Old-Time Christmas Customs II-Thomas Tusser

OLD-TIME CHRISTMAS CUSTOMS

II

Get ivy and hull, woman, deck up thine house,

And take this same brawn for to seethe and to

souse;

Provide us good cheer, for thou know'st the old

guise;

Old customs that good be let no man despise.


At Christmas be merry, and thank God of all,

And feast thy poor neighbours, the great and the

small:

Yea, all the year long have an eye to the poor,

And God shall send luck to keep open thy door.

THOMAS TUSSER


Summary: 'Old-Time Christmas Customs II' is a poem by Thomas Tusser that underscores the importance of traditional Christmas customs and the spirit of generosity. In the poem, Tusser encourages people to embrace old-fashioned Christmas traditions, such as decorating their homes with ivy and holly, and preparing festive dishes like brawn to savor and preserve. He emphasizes the value of providing good cheer and hospitality, not only during the Christmas season but throughout the entire year.

Tusser's poem highlights the significance of showing kindness and generosity to one's neighbours, both the affluent and the less fortunate. By emphasizing the importance of helping the poor and being charitable, the poem suggests that such acts of goodwill are not only integral to the Christmas spirit but also bring blessings and good fortunate throughout the year. In essence, the poem encourages a timeless sense of community and compassion, reminding readers to cherish and uphold these cherished customs of Christmas and the spirit of giving. 

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