A Victorian Christmas poem: Celebrate the holidays the old fashioned way

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daryl Knee
  • 90th Space Wing Public Affairs
F. E. Warren AFB, Wyo. --  (Editor's note: The words in bold are stressed and represent emphasis. There are seven beats per line.)

Wind screams and moans past a home all alone in the newly built Fort D.A. Russell.

A family warms their bones by a fire made known to ease this day's usual hustle.

The children laugh and sing, dance and bring that tingle of excitement to all.

Rings, strings and various wonderful things lay in store for this family so small.

Christmas morn is the morrow and all of the sorrow will be lifted due thanks to the leaven.

No clocks on the wall, no calendar can call that the year is 1867.

Greenery fills the house, up to the brim, reflecting the customs of time:

Treat covered trees, strings all of beads and bells that need only to chime.

As the holiday approaches, an idea encroaches on how to place the décor.

Take some tips from the past, a view of the last Victorian Christmas of lore.

Ribbons and stockings with small figures locking in place on the tree's great boughs; bread and sweets and eggs full of meats and things that one could do browse.

The gifts were all given from givers to give in to the spirit that Christmas pursues.

Concerned about losing that ardor and vigor, there were things that the people did do.

Gift giving was something planned months in advance, with long lists to include everyone.

Handmade, store bought, purchased or caught, picking the presents was fun.

The giving decided, the décor well sighted, only the Christmas day feast remained.

Turkey, stuffed ham, stewed oysters and jam were some items the dinners contained.

To experience the delight of a Christmas site right, the base museum you must go.

Walk right on in, or call in advance, at 773-2980.