Christmas under three flags

A Merry Christmas to One and All
The Model American Home
Christmas Under Three Flags
BEING MEMORIES OF HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES IN THE WHITE HOUSE WITH “OLD HICKORY,” IN THE PALACE OF H. R. H. PRINCE OF PRUSSIA, AFTERWARDS EMPEROR WILLIAM I., AND AT THE ALAMO WITH THE ALCALDE’S DAUGHTER.
Mary Emily Donelson Wilcox
Illustrated
Washington Published by The Neale Company m c m
Copyrighted, 1900, by Mary Emily Donelson Wilcox
LOVINGLY DEDICATED TO THE DEAR DAUGHTER WHO DEDICATES HER LIFE TO ME
Andrew Jackson
THROUGH the mist of years I recall a Merry Christmas in my childhood’s home long ago, and sweeter than music across still waters come memories of the blessed influences voicing in that historic mansion on that memorable occasion the glad tidings from Bethlehem: “Peace on earth, good will towards men.” The White House, always an ideal domestic center, was, during President Jackson’s occupancy, the model American home—love, kindness and charity guarding it like sentries, happiness and content overshadowing it like angel wings. Known to the world as the man whose iron will and fierce, ungovernable temper defied opposition and courted antagonism, he was the gentlest, tenderest, most patient of men at his own fireside. His household included the families of his adopted son and private secretary, and Mrs. Donelson and Mrs. Jackson, handsome, accomplished, refined; Major Donelson and Mr. Jackson, brave, cultured, public-spirited, ably assisted him in discharging his high duties, and by their tact and grace obtained for his administration its unequaled social prestige. Loving, enjoying children as childless old people often do, and never so happy as when giving happiness to others, he made life for us little ones,—Donelsons, four; Jacksons, two—clustering around his knee as around a doting grandfather’s, well worth living.
Among the many bright incidents associated with the special Christmas so pleasantly remembered to-day were an East Room frolic and an unforgetable visit from Sancta Claus. The invitations for the former, which was probably the most enjoyable and successful juvenile fête ever given at the National Capital, read: “The children of President Jackson’s family request you to join them on Christmas Day, at four o’clock P. M., in a frolic in the East Room. Washington, December 19, 1835.”