Sir Thomas Acland informed Mr. Brand, in 1790, that at Werington, on
Christmas Eve, "it was then customary for the country people to sing a
wassail or drinking song, and throw the toast from the wassail-bowl to
the apple-trees, in order to have a fruitful tree."
In many towns in Cumberland it is the practice on Christmas Eve to roast
apples before the fire on a string, and hold under them a bowl of spiced
ale (called there _mulled ale_) and let them roast on until they
drop into the ale.
We have the following picture of a country squire from Grose:--"His
chief drink the year round was generally ale, except at this season, the
fifth of November, or some other gala days, when he would make a bowl of
strong brandy punch, garnished with a toast and nutmeg. In the corner of
his hall by the fire-side stood a large wooden two-armed chair, and
within the chimney corner were a couple of seats. Here at Christmas he
entertained his tenants assembled round a globing fire made of the roots
of trees and other _great logs_, and told and heard the _traditionary
tales of the village_, respecting ghosts and witches, till fear made
them afraid to move. In the mean time the jorum of ale was in continual
circulation."
_Christmas Presents_.--A friend of mine at Appleby, in
Westmoreland, who is aware of my writing this article, says, "Pray
recollect the old custom we have here of making little presents one to
another. You know it is the practice here for little girls to send
numerous presents to their sweethearts, secured as tightly with _wax
and brown paper_ as can be, that they may be some time guessing what
it is before they open it. And if it is worth remarking, I would further
remind you of the sending of _shrid_ pies (which you know are very
excellent) as presents to neighbours."
In London enough is seen of the presents at Christmas, without
describing them; and after a "day spent merrily," they in the evening
commence card playing, which is kept up till morning, generally
speaking, and from thenceforth a whole run of merry days, till and
beyond Twelfth Day.
Soon after Christmas Day we are apprized of Twelfth Day (which keeps us
from dulness) by the icy cakes which everywhere appear in the
pastrycook's windows. And now I think I have as far as I am able
fulfilled my promise, and I may perhaps conclude this article with
wishing you and _all_ your readers and correspondents a merry
Christmas and a happy new year.