." If ijie home nest has birdiings In it, hayq.il, romp with these; if the "birdlings” have grown to be “great strapping follows,’’ show them that father can be a boy with them and have a good time at hunting, trapping, or whatever they choose. If those who bless your home are fair maidens of “sweet sixteen,” or any other age, consult their wishes and tastes as to'how tho day is to be used. Id either of the lhst three cases be sure the wife and mother is consulted and her wishes put, first. Where there Is hired help, havo,.th© day a glad one for them, too, whether they wisli to seek enjoyment elsewhere or in the home of their employer. Americans do not take enough holidays. American Jarmers do not unbend,often enough or long enough. Try taking more leisure, begin with New Year’s, 1893, and continue at Intervals through the year, and see if Christmas ’O3 does not find you younger and less worn out than Christmas 1892 did.