To Sally Jenkins
From ED

late December 1880

Dear "Did" -

Atmospherically it was the most beautiful Christmas on record -

The Hens came to the Door with Santa Claus, and the Pussies washed themselves in the open Air without chilling their Tongues - and Santa Claus himself - sweet old Gentleman, was even gallanter than usual - Visitors from the Chimney were a new dismay, but all of them brought their Hands so full, and behaved so sweetly, only a Churl could have turned them away - And then the ones at the Barn, were so happy - Maggie gave her Hens a Check for Potatoes, and each of the Cats a Gilt Edged Bone - and the Horses had both new Blankets from Boston - Do you remember Dark Eyed Mr - Dickinson, who used to shake your Hand when it was so little it had hardly a Stem - He too had a beautiful Gift of Roses - from a friend away -

It was a lovely Christmas -

Please give my love to your Father and Mother - and the "Lantern" Brother, and the Lad unknown - But what made you remember me? Tell me, with a kiss, or is it a secret?

Emily.