I heard a bird sing In the dark of December A magical thing And sweet to remember. "We are nearer to Spring Than we were in September," I heard a bird sing In the dark of December. -- Oliver Herford In old England sprays of holly were placed on the hives to wish the bees a Merry Christmas. And the bees were said to hum a carol in honour of the Christ Child. The ceremonial Christmas drink in England was once lamb's wool: a mixture of hot ale, sugar, spices, eggs and roasted apples. Thick cream was some- times added. It was served in a wassail bowl with pieces of toast floated on top. Hence, the origin of the drinking toast. The stable is a Prince's courte, The cribb His chaire of State; The beastes are parcell of His pompe, The wodden dishe His plate. -- Robert Southwell Candle, candle, Burning bright On our window sill tonight, Like the shining Christmas star Guilding shepherds From afar, Lead some weary Traveler here, That he may share Our Christmas cheer. -- Isabel Shaw -- Excerpts, Reader's Digest Book of Christmas (1973)