Thomas Tusser (1524-1580),
Five Hundreth Pointes of Good Husbandry (London: Rychard Tottell, 1573), chap. 26, pp. 29 f.:
Good husband and huswife now chiefly be glad,
things handsome to have, as they ought to be had.
They both do provide, against Christmas do coom,
to welcome their neighbor, good chere to have soom.
Good bread and good drinke, a good fier in the hall,
brawne, pudding and souse, and good mustard withall.
Biefe, mutton, and porke, shred pies of the best,
pig, veale, goose and capon, and Turkey well drest:
Chese, apples and nuttes, iolly Caroles to here,
as then, in the countrey is counted good chere.
Christmas card designed by Henry Stacy Marks (late 19th century):
Thanks to a dear friend for the card.
