an interesting conversation, we heard the bell ringing up stairs.  We all started up, and made for the door.  I ran up the steps with the children at my heels, and at the top met a blaze of light coming from the open door, that dazzled me.  In each room stood a great table, on which the presents were arranged, amid flowers and wreaths.  From the centre, rose the beautiful Christmas tree covered with wax tapers to the very top, which made it nearly as light as day, while every bough was hung with sweetmeats and gilded nuts.  The children ran shouting around the table, hunting their presents, while the older persons had theirs pointed out to them.  I had qui’e a little library of German authors as my share; and many of the others received quite valuable gifts.

But how beautiful was the heart-felt joy that shone on every countenance!  As each one discovered he embraced the givers, and all was a scene of the purest feelings.  It is a glorious feast, this Christmas time!  What a chorus from happy hearts went up on that evening to Heaven!  Full of poetry and feeling and glad associations, it is here anticipated with joy, and leaves a pleasant memory behind it.  We may laugh at such simple festivals at home, and prefer to shake ourselves loose from every shackle that bears the rust of the Past, but we would certainly be happier if some of these beautiful old customs were better honored.  They renew the bond of feeling between families and friends, and strengthen their kindly sympathy; even life-long friends require occasions of this kind to freshen the wreath that binds them together.

New Year’s Eve is also favored with a peculiar celebration in Germany.  Every body remains up and makes himself merry till midnight.  The Christmas trees are again lighted, and while the tapers are burning down, the family play for articles which they have purchased and hung on the boughs.  It is so arranged that each one shall win as much as he gives, which change of articles makes much amusement.  One of the ladies rejoiced in the possession of a red silk handkerchief and a cake of soap, while a cup and saucer and a pair of scissors fell to my lot!  As midnight drew near, it was louder in the streets, and companies of people, some of them singing in chorus, passed by on their way to the Zeil.  Finally three-quarters struck, the windows were opened and every one waited anxiously for the clock to strike.  At the first sound, such a cry arose as one may imagine, when thirty or forty thousand persons all set their lungs going at once.  Every body in the house, in the street, over the whole city, shouted, "Prosst Neu Jahr?" In families, all the members embrace each other, with wishes of happiness for the new year.  Then the windows are thrown open, and they cry to their neighbors or those passing by.