# December 27th explained — Elizabeth and Her German Garden

> Chapter companion for Elizabeth and Her German Garden by Elizabeth von Arnim.

## What happens

The narrator reflects on the joy of Christmas, describing the elaborate preparations for the celebration, including decorating trees and giving presents to family, servants, and farm workers. She contrasts this happiness with the souring effect of trials. The chapter also details Minora's friendship with Miss Jones, which ends abruptly when the narrator dismisses Miss Jones after overhearing her cynical views on parents, clergymen, and governesses. Minora mopes afterward, and Irais teases her about the lack of proper doctors.

## Themes in this chapter

### Conformity and Eccentricity

Miss Jones's private rebellion against the performative roles of parents and governesses contrasts with the public conformity required of her position.

### Class and Social Hierarchy

The narrator's authority to dismiss Miss Jones illustrates the power dynamics between employer and governess.

### Marriage and Domestic Life

The Christmas celebration brings temporary closeness and kindness, highlighting domestic ideals and tensions.

## Character check-ins

### Elizabeth

Describes Christmas preparations and dismisses Miss Jones after overhearing her subversive views.

### Minora

Becomes fast friends with Miss Jones, writes a chapter titled 'Noel', and mopes after Miss Jones is sent away.

### Irais

Helps with decorations but wanders off; teases Minora about the cow-doctor and Miss Jones's dismissal.

### Miss Jones

Governess who expresses cynical views about parents and clergymen; is dismissed by the narrator.

### April

Takes a tired Japanese doll to bed, curtsies to the Christmas trees, and thanks the Christkind through Mummy.

## Key lines

> Happiness is so wholesome; it invigorates and warms me into piety far more effectually than any amount of trials and griefs, and an unexpected pleasure is the surest means of bringing me to my knees.

Joy strengthens and deepens my faith more than suffering ever could; a surprise delight is the quickest way to make me feel grateful and humble.

_The narrator defends the value of happiness over trials, arguing that joy sweetens and improves character._

> Parents are seldom wise, and the strain the conscientious place upon themselves to appear so before their children and governess must be terrible.

Parents rarely have true wisdom, and the effort they make to seem wise in front of their children and governess must be exhausting.

_Miss Jones's subversive remark reveals her critical view of the performative roles adults play._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/elizabeth_and_her_german_garden_se/chapters/december-27th
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/elizabeth_and_her_german_garden_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/elizabeth_and_her_german_garden_se/chapters