Is not this wholesale and cruel slaughter altogether discordant with the spirit and doctrine of the gentle and harmless Teacher of Nazareth, whose terrestrial birth is thus celebrated by pagan barbarity? Should not those of us who dare to call ourselves His followers protest against a custom which brings discredit upon His religion and causes humanely disposed Oriental nations to regard it almost with contempt?
The following suggestive Menu will at once show my readers that Christmas can be celebrated with a feast of good things without such butchery. And many are they who have found that its joys can even be enhanced by a sense of freedom from blood-guiltiness and personal responsibility concerning the deeds that are done in the shambles at this time of 'Peace and Goodwill.'
The Menu can be varied as taste and circumstances may dictate.
A Bloodless Menu for Christmas.
From which a selection can be made.
| Mock Turtle Soup ([4]). Fried Bread Dice. | Julienne Soup ([9]). Granose Biscuits. | |
| Mock Scallop Oysters ([24]). | Mock White Fish ([32]). Parsley Sauce. | |
| Savoury Nut Steaks ([50]). | Macaroni Rissoles ([68]). Sauce Piquante. | |
| Yorkshire Pudding. | ||
| Potato Purée ([109]). | Cauliflowers. | |
| Baked Stuffed Tomatoes ([104]). | ||
| Chestnut or Vegetable Soufflé ([94] or [97]). | ||
| Plum Pudding ([178]). | Stewed Pears. Clotted Cream. | Mince Pies ([220]). |
| Fresh Fruits. | Almonds and Muscatels. | |
| Figs. | Dates. | Preserved Ginger. |
The cost of such a dinner as this will be much less than that of a corresponding one which includes poultry, game, and joints of flesh. The amount saved could be appropriately expended in providing a few comforts for the poor and needy—thus the Christmas festival provides an opportunity for lessening the suffering in this world, and also for increasing the sum of human happiness.