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Decr 20"

Very dear Johnny- I hope you are all well & happy and enjoying the merry excitements of the season Lessons of recreation are useful indeed necessary to all and should be encouraged especially should the poor & laboring classes be provided with relaxation and comfort. so the season of gifts is not to be overlooked - Our children, great & small, are anticipating much enjoyment and many happy surprises. it is quite long unclear to hear the determinations beforehand that there is to be no giving, except to the children, but before the day actually arrives, every one is busy sewing, knitting, or something - one is making a night cap, another a collar. or an apron or bowing a ribbon - but tho a trifle, it is something to please, both the giver and reciever - and then so many secrets are to be kept - and so many hearty laughs at the way Ma Keeps a secret which is not the best they think - then Fanny tells Grandma, what she has got for Aunt Sis