Historical Poem
1890
A CHRISTMAS GLEE
By Helen Chase
Good Housekeeping, December 6, 1890.
Come, haste, let us seek it,
The dear Christmas holly--
Its crimson lights gleam brightly forth from the snow;
See it reach out its bonnie green boughs as an offering--
A rare Yule-tide gift on its friends to bestow!
Go seek it, ye children,
The dear Christmas holly--
Seek it first for the home-shrine with swift, loving hands;
Bring its sheen and its glow to the place made most sacred
By tears and by joys, throughout kingdoms and lands.
Go seek it, ye yeomen,
The brave Christmas holly--
Make a forest of emerald and red in the kirk--
Bring the rarest of sprays for the altar—and to it
Come, worshipers, all—be ye Christian or Turk.
Go seek it, ye skeptic,
The dear Christmas holly--
As you clasp this bright emblem of Yule-tide—forsake
Your scorn of the truth and your grim speculations,
And of the deep joy of the Yule-tide partake.
So gather it, good folk,
The dear Christmas holly,
Let it glow from the altar, and shine at the feast--
May the glory and love of the Christ-child surround us
As shone the light down from His star in the East!
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This poem appears in my anthology,
A Christmas Wish
Victorian Winter Poetry for Christmas and New Year's
Get the book on Amazon |
"Had I power to give to you
Many a rich and costly gem, Fit, in brilliancy of hue, To adorn a diadem, I'd bestow the jewels rare On some other friend less dear, While for you I'd breathe a prayer, Such as I do offer here. Many a merry Christmas, friend, Health, contentment, joy and bliss; More delights in thought I send Than I can convey in this. With the now departing year May your cares and sorrows cease; May the new one, drawing near, Bring you happiness and peace." —1883 As soon as winter arrives, when icy pictures appear on windows and Jack Frost makes maidens blush, our thoughts turn to Christmas. Treats are baked, larders filled, and hunts for mistletoe lead to the most delightful results. Children eagerly await Santa Claus and older folks fill their stockings with memories old and new. Finally the day comes with all its joys and celebrations, and even then we still have more to look forward to, for there is still New Year's to come with all its hopes and promises. This delightful collection of Victorian poetry is perfect for cozy winter evenings. Cuddle up by a crackling fire while the snow flurries outside and share these delightful old verses with all your holiday guests, young and old. Compiled and edited by Sarah A. Chrisman, author of the charming Tales of Chetzemoka series as well as This Victorian Life, Victorian Secrets, and others. |
Victorian Christmas Gifts
Bags, mugs, and cards printed with beautiful 19th-century images from our private archive
If you liked this piece, you might also enjoy:
A Pine-Cone Christmas (1890)
Winter Cheer (Poem—1888)
Christmas Pensees (Poem—1890)
Historical holiday images
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