The bright berries of the beautiful holly are now glittering among the polished leaves, and make some of our woodland walks still scenic.
The holly plant has represented Christmas throughout the years.
The bright green mosses under our feet, and the shining hollies beside us, almost cheat us into the idea that summer has returned, especially when a stream of sunshine crosses the trees, and tinges the boughs with golden light...
How beautiful, how very beautiful, is a country walk, even in the deepest winter! The holly - it is so bright and beautiful at every season, that I wish it more frequently adorned our gardens.
Never mind the formality of a holly hedge - it reminds us of bygone days and people, of our great-great-grandfathers, and of times we love to look back to in history's brightest page.
A holly-bush should be in every garden, (twined with honeysuckle for summer beauty), because it reminds us, above all, of the season we are now just on the point of celebrating.
We are again on the threshold of Christmas:how many hearts have ceased to beat since we last heard its thrilling anthem! Many of us will be missing a loved one at this time and our hearts will be filled with sadness.
Let us go into this blessed season with deep but holy joy;not only as a time of feasting and amusement, but as a time of spiritual and eternal interest, everywhere.
"The joys of the season to all".