A Victorian Christmas

Tasteful Giving - The Ladies World, Dec. 1892 It takes common sense and independence to accept a costly present from a rich friend, without making any return. If you have money to spend on presents, do not waste on people richer than yourself, but on those poorer. Above all, in sending presents do not send articles that cost money and are vulgar and tawdry. A piece of music, a note written on Christmas Day, wishing many happy returns, or a few flowers entail no obligation, require no work, and do their own work of love as well as costly gifts, and show a delicacy of breeding.

The Greedy Wife - The Ladies World, Dec. 1892 "Would you have me steal to provide you with the means of gratifying your desire to make expensive presents?" a young man only three years married asked his wife last Christmas. "I would have you support me in the manner to which I have been accustomed," was the unwifely rejoinder. That night the young man went out. The next day he could not be found, but later he was escorted to his home by his broken hearted father who found him in some out of the way place recovering from his first alcoholic spree. "This is your work," the old man said to his daughter-in-law and never were words more deserved. It was her work that her husband cares no more for her; her work that she is unhappy; her work that her husband's ambition is dead. It was impossible to satisfy her when he did his best; consequently further effort was useless. Reflect upon these things.