Christmas Gems

The Diary of Samuel Pepys

December 25^th (Christmas Day).  To church in the morning, and there saw a wedding in the church, which I have not seen many a day; and the young people so merry one with another, and strange to see what delight we married people have to see these poor fools decoyed into our condition, every man and woman gazing and smiling at them.  ……Thence to my Lord Bruncker’s by invitation and dined there, and so home to look over and settle my papers, both of my accounts private , and those of Tangier, which I have let go so long that if were impossible for any soul, had I died, to understand them, or ever come to any good end in them.  (December 1665)

December 25^th (Christmas Day).  Up, and continued on my waistcaote, the first day this winter, and I to church, where Alderman Backewell, coming in late, I beckoned to his lady to come up to us, who did, with another lady; and after sermon, I led her down through the church her husband and coach, a noble, fine woman, and a good one, and one my wife shall be acquainted with.  So home, and to dinner alone with my wife, who, poor wretch! Sat undressed all day, till ten at night, altering and lacing of a noble petticoat: while I by her, making the boy read to me the Life of Julius Caesar, and Des Cartes’ book of Musick – the latter of which I understand not, nor think he did well that writ it, though a most learned man.  Then, after supper, I made the boy play upon his lute, which I have not done twice before since come to me; and so, my mind in mighty content, we to bed.  (December 1668)