Christmas. One writer even pictures the more lenient Elder Brewster as
going ashore that morning and inviting the Indian Chief Massasoit to
go aboard the _Mayflower_ with him. According to the story, the good
man endeavored to impress the chief with the solemnity and
significance of the occasion, and then with Massasoit, two squaws, and
six boys and girls, becomingly attired in paint and feathers, he
returned to the ship.

The women and children from over the sea met their new neighbors and
guests, received from them little baskets of nuts and wintergreen
berries, and in exchange gave their guests beads, toys, raisins, and
such simple gifts, to which Elder Brewster added a blessing bestowed
upon each child.

The story reads well. But the truth, according to history, makes the
first visit of Massasoit occur some three months later, on March
twenty-second. The Puritans had a happy Christmas dinner together on
board the ship which was the only home they possessed as yet, and it
is to be presumed that the exceedingly conscientious non-observers of
the day partook quite as freely of the salt fish, bacon, Brussels
sprouts, gooseberry tarts, and English plum pudding, as did those
homesick, tear-choked women who prepared the dinner.

It is certainly to be regretted that vessels are no longer built with
the wonderful storage capacity of the _Mayflower_! Beside bringing
over the innumerable _family relics_ that are treasured throughout
this country, it is stated that this ship brought a barrel full of
ivy, holly, laurel, and immortelles, with which the table was
decorated, and wreaths woven for the children to wear. Bless those
dear, brave women who dared to bring "green stuff" for "heathenish