December 20, 1895
Derby Bryenton, New Brunswick


Dear Brother Tom,

	With pleasure I answer your very welcome letter and I was so glad you are having a good time and a pleasant crowd.  I suppose you have Mary Ann's letter in this her picture looks fine.
	We had a letter from Jerome, I guess they are having a fine time.  Ellen Casey has not come down yet.  I was down to Aunt Kates last night and all the folks down that way are well.  We had Nellie Donovan here last week, she did not get our letter in time to come to our party.  As to the girls , Tom I hope go you east or west, you will be happy with the one you love best.
	It is fearful dull here and very little signs of Christmas.  I am afraid Santa is dead.  They had a letter from Liz Gillis, her mother has been poorly but is better now.
	The ice is terrible rough and no skating here.  Annie and Lizzie Doran are both at Davidson , Mary Ann might as well have stayed for, tis cold and ease down there.  I nearly went up to  Mr Boices, he offered me $5.00 for a forth night, but I guess I will stay at home.  This winter Kate is away sewing.  I guess as to her marrying twill be as Mrs. Dawsonosay's
	This year next year I think he is coming down for Christmas to make one happy .  Don't you pity poor mother staying up those cold nights.  Lissie D comes down often, she and Billy are good as ever, as I am not  in it myself.  I see all that passes on.  Kate Doran did not get married and tis all smashed up.  Rose O'Brien got a letter from Jack, he is with Mr. Graw in Partridge.  Mike Kelly is up with Sinclair.  I have not been around much to get the news but I will send you a better letter after Christmas.  Regards are send from his home to  Mr S. Murphy.
	I hope you will have a merry merry Christmas and a happy New Year and may God bless you, is the x-mas greeting of your ever loving sister,
Lizziej

PS. I wish I could send you something as I suppose will pass over just like any other day to you.  But we will if God spares us spend some happy days together yet.
So in Fancy, I throw my arms around your neck and say my x-mas box on you as we did when we all slept together in the old settle beds,  the up stairs is fine and warm this winter and the kitchen also.
So once more a fond night night
This paper is so very poor, send me word if you can read this.