SSNL Newsletter Christmas Issue
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Schizophrenia Society NL& L, Waterford Hospital, 18A-18B U Block
E-mail: info@ssnl.org www.ssnl.org
Christmas Greetings!
We want to take this opportunity to wish you
all the peace, joy, and love of the season.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Florence Budden, President SSNL
Brenda Stamp, Vice-President SSNL
Editors’ Message
We would like to thank all who contributed
recipes or articles to this newsletter.
(P): 709- 777- 3335
Christmas Message
Executive Director’s Message
Editors” Message
SSNL’s News Round –Up
Christmas Reflections
Collection of Recipes
The First Christmas
The Night Before Christmas
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Brenda & Marsha
Executive Director’s Message
Dear members, friends, and community supporters
This is the festive re-launch of the “new” SSNL newsletter, and I’m very thankful for the hard
work that Brenda and Marsha have put into making the newsletter a reality. This newsletter and the
following issues will only be as relevant as you, the SSNL membership make it. I encourage you all to
send in content, articles, stories, poems, photos, etc… to make our newsletter a true reflection of our
Society.
Please give us your feedback, and let us know what you think of the newsletter.
Have a safe and happy holiday season
Dave Banko
Executive Director
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News Round-up From SSNL
Annual General Meeting
On July 27, 2010 during the Schizophrenia Society of Canada and the Schizophrenia Society of
Newfoundland’s national conference, “Social Inclusion: Well Beyond Recovery” we held our Annual
General Meeting. The AGM was a success with many of our members present. Also in attendance were
some of the members from SSC as well as delegates at the national conference. It was a great time to
celebrate our successes of the past year and to share what we have planned for the upcoming year. The
annual report and the financial report for the year ending March, 2010 were presented and approved by
the members in attendance.
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Schizophrenia Society Provincial Awards
Every year SSNL recognizes a consumer, a family member and a health professional whose dedication to
service has made a major contribution to SSNL. The awards are presented at our AGM each year.
Congratulations to our winners for 2010
The Knee Award
This award is presented to a consumer. This year’s recipient was Joy Jacobs
March Award
This award is presented to a health care professional. This year’s recipient was Geri Dalton.
MacDonald Award
This award is presented to a family member. This year’s recipient was Annette Murphy.
Congratulations to each of you and special thanks for all your hard work and dedication to the society.
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Mental Illness Awareness Week
During the week of Oct.3- 10 known as Mental Illness Awareness week SSNL set up an information
booth at the Health Sciences Centre, St. Clare’s Hospital and the Waterford Hospital.
The purpose of this information booth was to educate and promote awareness about mental illness
and SSNL in the community. Judging by the number of people who dropped by our booth to have a chat or
to ask us questions, the event was an enormous success.
If you have any ideas about future activities SSNL can be engaged in during such weeks please
contact us.
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SSNL Annual Walk
The sun peeked through the clouds in the sky and a soft breeze blew across Quidi Vidi Lake as
family and friends of SSNL participated in our annual Walk of Hope to mark the beginning of Mental Illness
Awareness week. Towards the end of the walk many stopped to admire out Tree of Recovery that was
planted just behind the Regatta Club this past spring. This walk is just one of the activities SSNL uses to
create an awareness of our society in the community and to help reduce the stigma. Thank you to
everyone who participated and /or who sponsored people. Through the pledges SSNL raised
approximately $2500.
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Partnership Education Program
The Partnership Education Program is based on a personal story-telling model. Three guest
speakers, a professional, a family member and a person with mental illness describe their own experience
with mental illness. During this fall presentations were made to: 2nd year medical students, 3rd year
nursing students at the Centre for Nursing Studies, 3rd year social work students and MUN’s graduating
pharmacy students. If you require further information about this program or would like for us to do a
presentation to your group, please contact the SSNL office.
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SSNL Welcomes New Members to the Board of Directors
During the past few months SSNL has welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors: Joy
Jacobs and Bill Moyse. Special thanks are extended to both of you for your willingness to share your time,
talent and energy with us.
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Q. What is a snowman's favorite lunch?
A. An Iceberger!
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Corrections Canada Conference
On Dec.9, 2010 Florence and Brenda were asked to make a presentation at a conference
sponsored by Corrections Canada on the criminalization of the mentally ill. Their presentation entitled
“Partnerships with the Justice System: Creating New Directions “proved to be of interest to the many
agencies who are involved with both mental health and the justice system. Opportunities for new
partnerships were created at this conference.
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Hubert Furey Releases CD
Hubert Furey, a long time friend and volunteer with SSNL, is happy to announce the release of his CD,
“As the Old Folks Would Say”, a collection of original recitations, fictionalized stories in verse drawn from
Newfoundland outport culture. Composed and performed by Hubert, the recitations focus on the many
diverse aspects of Newfoundland and Labrador life, bringing a humorous cast to such traditional
Newfoundland pastimes as blueberry picking, squidding, moose hunting, partridge hunting, etc. The
stories are fanciful, imaginative and entertaining, and make an ideal Christmas gift. One of Hubert’s
recitations can be found in the Christmas Reflections section of this newsletter.
They are currently on sale at The Rooms, O’Brien’s Music Store and Britannia Teas or can be obtained
by telephoning Hubert directly at 229-4729.
Way to go, Hubert!!!
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Volunteers
At this time SSNL would like to thank all our volunteers, provincial societies and all our community
friends and all our community agency friends who want to make our world a better place for everyone.
This fall SSNL was lucky to have two nursing students to assist us as part of their program in mental health.
Thank you to Stephanie Sullivan and Kayla Careen for helping out at our Support Group meetings and
various other SSNL projects
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SSNL Hiring Family Support Worker
We are currently seeking one casual Family Support Worker to work in each of the Western,
Central, and Eastern regions of the province. The job postings can be seen at: www.jobsinnl.ca
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Q. Why are Christmas trees such bad knitters?
A. They are always dropping their needles.
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Upcoming Events
New Year’s Meet & Greet
January 7th from 6:30pm-10:00pm
Waterford Lion’s Club
This is a free event, but PLEASE contact the office to register so that we can ensure that there will
be enough refreshments, and snacks.
Monthly Support Group Meetings
Please do not forget about our monthly support group meetings. These meetings take place the last
Wednesday of each month with the exception of July and August. The meetings take place at the
Waterford Lions club from 7:00P.M. – 9:00P.M. We look forward to hearing from you. What would
you like to see at our meetings, what topics would you like to see more of. Please tell us. Your
opinion counts.
Education Session
Monday January 31, 2010 7:00pm-9:30pm
Mews Community Centre
Please check the City of St. John’s Winter Activity Guide for more information.
Strengthening Families Together
Strengthening Families Together is a 10-session national education program for family members
and friends of individuals with serious and persistent mental illnesses. The goal of Strengthening
Families Together is to provide information on the topics associated with living daily with a mental
illness for families and friends of individuals with schizophrenia and other related disorders. SSNL is
now seeking interested family members to participate in our next offering of this education
program designed for families this spring. If you would like to register for this program or would like
further information regarding the program, please contact the office.
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Did you know that…?
Santa has 31 hours of Christmas to work with, thanks to the different time zones and the rotation of the
earth.
In Poland, Santa Claus gives gifts on the 6th of December.
Santa Claus is also known as Saint Nicholas, Father Christmas, and Kris Kringle.
In 1866, the artist, Thomas Nast, made a montage entitled, "Santa Claus and His Works" and for the first
time established Santa as a maker of toys
It was Coca-Cola's magazine advertisements, billboards, and point-of-sale store displays that exposed
nearly everyone in America to the modern Santa Claus image.
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Christmas Reflections
Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so
intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may
be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance--a day in
which we think of everything we have ever loved. - Augusta E. Rundel
No matter where you live or how old you are, Christmases from your childhood have a special glow about
them. In this section our friends share their reflections on Christmas.
An Australian Christmas
Hi Folks,
It’s that time of year again. Around the world, those familiar activities of over consumption begin in
earnest - the madness of shopping, the endless parties & extravagant food. With the arrival of the first snow
fall, we gather our warm coats, hats & gloves to do battle with the cold. On the opposite side of the planet
though, where my family lives, the Aussie Xmas is quite a different experience.
Xmas time in Australia is holiday time too for school children. December through to February is the
main break for their summer holiday so Xmas is often combined with a holiday away. Waking early on Xmas
day, the morning is usually already warm & the temperature rises till mid afternoon. It’s often best to get
early morning chores done while it’s still cool enough, water the garden or get in an early morning swim.
After opening the pressies around the Xmas tree with family, we prepare for friends or family to arrive, and
prepare a main meal. This is not the everyday meal but something special accompanied with fancy
tableware & extra special treats.
Some people even cook the Xmas roast the night before, to avoid getting too many flies in the
house! Believe me, the flies are bad, especially if you live out in the bush! As a child in the 50’s, the Aussie
Xmas traditions were very ‘English’. A roast chicken or pork or lamb with gravy & roasted vegetables was
common. If you were well-to-do, then perhaps you would be lucky enough to have turkey. Traditions have
changed somewhat & now Xmas menus are very multicultural. As it’s quite hot, the roast has been replaced
with more casual fare. Salads & BBQ's are popular as everyone can eat outside. NO-one wants to be stuck
inside looking after a hot oven on a hot day! Casual picnics or buffets even take the place of Xmas lunch, by
the river, in a park, at the beach or in the shelter of shade on a patio.
This year my family will all meet at my brothers in Bathurst, a country town several hours west of
Sydney. Unfortunately I won't be with them this Xmas but no doubt we will speak by phone or Skype via
internet. Family & friends are what Xmas is all about, no matter where you come from.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Annette Murphy
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“A Christmas Miracle”, one of Hubert’s three more serious recitations, is provided below for your
enjoyment.
A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE
It was bright and red with great big wheels and it made his face aglow
And it waited for him every day mid the artificial snow
He didn’t see the teddy bears or the shiny hockey puck
He saw nothing in that window but a little red fire truck
He’d stand in awesome wonder while the snow dripped from the eaves
And he’d only rest his gaze to wipe the pane with worn sleeves
Such a gift at Christmas would bring such boundless joy
When put into the heart and hands of a tiny little boy
The old merchant watched the tiny nose press hard into the glass
And shook his head and knew that it would never come to pass
A father dead, a mother poor, she barely paid her bill
Then he had learned just yesterday how she had taken ill
The boy knew that, though he was small, (in September he’d turned five)
But he also knew a Child was coming, that the Child would soon arrive
The world knew that His coming was not a week away
And the Child could make it happen, all he had to do was pray
His footsteps matched his earnest prayers as he sloshed home through the snow
His mind filled only with the Child, as he walked, his head bowed low
Sometimes he’d stop and clench his fists and close his eyes real tight
Seeing that fire truck by the tree on the coming Christmas night
On Christmas Eve he raced from school, for one last joyful look
And searched in vain with tearful eyes for the little red fire truck
In its place now stood an angel with a golden halo on
But there was no smile on the angel’s face – the little truck was gone
He trudged back home with heavy steps, his soul bereft of joy
Knowing that the fire truck now would find some other boy
That night he went to Midnight Mass, standing by his mother’s side
And he had not yet told her how that afternoon he cried
He refused to look at the tiny Babe when they sang “O Holy Night”
Hymn after hymn they sang in praise, but he kept his lips sealed tight
When it came time to pray aloud, he said not a single word
What was the sense of praying if your prayers were never heard
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Well, what surprise, when he came downstairs, so dejected and forlorn
To see the fire truck by the tree on that blessed Christmas morn
He ran and hugged his mother for the precious thing she’d done
But she smiled down as she stroked his hair “It was not me, my son”
Who brought the gift? It matters only that there was a heart to care
A heart so big and warm enough to reach and love and share
The gift had come, the Child had come, is there more I have to say?
Perhaps that’s all that’s needed to bring joy on Christmas Day
Merry Christmas
Hubert
Christmas Lights in Corner Brook
In September, 1965, my family – mother, father, brother, sister, grandmother and I moved
from Riverhead, Hr. Grace to Corner Brook. To this day I remember when on a crisp clear night
during Christmas we would all get into our car and drive around Corner Brook to see the Christmas
lights and decorations around town. At that time the city of Corner Brook always selected the best
decorated house. As we drove around admiring the bright twinkling lights, we would select what we
considered to be the best decorated house. Sometimes we had chosen correctly. And yes, there’s
something magical about all those Christmas lights, no matter what your age.
Brenda Stamp
Christmas Now and Then
Some things have definitely changed about the Christmas season since I was a child. I grew
up in Corner Brook and well remember the excitement I felt as Christmas was getting closer and
closer. Toys were not available all year round as they are now…no “Toys R Us” then. The Christmas
displays at local shops built up great expectations in a young child’s mind. I especially remember the
Toyland display at Eaton’s. I can’t recall their seasonal display being up a long time before Christmas.
Now Halloween has not even arrived when Santa scenes go up at the stores and malls.
One prized item in the weeks before the big day was the mail –order Christmas catalogue
now known as “The Wish Book” from Eaton’s and from Simpsons Sears. I came from a large family
and we all had to wait our turn in getting the catalogue to study. We so hoped to get that longed for
item as our Christmas gift that we had selected from the catalogue. We would get one special gift
from Santa and other small gifts from family members.
One very different thing about Christmas then was what your stocking was stuffed with…a five
point apple, an orange, grapes, nuts, hard Christmas candies as well as a candy cane. There were
definitely no expensive electronic gadgets then and I truly believe that expectations were lower than
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now.
So there was not the same emphasis on commercialism. However, what is still the same are the
Christmas concerts, get togethers with relatives and friends, the carols at the church services and of course,
the excitement that only a child can feel at Christmas.
Sandra Hallett
Our First Christmas as a Family
Christmas has always been an exciting time of the year for me- putting up lights, decorating the
house, baking cakes and cookies and buying gifts for loved ones. After getting married in 1989 John and I
were excited about choosing that special gift for our families. My secret dream was one day we would be
sharing that magic of Christmas with our own children. Finally, that year came when in the spring of 1994
our lives were enhanced with the adoption of our two precious and special boys Shannon aged 8 and Aaron
aged 5. I could hardly wait for Christmas. What a wonderful time that was going to be!
The arrival of The Wish Book opened up a world of anticipation and excitement. Shannon’s magic
number was five because the year before he had received five gifts-a coloring book, crayons, a candy cane,
a box of chocolates and a dinky. Could he ask for five gifts this year? And could his brother also have five
gifts. Of course, they could. Over the next few weeks their little heads just peered down at the wondrous
toys on the pages of the catalogue. The selection of those desired items was a momentous decision. But by
the time of the Santa Claus parade their “Wish List” had been made. It was such a joy just sitting with them
as they wrote that magical all-important letter to Santa. They knew that in addition to Santa’s gifts, there
would be special gifts from Mom and Dad and other relatives.
The days of preparation sped quickly by. That year little hands helped decorate the house and bake
those special cookies. Finally, Christmas Eve arrived. Following the reading of the story of the First
Christmas and of course the magical The Night Before Christmas Shannon and Aaron hung their stockings
and went to bed dreaming about what Santa would bring. John and I were the ones who could hardly sleep
that night as we anticipated the excitement of the next morning when Shannon and Aaron would see what
was beneath that tree. Needless to say, everyone had gone a little overboard. Everyone wanted to share
that magic.
The boys woke up to see a trail of candy, trinkets, and small gifts on each step, Shannon’s on one
side of the steps, Aaron’s on the other side leading from their bedroom to the main floor of our home. Their
eyes just filled with wonder. When they reached the last step, they simply sat down and compared what
they had. They had never seen so much before in their young lives. John & I will always remember
Shannon’s comment,” this is the bestest Christmas that we’ve ever had”. The door leading to our living
room had a Christmas curtain over the glass as to not see inside. We asked Shannon & Aaron if they were
going to open the door to check inside. When they opened the door the look of amazement on their faces
was something to behold, utter shock.
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Shannon just looked at John and said” Who owns all of those gifts in there under the tree”? John
told Shannon and Aaron that their names were on the gifts and asked once again if they were going to go in.
They walk slowly into the living room. “Is it possible that everything under the tree is ours? How can that
be?” As Shannon realizes that yes Santa did visit here last night and left an amazing array of gifts, he holds
his head and says he just got a headache and then with amazement and joy written over his face, he falls to
the floor with great drama. Aaron, who was just behind his older brother, also realizes everything is theirs
mimics his brother and also collapses to the floor.
They quickly recover and joyously open their gifts! However, in his excitement Shannon does
actually trip and falls hitting his ear off the coffee table. He bears the little scar as testimony to that first
Christmas. No matter how many Christmases go by, the magic and excitement of that first Christmas of the
Stamps together as a family will be firmly entrenched in our minds and in our hearts.
Brenda Stamp
Christmas ... is not an eternal event at all, but a piece of one's home that one carries in
one's heart... - Freya Stark
Do you Remember?????? (This will tell your age)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Angel hair
Tinsel
Bubble Lights
Popcorn and cranberry strings
Purity syrup and cake
Yule log
Figgy bread
Molasses raisin bread on Christmas Eve
Midnight Church Service
Santa giving out presents to all the kids at the Orange Lodge
Janneying ( also called mummering)
The excitement of hearing reindeer hooves on the roof
Elves and presents
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Collection of Recipes
From the recipes received Christmas must be associated with cakes and cookies. Happy baking!!!
A XMAS PAVLOVA FROM AUSTRALIA
This is an extremely easy dessert; A classic meringue with a fresh fruit topping
Ingredients:
For the meringue: 3 egg whites, 1 cup (6oz) castor/fine sugar, ½ teaspoon cornflour/cornstarch, ½ teaspoon
vanilla essence, ½ teaspoon vinegar
For the topping: yoghurt or cream & fresh seasonal fruit
Prepare a baking tray, with a circle greater than 7inches, from greaseproof or baking paper. Dust lightly with
cornstarch/cornflour.
Whisk egg whites till stiff. Add sugar slowly & beat till sugar is dissolved & meringue glossy. Add cornflour
with the last amount of sugar. Then fold in vanilla & vinegar. Spread meringue over circle of baking paper &
shape into desired shape.
(I usually make a rim around the circle so that the filling stays in place).
Place in a very cool or slow oven for 1half to 2 hours till crisp & dry.
(200-250deg Fahrenheit)
Whip cream & decorate with fruit!
Annette Murphy
A XMAS PAVLOVA FROM AUSTRALIA
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Aunt Nellie's Raisin Cake
Ingredients
2 cups brown sugar
1 tsp. all spice
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 heaping tsp. coffee (right out of the bottle)
1 heaping tsp. cocoa
1/2 cup raspberry or strawberry jam
2 apples (grated)
1/2 cups white rum (Optional)
3/4 cup butter
2 cups boiling water
2 packages seedless raisins
1 pack currants
Boil all above together in saucepan for 10 minutes and cool (very cool)
Mix 3 cups flour
2 heaping tsp. baking soda
Add 3 eggs
Add the cooled mixture and mix well
Line pan with buttered wax and brown paper.
Line cover as well.
Bake at 3000 F for 1 hour Then continue baking at 2750 for a further 3 hours or until done.
Paulette Whalen
Fruit Balls
2 cups cracker crumbs
Mix 1 can sweetened milk
Add: 1 cup cherries
1 cup dates
1/2 cup walnuts
1/2 cup cocoanut
Form balls and roll in cocoanut
Pauline Dawe
Bird Seed and Chocolate (Kids put name to this one years ago)
Melt in saucepan
1/4 cup butter
2 cups sugar
1/ 4 cup milk
Add 3 cups rolled oats
1 cup coconut
4 tbsps. cocoa
Grease dish slightly. Spread coconut (extra) on
bottom of dish. Spread the mixture. Add more
Coconut. Put if fridge until hard. Cut into squares.
Pauline Dawe
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Mandarin Orange Dessert.
1 angel food cake, cut into cubes
1 can 2% milk
1 envelope Dream Whip whipped topping
1 can cream, shook
1 pkg. vanilla instant pudding
1 14 oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
1 small box nutriwhip (or 2nd envelope of whipped topping)
In a bowl place milk, whipped topping powder and pudding powder. Stir until thick. Add cream and oranges (save a
few for garnish) and stir again. Fold in angel food cake. Place in dish and let set. Beat nutriwhip (or mix up 2nd
whipped topping) and place on top. Garnish with remaining oranges.
Dark Fruit Cake (This recipe is over 100 years old)
Ingredients
3 ½ c flour
1 1/4 c molasses
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. all spice
1 tab ground cloves
½ c butter
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 cup strong coffee
½ lb. dates
1 lb. currants
¼ lb. nuts
½ lb. mixed fruit
1 lb. seedless raisins
1 lb. seeded raisins
½ lb. cherries
2 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. lemon flavouring
1 tsp. almond flavoring
Jeanie Coombs and Marilyn Murrin
Directions
Melt butter on stove
Put in molasses
Sift flour and spices
Combine butter mixture, flour mixture, and
coffee
Then stir in fruit
Bake 3 hours at 2500
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And all of this came into being because of the birth of a babe in Bethlehem
.
Luke, Chapter Two
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be
taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into
his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David,
which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused
wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be
delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger;
because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the
angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And
the angel said unto them, "Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For
unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye
shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a
multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will
toward men."
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And what is Christmas without a little Merry tale….
The Night Before Christmas
By Clement Clarke Moore
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, and he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;
"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN! On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONNER and
BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof the prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes -- how they twinkled! His dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, and the beard of his chin was as white as the snow
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The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, and away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!"
And a wonderful New Year