Old Christmas

Irving, Washington, 1783-1859

But is old, old, good old Christmas gone? Nothing but the hair of his good, gray, old head and beard left? Well, I will have that, seeing that I cannot have more of him.

Hue and Cry after Christmas.

A man might then behold
At Christmas, in each hall Good fires to curb the cold,
And meat for great and small. The neighbours were friendly bidden,
And all had welcome true, The poor from the gates were not chidden,
When this old cap was new.

Old Song