Historical Poem
1890
Christmas Pensees
By Josephine Canning
Good Housekeeping, December 6, 1890. p. 373.
'Tis Christmas, merry Christmas,
With its holly-berries bright,
With its sweet and joyous carols
Chiming out into the night.
'Tis Christmas, happy Christmas,
With its greetings, when we hear
Pleasant sounds of salutation
And good wishes for the year.
'Tis Christmas, hallowed Christmas,
With its hidden sigh that tells
Of the shadow that hath fallen
Since the ringing of the bells.
'Tis Christmas, blessed Christmas,
With its memories untold,
Bringing joy and pain commingled,
As in Christmas days of old.
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This poem appears in
A Christmas Wish
Victorian Winter Poetry for Christmas and New Year's
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"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. |
Remember: Books make great Christmas gifts —and they're always the right size!
When you buy one of my books for someone, you're not just giving them a gift, you're also giving me the best gift you possibly can —the ability to make a living doing what I've always wanted to do. Thank you, and may the blessings of the season be upon you.
In a seaport town in the late 19th-century Pacific Northwest, a group of friends find themselves drawn together —by chance, by love, and by the marvelous changes their world is undergoing. In the process, they learn that the family we choose can be just as important as the ones we're born into. Join their adventures in
Tales of Chetzemoka
Victorian Christmas Gifts
Bags, mugs, and cards printed with beautiful 19th-century images from our private archive
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