When you read this, you will still be watching the old year out, but let me be the first to greet you with the old old phrase, Happy New Year. It would be a wonderful beginning if you could all happen in on me in the course of your new year's calls – Ruth Vernon, Cinneraria, Sally Ann, and all the rest of you who have have to make another year of companionship helpful and inspiring to us all. What a visit we could have together, helping to comfort the unhappy Betty Jane, discussing babies with harassed young mothers who wanted advice, exchanging recipes with the cranky cooks, enjoying old songs and poems with the grandmothers, and comparing their early days with ours. We would take time for cherry greetings to the men folks, who would probably be wondering about the barnyard, looking over the livestock and talking shop.
Then as twilight came on, wouldn't it be nice to urge them to come on in and sit with us by the fire for a friendly visit? And we would send the daughters, big and little, to the kitchen to fix up the homely sort of pick up dip supper we enjoy on a New Year's night, especially if it is also Sunday night. And the sons, at least the little ones, would crack nuts and pass apples (the big ones would probably be obliged to leave early!) And the babies we could take away upstairs for their beauty sleep. Wouldn't it be a satisfying day?
Of course, we never meet that way. We think we would like to but since we cannot let us find comfort in long-distance friendship. For one thing, we know each other only at our best through the Household. We know each other better, perhaps than we would ever in the flesh. May we all be spared for another year of companionship and mutual helpfulness! And may this Household Department bring all of you the enrichment of spirit that brings in me! – Hope.
The New Year
I bring you, friends, with the years have brought,
Since ever man toiled, aspired or thought –
Days for labor and nights for rest:
And I bring you love, a heaven-born guest:
Space to work in, and work to do,
In faith in that which is pure and true.
Hold me in honor, and greet me dear,
And soon you'll find me a happy new year.
– Margaret Sangster.
Memory Gem
Speak a shade more kindly
Than the year before
Pray a little oftener
Love a little more
Cling a little closer
To the Father's love