CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENTS

Cho.—Ting-a-ling-ling
ting-a-ling,
Ting-a-ling-ling
ting-a-ling,
Ting-a-ling-ling
ting-a-ling,
Ting-a-ling-ling
ting-a-ling.

See his prancing reindeer
brave,
Hear him tell them to
behave—
Dasher, Dancer, Prancer,
Vixen,
Comet, Cupid, Donder,
Blitzen.—Chorus.

Yes, hurrah for Santa
Claus!
Blow the trumpets, shout
huzzas!
We’ll be happy while we
sing—
Ting-a-ling-ling
ting-a-ling.—Chorus.

Chorus—
Hurrah! hurrah! for Christmas time
is near;
Hurrah! hurrah! the time to all so
dear;
We all shall hang our stockings up
when Christmas eve is here.
For Santa Claus is
coming.

But we must remember all that we
must do our part;
Christmas is the time of times, to
give with all our heart
We must always share our joys with
those who have no part,
When Santa Claus is
coming.

(To be sung to the tune of “Yankee Doodle.” The
verses may be given by a single voice, with the chorus by the
school, or selected voices on the platform.)

Have you not seen our Santa
Claus,
With hair so snowy white,
sir?
Just hang your stocking Christmas
eve,—
He’ll come that very night,
sir.

And if you watch, perhaps you’ll
see
This friend in furs hid deep,
sir.
But I have never seen him
once—
I’m always fast asleep,
sir.

Chorus—Santa Claus is
jolly, sir;
Santa Claus is kind,
sir;
Santa Claus on Christmas
eve
Comes riding on the wind,
sir.

(This drill may be given by eight little girls
provided with wands. At the top of each wand are tacked three
streamers of red, white, and blue ribbon or cambric. At the end of
each streamer a little tinkling bell is sewed. The children sing,
and wave wands in time to the music. The words may be sung to the
tune of “Lightly Row.”)

Christ is born, our Saviour
dear,
Joyous words we love to
hear;
Sweetly chime, sweetly
chime,
Christ the Lord is born.

(Between first and second verses, all march
singing same tune to “Tra la la.”—”Tra la la,” wands waving,
up, down, right, left, up, down, right left, throughout. Resume
places and sing second verse.)

Let us carol sweetly
then,
Peace on earth, good will to
men;
Sweetly chime, sweetly
chime,
Christ the Lord is born.

(A winter drill for a dozen boys—in
overcoats, earcaps, bright-colored mufflers, mittens, etc. Each
carries a big snow-shovel. The stage should be spread with sheets
and loose cotton to represent snow. Boys come marching in single
file, shovels over shoulder, singing to the tune, “See the
Farmer in the Field.”)

We are the jolly Snow
Brigade,
With our trusty shovels we make a
raid.
And lustily we’ll give you
aid
On a frosty winter’s
morning.

Chorus.—He! he! ha!
ha! ha!
He! he! ha! ha! ha!
He! he! ha! ha! ha!
Ho! ho! ho!

II.

(Beginning to shovel
cotton.)
We’ll shovel your walk for fifteen
cents,
We’ll pile the snow against the
fence,
We’ll show you we are boys of
sense
On a frosty winter’s
morning.—Cho.

III.

(Rubbing noses.)
Jiminy crack! our noses are
cold!
Oh! Jack Frost is bad and
bold!
(Working harder than
ever.)
But little care we for the winter
cold,
On a clear and frosty
morning.—Cho.

IV.

(Pointing to
work.)
Look at that; now what do you
say?
(Holding out hands to
audience)
Now, if you please, we’ll take our
pay.
Our work is done, it’s time for
play,
On a frosty winter’s
morning.—Cho.

(Six small girls and boys are needed for
speaking, and any even number of larger girls for singing. A boy
leads each division of the march, immediately followed by those who
speak.

An equal number enter from opposite sides as
far back as possible, pass in front to sides, back half-way, form
two lines across front, having the six who speak in front
(alternating boy and girl), and the larger pupils back of them sing
as they enter and until they are placed the chorus of “Birdies’
Ball,” beginning “Tra la la la la.” When in position all sing the
following two verses, air, “Birdies’ Ball.” When chorus is reached,
let them keep time by resting weight on right foot on first count,
and at same time swinging left foot over right, touch toe to floor,
dipping body slightly on third count, foot back in place on first
count of next measure. Rest weight on left foot and swing right
foot over left, touching right toe on third count, foot back in
place on first count of next measure, etc.)

Chorus.—Tra la la la,
etc.

Santa Claus on Christmas
eve
Comes with reindeer swift as
air,
Early all must be in
bed,
Leaving only stockings
there.

Chorus.—Tra la la la,
etc.

(A girl comes one step forward, bows, and
speaks.)

(Pupil steps back in place and all sing the
chorus, keeping time as before.)

(Steps back, and chorus is repeated as
before.)

(Chorus repeated as before.)

Chorus, etc.

5th Pupil.—My mamma’s
stocking I will hang,
‘Twill so much better
hold
A tea-set for my dolly
dear,
All painted round with
gold;
And dishes can’t be squeezed, you
know,
That’s what I’ve oft been
told.

Chorus, etc.

6th Pupil.—And I
don’t know just what to do,
Because I want, you see,
A hobby-horse that is so
high,—
Now tell me, can it be,
Are stockings ever made so
big
That one can hold all of
me?

Chorus, etc.

All sing.—All we
children love to hang
Stockings o’er the
fireplace,
Wondering how our gifts can
come
Nice and clean from such a
place.

Chorus.—Tra la la la,
etc.

Santa Claus is loved by
all
Folks who are as big as
we,
And for long before he
comes
We can only sing for
glee.

Chorus.—Tra la la la,
etc

(When the chorus is partly sung, the leaders of
the march lead to opposite sides, others fall in line forward, pass
in front to rear along sides, pass at rear end to seats. Continue
to repeat the chorus till all are seated.)

(An acrostic for the primary grade. Each child
wears a large gilt star around his neck. As he begins to speak, he
turns it over, showing his letter on the reverse side.)

(A letter exercise for ten very small children.
Let each child present placard bearing the letter as he recites his
line. At the close, all shut their eyes and screw them up very
tight.)

C for the children who love him so
well.
L for the little girl, his name she
can spell.
A stands for apples so rosy and
red.
U is for us as we wait for his
sled.
S stands for Santa Claus, who comes
in the night
when we are tucked up in bed with
our eyes
closed so tight

(Seven little girls daintily dressed carry a
bell in the right hand, with the initial on it which begins her
line. The bells are rung lightly during the speaking)

(Seven boys and seven girls with good voices
and some sprightliness of manner are required. Each carries a wand,
to the upper end of which is fastened an evergreen wreath
surrounding a large, gilt letter. Ranged in order the letters will
spell the word “Merry Christmas.” The verse for each is sung to the
air, “Buy a Broom.” The children enter only one at a time, using a
polka step, boys and girls alternately. While singing they take
steps and wave wand in time to music. At third line of each stanza
the boys bow and the girls make a courtesy, right and left. The
chorus at the end of each verse is sung by the entire school. The
boy with letter M comes in first, sings, and takes position on
platform. He is followed by the girl with E. So continue until the
line of children is complete.)

Chorus (by school, to the
refrain of “Buy a Broom“).—
Christmas dear now draws
near,
With song and with evergreen
welcome it here.

First girl:
E stands for evergreen, beautiful
evergreen,
E stands for evergreen, never to
fade.
(Courtesying.) With a
courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir,
Bring evergreen garlands for
Christmas time made.—Cho.

Second boy:
R stands for rollicking—come,
then, be rollicking;
R stands for rollicking—fun’s
in the air!
With a bow to the right, sir, and a
bow to the left, sir,
In Christmas-day rollicking take
now a share.—Cho.

Second girl:
R stands for rally, a grand
Christmas rally,
R stands for rally, where Christmas
trees grow!
With a courtesy to right, sir, and
a courtesy to left, sir,
We rally where Santa is likely to
go.—Cho.

Third boy:
Y stands for
youthful—rejoice, now, all youthful;
Y stands for youthful—quite
youthful am I.
With a bow to the right, sir, and a
bow to the left, sir,
The youthful make merry when
Christmas is nigh.—Cho.

(Leave a space in the line of children between
the last letter of “Merry” and the first of “Christmas.”)

Fourth boy:
H stands for happy—at
Christmas be happy!
H stands for happy—right
happy am I.
With a bow to the right sir, and a
bow to the left, sir,
If you would be happy some
Christmas gifts buy—Cho.

Fourth girl:
R stands for ready—for
Christmas be ready;
R stands for ready—are
you ready yet?
With a courtesy to right, sir, and
a courtesy to left, sir.
To make ready for Christmas, oh!
never forget.—Cho.

Fifth boy:
I stands for icy—for winter
so icy;
I stands for icy, when Kris drives
along.
With a bow to the right, sir, and a
bow to the left, sir,
Though icy the weather we’ll give
him a song.—Cho.

Fifth girl:
S stands for Santa—the
children’s own Santa;
S stands for Santa, the jolly old
dear.
With a courtesy to right, sir, and
a courtesy to left, sir,
For Santy to fill we hang stockings
each year.—Cho.

Sixth boy:
T stands for thoughtful—of
all friends be thoughtful;
T stands for thoughtful—your
presents prepare.
With a bow to the right, sir, and a
bow to the left, sir,
And be thoughtful those poorer than
you have a share.—Cho.

Sixth girl:
M stands for magic—for
Christmas-night magic;
M stands for magic filling
stockings and tree.
With a courtesy to right, sir, and
a courtesy to left, sir,
Who does this fine magic, can any
agree?—Cho.

Seventh boy:
A stands for all of us, old and
young, all of us;
A stands for all of us looking for
Kris.
With a bow to the right, sir, and a
bow to the left, sir.
And all of us hope that not one
will he miss.—Cho.

Seventh girl:
S stands for smiling—on
Christmas morn smiling;
S stands for smiling—all
smiling I’ll be.
With a courtesy to right, sir, and
a courtesy to left, sir,
All smiling, yes, smiling, when
presents I see.—Cho.

(The following verses are to be sung by the
school to the air, “Wait for the Wagon.” During the singing of the
first stanza and chorus, the fourteen boys and girls divide off
into couples and march around, elevating and lowering the wands in
time to music. During the second stanza they form two opposite
lines, with wands crossed overhead, couples marching under the
arches formed and back again to places. Third stanza, the opposite
lines pass forward and back, cross to other side, partners passing
each other, then back once more, and turn partners into place in a
line forming “Merry Christmas” again.)

Chorus (to be sung after
each verse).—
All hail, merry
Christmas!
Hail, merry Christmas!
All hail, merry
Christmas,
The evergreen day.

Oh, Christmas, merry
Christmas!
With laughter, song, and
play,
How gayly pass the hours
Of that dear, happy
day.—Chorus.

Oh, Christmas, merry
Christmas!
Quite old, but never
gray,
Like thy own joys,
unfading,
The wreath we bring
to-day.—Chorus.

(The children are seated in little
rocking-chairs, each holding a doll dressed in a long white gown.
They rock slowly in time to the music. At first 1. “hushaby” they
raise forefinger of right hand, as if to insure silence.
2. Kiss dolls.
3. Very softly.
4. Lay dolls in small cradles, standing near.
5. At “hush” raise forefinger of right hand warningly.
6. Very softly.
7. Rock cradles slowly in time to music, children kneeling on
floor.
8. Turn toward audience.
9. Very softly.
The words are adapted to the music of the familiar hymn. “Silent
Night.”)

Lullaby, lullaby,
Babies in their cradles lie;
(4)
Every one in white is
gowned,
Hush, make not a single sound!
(5)
Lullaby, good-night,
Lullaby, good-night! (6)

Rockaby, rockaby,
Christmas-tide draweth nigh;
(7)
Quiet now the tiny feet,
Babies sleep so still and
sweet,—
Sweetest dreams, good-night,
(8)
Sweetest dreams, good-night!
(9)

(The words of this motion song are adapted to
the chorus of “Dream Faces.” The children should be dressed in
white gowns, white stockings and slippers, and wear caps made of
white tissue paper, trimmed with silver stars.
1. Raise both hands, look up.
2. Move hand slowly back and forth, with floating motion.
3. Lower hands, and motion as if swaying cradle.
4. Drop head slowly to one side, close eyes as if sleeping.
5. While pianist plays last half of song slowly, children take hold
of corners of skirts, and with waltz step dance from side to side,
still with sleepy look and motion.
6. Stand erect, with eyes wide open.
7. Use forefinger of right hand as if enforcing command.
8. Raise both hands above head, and lower them slowly, with
fluttering motion.
9. Drop heads, sing very slowly.
10. Shake heads sadly.
11. Look down as if searching for flowers.
12. While pianist plays as in 5 children repeat 5 very slowly,
still looking down.
13. Music much faster and brighter. Children look up over right
shoulder, as if afraid of being caught.
14. Whir round and round.
15. Bend to right, and then to left.
16. Fall lightly to floor.
17. Spring up with hands upraised.
18. Drop hands, smile.
19 All clasp hands, raise them high above heads, and dance lightly
backward and forward.
20. Hold position 19; dance as in 5, only more rapidly.
21. Dejected position, head bent down. Music very slow and sad.
22. Raise and lower right hand slowly.
23. Repeat with left.
24. Music strong and faster. Children raise on tip-toe of right
foot, reach forward with motion as looking in window above them on
their right.
25. Motion with forefinger of right hand as if counting
stockings.
26. With skirts distended dance as in 20, smiling.
27. Right hand raised to ear, as if listening.
28. Shade eyes with right hand and look expectant.
29. Step forward, both hands extended as if in greeting,
smiling.
30. Throw kiss to audience.
31. Pianist repeats all of song; children dance as in 26, singing
verse beginning “Bright stars are gleaming,” and at last “Merry
Christmas” throw kiss to audience.)

Over the mountains
And the valleys fair.
Winds swayed our cradles,
(3)
Then we fell asleep, (4)
While far above us
Stars their watch did keep.
(5)

“Wake,” cried the North Wind,
(6)
“You to earth must go.”
(7)
Down we fell fluttering
(8)
Butterflies of snow.
Silently and slowly (9)
Through the winter
hours,
Falling so sadly, (10)
Hiding grass and flowers,
(11-12)

Then the wind caught us,
(13)
Whirled us round and round,
(14)
Dashed us and drove us,
(15)
Piled us on the ground
(16)
Flying up in frolic,
(17)
Always glad and gay,
(18)
Dancing and drifting
(19)
All the stormy day. (20)

Now our play is over,
(21)
Now the day is done,
Falling so sadly, (22)
Sadly one by one. (23)
Peeping in the windows
(24)
Where the fires glow,
See the children’s stockings
(25)
Hanging in a row. (26)

Hark, in the distance
(27)
Hear the merry bells!
Santa Claus is coming,
(28)
Sweet their music tells!
Go we now to greet him,
(29)
Listen as we
call,—
Glad merry Christmas,
Merry Christmas all!
(30)

Bright stars are gleaming,
(31)
Christmas cometh soon.
Joy bells are ringing,
All in merry tune.
We are Christmas
snowflakes,
Singing as we
fall,—
Glad, merry Christmas,
Merry Christmas all!

(Six primary children may sing these words to
the tune, “Tiny Little Snowflakes” in “Golden Robin,” with the
following finger-play.
a. Hands waving up and down, fingers moving rapidly.
b. Imitate the waving with hands and heads to right and
left.
c. Quickly shake head and hands.
d. One sweep of hand across the desk.
e. Right hand raised as high as head, fist closed.
f. Abruptly bring fist down on desk.
g. Similar to (a).
h. Hands clasped and eyes upturned as if gazing with
admiration at the tree.)

Now the waving (b) spruce
trees
Shaking (c) gently
say,
Brush away this light snow,
(d)
It’s nearly Christmas
day.

Then a man comes gayly
With his axe so bright,
(e)
He chops down the spruce tree
(f)
Early one fair night.

Then on Christmas
morning
Children dance to see,
(g)
Many lovely presents
On that stately tree.
(h)

(These stories may be said and done in concert,
or each little child may give one verse by himself.
a. Hands held straight up so tips of fingers point toward
ceiling.
b. Touch palm of hand with thumb, bring it back quickly.
c, d, e, f. Repeat b with 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th
fingers.
g. Double the hand up.
h. Place the doubled-up hand on the back of the other.
i. Lift thumb and hold it up.
j. Lift 1st finger.
k. Lift 2d finger.
l. Lift 3d finger.
m. Lift 4th finger.
n. Hold hands in a listless way, with tips of fingers
pointing toward floor for two first lines, and let the fingers
gently swing. Near the close of the verse make the fingers still
and rigid and hold them close together.
o. Have hands doubled up and held so that the child’s eyes
can look down upon the palm or the hand and see the nails of the
four fingers—thumb out of sight.
p. Let fingers fly up quickly
q. Hold left hand as in a. Use the index finger of
the right hand as a match, scratching it on the palm of the left
hand and lighting the tips of each finger as if the fingers were
candles.
r. Make a circle of a thumb and index finger of the right
hand and slip it on and off each finger on the left hand.
s. Bunch fingers of left hand together so they can all touch
the tips of the thumb and form an opening for the window.
t. Bring the fingers of the right hand near and let them be
boys and girls peeping in.
u. Double up hands, but instead of having thumb inside, let
it stand straight up to be a tower.
v. Snap the fingers of one hand, then of the other.
w. Point far away with index finger.
x. Point toward an imaginary star.
y. Hold up the three middle fingers.)

Santa has a wondrous pack,
(g)
This he carries on his back;
(h)
From it he takes candies,
(i) drums, (j)
Dolls, (k) books, (l)
trumpets, (m) when he comes.

Near the chimney stockings
swing,
What to them will Santa
bring?
All of them I’m sure he’ll
fill,
Make them round and stiff and
still. (n)

Morning kisses curly
heads
Lying snugly in their beds,
(o)
O how quickly they hop out,
(p)
Seizing stockings with a
shout!

On the hemlock and the
pine,
Light the candles, make them shine;
(q)
String the rows of corn so white
(r)
‘Mong the gifts and tinsels
bright.

Storemen’s windows all look
gay,
‘Cause it’s near to Christmas day.
(s)
Come and look in, girls and boys,
(t)
Get a peep at Christmas
joys.

In high towers out of
sight
Great bells ring with all their
might; (u)
Hear one, then another chime,
(v)
Telling it is Christmas
time.

In the distance, look afar,
(w)
With their eyes upon the star,
(x)
Come on camels wise men three,
(y)
They the Christmas King shall
see.

(This set of pictures is suggested by Mrs. Kate
Douglas Wiggin’s story of “The Birds’ Christmas Carol,” published
by Houghton, Mifflin & Company, Boston, Mass. Each picture
should be preceded by descriptions from the book; these are
indicated by the number of the page in the volume.

DIRECTIONS.—A good reader must be chosen,
who can bring out the light and shade in the story—one who
can make the listeners feel the pathos of Carol’s brief, helpful
existence and the contrasting homely humor of “the Ruggleses in the
rear.” A reading-desk and lamp must stand below the platform, and
the audience-room be left in darkness. The reader will give the
signal for the opening and closing of the curtains, pausing long
enough for a full recognition of the scene. As a repetition of a
tableau is often more successful than its initial effort, the
performers should be on the alert, prepared to give a second
view.

The characters in the story call for six young
people to represent Mr. Bird, Mrs. Bird, the Grandmother,
Physician, Mrs. Ruggles, and Uncle Jack, and fourteen children to
take the parts of Donald, Hugh, Paul, Carol, Sarah Maud, Peoria,
Cornelius, Elly, Kitty, Peter, Clem, Larry, Susan, and the boy
singer.

The first hymn, “Carol, Brothers, Carol,” is to
be sung behind the curtains, just before they are drawn for the
second picture. A harp, violin, and triangle would assist the piano
in making an orchestral effect. A solo voice supplies the closing
air, “My Ain Countree.” The piano may be played very softly
whenever the reader pauses and the tableaux are shown.

It is important that the arrangements for each
scene be made in absolute quietness, with systematic forethought,
else the attention of the listeners will be distracted from the
reading.

If a Christmas tree for the entire school is to
close the entertainment, it should be in readiness at the rear of
the platform, concealed by a curtain. In the sixth picture the tree
appears, to illustrate the story, and remains lighted through the
evening.)

(An exercise for four little boys. They wear
padded trousers of some cheap brown material and a loose shirt of
same material in place of the school jacket. Skull-caps of same
material, worn jauntily. Broad white rings about the eyes and
charcoal lines upon face to produce resemblance to pictured
Brownies. Jolly smiles and capers. Join hands and hop on one foot
around tree or leader, before, between, and after verses.)

This has been a busy
year,
And we hope we bring you
cheer,
And when Christmas comes
again,
Look for us—The Brownie
men.

(The children should wear some indication of
the several characters they impersonate. Most elaborate and
beautiful costumes might be used, but the simple device of a
placard upon each child’s breast bearing the name of his part will
answer the purpose.)

Frost (taking Wind’s
hand):
Hand in hand we ever go
Through the season to and
fro.
I breathe upon the streams. They
cease
Their murmurings and are at
peace.
Upon each window pane I
trace
The finest filmy glistening
lace.
Each boy and girl, ’tis plain to
see,
Hath still a welcome kind for
me.
For on the lake they whirl and
wheel,
You hear the click of polished
steel
As swift upon their skates they
fly
With joyous heart and flashing
eye.
My breath blows cold. Health, joy,
delight,
Follow my silvery sparkles
bright.
Now Snow, who is my guardian
sweet,
Will all my young friends fondly
greet.

Snow (a little
girl):
Over the earth so bare and
brown
I spread a robe as soft as
down.
Drifting, drifting down through
space,
Hiding each unsightly
place,
Touched to shimmering radiance
bright,
In the moonbeam’s mellow
light,
By my brother Frost, for we
(they join hands)
Both go hand in hand, you
see.
North Wind goes gaily with us
both,
To help us he is nothing
loath.
And he and Frost and Rain
combine
To give what in the clear
sunshine
Shimmers sparkling—pure and
nice,
Transparent, white, and glistening
Ice.

Ice:
I cling to lofty gables, I rustle
‘mid the snow,
I weave a gleaming
covering
For lakes and streams. They
know
That all must cease their
murmuring
When Frost and I appear,
For we will hold them firm and
fast
As long as we are here.
Gleaming, glistening,
sparkling,
Yet pure and clear and
bright.
You’ll find me ‘neath a silver
moon,
Each crisp, fresh winter
night.

(Enter Old
Winter)

Winter:
What, ho! my children, here I
am,
I’ve sought you
everywhere.
And now to busy work
away,
For you must all prepare
To do your duty while I
hold
In check your enemy,
The great round sun, whose rays
with you.
My children, disagree.
Now up, away! Wind, to the
west
And come again in glee;
And join with Frost and Snow and
Ice,
In one grand jubilee.
And paint the cheeks with
roses
Of all these children
who,
Right joyously will run and
shout,
My children dear, with
you.
Away! to work, you must not
shirk
Your duties, dears; and
now,
To these, your firmest friends,
make each
Your most engaging bow.

(All bow and retire Old Winter
following.)

(Let the first line be given by a small boy as
a herald, carrying a trumpet, and dressed in tunic, tights, and
velvet cap. The second line it taken up by Santa Claus, in costume
of fur, with white beard and hair.)

“The wondering stars look out to
see
Who he that flieth so fast may
be,
And their bright eyes follow my
earthward track
By the gleam of the jewels I bear
in my pack.
For I have treasures for high and
for low:
Rubies that burn like the sunset
glow;
Diamond rays for the crownèd
queen;
For the princess, pearls with their
silver sheen.

“I enter the castle with noiseless
feet—
The air is silent and soft and
sweet;
And I lavish my beautiful tokens
there—
Fairings to make the fair more
fair!
I enter the cottage of want and
woe—
The candle is dim and the fire
burns low;
But the sleepers smile in a happy
dream
As I scatter my gifts by the moon’s
pale beam.

“There’s never a home so low, no
doubt.
But I in my flight can find it
out;
Not a hut so hidden but I can
see
The shadow cast by the lone
roof-tree!
There’s never a home so proud and
high
That I am constrained to pass it
by,
Nor a heart so happy it may not
be
Happier still when blessed by
me!

“What is my name? Ah, who can
tell,
Though in every land ’tis a magic
spell?
Men call me that, and they call me
this;
Yet the different names are the
same, I wish!
Gift-bearer to all the world am
I,
Joy-giver, light-bringer, where’er
I fly;
But the name I bear in the courts
above,
My truest and holiest name,
is—LOVE!”

(This speech may be given at the close of a
Christmas entertainment. A white wig and beard, fur coat and gloves
are worn, and sleigh-bells are sounded before Father Christmas
appears on the platform.)

(The characters are Old-fashioned Santa Claus,
dressed in the traditional costume of fur, white beard, and a
Christmas pack; Mr. St. Nicholas, in evening dress with silk hat;
Dora, Katie, Maggie, and little Bess; Harry, Charlie, Tom, and John
in ordinary school clothes.

The scene opens with a large fireplace arranged
at the center of the platform, a dark curtain drawn before the
opening to conceal Santa Claus. The accompaniment to “Nancy Lee” is
heard, and the eight children march in, carrying their
stockings.)

Of all the happy holidays this
year
There’s none so joyous, none so
dear,
Then sing we all our song of
festive glee,
Of Santa Claus and Christmas
tree.

I’d like to watch and see
him,
But I know I must wait
Till shines the Christmas
sunshine—
I hope he won’t be
late.

(DIRECTIONS.—This exercise may be given
by six little girls. The platform may be decorated with evergreen
trees or boughs, and flags should be used freely. The American girl
should be dressed in an American flag and wear a cap of red, white,
and blue. The costumes of the others may be as follows:

The Eskimo girl should procure a boy’s fur
coat, or wrap a fur rug about her and wear a fur cap or hood and
fur mittens.

The Indian girl can throw about her a
gay-colored blanket, and wear strings of beads about her neck,
arms, and head. Her straight dark hair should be parted in the
middle, plaited in two braids in the back, and decorated with short
pieces of bright ribbons. Moccasins and dark brown stockings may be
worn on the feet. Bracelets, earrings, chains, beads, quills, and
brooches may be used as ornaments. The hands, arms, and face should
be stained. To color the skin get a stick of Hess Grease Paint No.
17. Rub a little vaseline into the skin to be tinted. Then rub a
portion of the paint on the palm of the left hand and with the
fingers of the right hand transfer it evenly to the skin surface
until the required tint is obtained.

The Chinese girl should be dressed brightly
with large, square, loose hanging sleeves, a broad sash tied on one
side, her hair brushed flat, coiled in the back, with haircomb and
pins thrust into the coil. She may have a Japanese parasol and
carry a fan.

The African girl may be dressed in red and
black, with black hair and red handkerchief over her head and large
rings in her ears. Face and hands blackened with burnt cork.

The Arabian girl can wear a tunic or bright
shawl draped about her, a turban of a bright silk handkerchief, and
wear feathers in her hair. She should be very
dark-complexioned.

The American girl enters, takes her seat in the
center of the platform, saying:)

(Eskimo girl enters, bows, comes forward with a
fur bag filled with presents, which she passes to the American girl
as she mentions them.)

(Eskimo girl offers presents and steps to one
side. American girl turns and places presents on the boughs beside
her. Enter Indian girl.)

I know about your
Christmas
A happy day to thee.
And here’s an arrow-head for
you,
And a piece of pottery
queer,
And here are herbs for medicine
good,
To make you strong, my
dear.

We children shoot and fish and
hunt
Just as our fathers do,
The whole wide forest is our
home:
It feeds and clothes us,
too.

(Steps aside. Enter Chinese girl.)

And here is a bamboo
basket,
Filled with choicest
tea,
I picked and dried it all
myself
It comes from Ken See Lee. 
(Bows low.)

With us we have no
Christmas,
No presents nor a tree;
But there in the boat, I made this
toy,
This, too, comes from Ken See
Lee.

(Chinese girl bows low and takes a seat on low
stool in front of American girl. Enter African girl.)

My father hunts these
animals,
From one of them I bring
An elephant’s tusk to you, my
friend,
‘Twill make you a pretty
ring.

And here is ebony wood for
you,
A cocoanut from the
palm,
And dates to eat, so very
sweet,
All from our African
farm.

(Offers presents, which American girl hangs on
the boughs. African girl steps to her left. Enter Arabian
girl.)

Here is a pretty pearl I’ve
brought,
And an ostrich’s egg so
rare;
An Arab pony you should
have
And a cloak of camel’s
hair.

I never hear about
Christmas,
And don’t know what you
mean,
But hope you will accept these
gifts,
And this ostrich feather
green.

(Offers gifts. American girl accepts them,
rises, places them on tree; then turns and repeats.)

I thank you, friends, for all these
gifts,
Of presents I’ve my
share;
And you show your
good-will to men
With generous gifts so
rare.

(All stand in line and repeat together)

Whatever country we are
from,
Whatever life we lead,
We’ll do our best; be good and
true.
And do some noble deed.

(CHARACTERS REPRESENTED. Father
Christmas, a large boy dressed in long belted robe; he carries
a staff, and wears a white wig and beard. Mother Goose, a
tall girl wearing a peaked soft hat tied over an old lady’s frilled
cap; also neck-kerchief and apron, spectacles on nose, and a broom
of twigs, such as street-cleaners use, complete her costume.
Mother Goose’s son Jack and her Children may
be costumed according to the pictures in any good illustrated copy
of “Mother Goose.” The Children of the Nations are
sufficiently represented by boys and girls each carrying one of the
flags of all nations, but elaborate costumes in keeping with the
national character may be used, if desired. Thanksgiving and
Happy New Year, large girls in white Grecian dresses,
flowing sleeves; their children, Peace and Plenty,
Good Resolutions and Hope are represented by smaller
girls in white, Peace carrying an olive branch.
Plenty a cornucopia, Good Resolutions a diary and
pen, and Hope wearing a wreath of golden stars and carrying
a gilt anchor (cut from heavy cardboard); Santa
Claus, a stout, roly-poly boy, if possible, wearing a long
overcoat flaked with cotton (to represent snow) and a round fur cap
and mittens; an empty pack should hang carelessly from one
shoulder.)

(Enter Father Christmas and Mother
Goose, arm in arm. While conversing, they walk up and down the
platform. At the end of Mother Goose’s second speech, they seat
themselves in two large arm-chairs, which should be ready in middle
of platform.)

(Air: “Ben Bolt.”)

Oh, don’t you remember when
children were old,
And money grew up on the
trees,
How we lived upon nothing but cake
and ice-cream.
And had none but our own selves to
please?
We went to bed late every night of
our lives,
And we played every day all day
long;
And we never did sums, and could
spell anyhow,
And nobody said it was
wrong!

Oh, don’t you remember the naughty
child grew,
The good one was good all in
vain,
Till dear Father Christmas and
Mother Goose, too,
To children their duty made
plain?
So now we can cipher and spell with
a will,
And at nine we are snug in our
beds,
With good Father Christmas in all
of our dreams,
And Mother Goose songs in our
heads!

(Air—: “Upidee,” page 68,
Franklin Sq. Coll No. 1.)

Dear Father Christmas, you we
greet,
Tra la la, tra la la,
And Mother Goose, his friend so
meet,
Tra la la, la la.
From every nation on the
earth
We hail you both with Christmas
mirth.

Chorus.—Merry, merry
Christmas, all.
Christmas gay, happy
day!
Merry, merry Christmas,
all!
Merry Christmas day!

Merry, merry Christmas,
all!
Christmas gay, happy
day!
Merry, merry Christmas,
all,
Merry Christmas day.

(Dress four boys, or six, in a quaint
costume,—full knee-breeches, low shoes with bright buckles,
tunic or doublet with white frills at the throat and wrist; a short
full cape hanging from the shoulders, and soft caps with plumes.
Old garments may be re-arranged to give a picturesque effect, or
some new, inexpensive material bought. Each boy should have a voice
of pleasing quality, and be taught the Christmas song
perfectly.

Arrange a frame like a window casement at the
back of the platform a little to one side. Behind this let a light
burn dimly until a signal is given for full illumination. If
practicable, leave the rest of the stage and audience-room in
darkness.

The boys begin to sing behind closed doors, and
are heard coming nearer singing the first verse of “On this Happy
Birthday.” They enter and approach the centre of the platform. The
casement is thrown open and half a dozen children’s heads appear.
There is a clapping of hands till the second verse is begun by the
waits. At the last line the children throw out pennies and candies
wrapped in paper. The singers scramble for them, and then give the
third verse of the carol. The fourth verse may be sung as the boys
move away and disappear in the distance. As a preliminary to this
little performance a few words may be said about the old English
custom of the waits coming to sing under the windows on Christmas
eve.)

2.
Bethlehem’s star is
shining,
Ho-ly is its ray,
To the world proclaiming
Christ was born to-day.
Of the Christ Child,
Of the Christ Child,
We will glad-ly sing.

3.
Wise men came to
worship,
Wise men from a-far,
Guided by the glo-ry
Of that ho-ly star.
Of the Christ Child,
Of the Christ Child,
We will glad-ly sing.

4.
Now He reigns forever.
Loving you and me;
Joyful, let as praise
Him
Round our Christmas
tree.
To the Christ Child,
To the Christ Child,
We our tribute bring.

(CHARACTERS: 1897, a bent and feeble old
man with skull-cap and white beard, leaning on a cane. The number
1897 across his forehead or breast. South Wind, a slender
brunette in veil, mantle, and cape of green cheese cloth, cape
belted down in the back. As she enters she flourishes her arms to
throw out veil and cape. Messenger, in lettered uniform.
Four Heralds, uniformed somewhat like messenger. Nine
Fairies, very small girls. Coronets of silver paper. Flowing
robes of cheese cloth with angel sleeves worn over clothing
sufficiently warm for the season. Colors to present the plants
whose leaves they carry. Silver belts, shoe-buckles, and necklaces.
Leaves cut from green paper, and letters from gilt. Kriss
Kringle, Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, Knight Rupert, and
Babousca in appropriate costumes. Nine Children, in
ordinary clothes. North Wind, East Wind, and West
Wind in costumes similar to South Wind, but varying in
color,—white for north, blue for east, and red for west. The
Winds stand behind St. Nicholas and keep up a restless blowing;
that is, a fluttering and ballooning of capes and veils by
flourishing arms.)

“Our fingers are nimble. We’ll
quickly make toys
Enough to supply all the girls and
the boys,
And Santa may watch us to see if
it’s right,
So all will be ready before
Christmas night.”

Then bravely they all went to work
with a will,
And soon all was quiet in workshop
and mill;
For old Santa said, “Enough, and
well done,
We’ve toys enough now to make all
kinds of fun.”

We thank you, old Santa, and your
helpers, too,
For all of the many kind things
that you do;
And should you need more help in
making your toys,
Just call on your small friends,
the girls and the boys.

Deep lies the snow upon the
earth,
But all the sky is
ringing
With joyous song, and all night
long
The stars shall dance with
singing.

Oh, hush thee, little dear, my
soul,
And close thine eyes in
dreaming,
And angels fair shall lead thee
where
The singing stars are
beaming.

A shepherd calls his little
lambs,
And he longeth to caress
them;
He bids them rest upon his
breast,
That his tender love may bless
them.

So, hush thee, little dear, my
soul,
Whilst evening shades are
falling,
And above the song of the heavenly
throng
Thou shall hear the Master
calling.

If we are real nice
And as still as mice,
If we never peep,
And are sound asleep,
He’ll fill our stockings, I do
believe!

And when we arise
Next day our eyes
Will grow big to see
How perfectly
He knew what we all wished to
receive!

I want a horse and
wagon,
And a boat that’s painted
red,
An elephant, a
jumping-jack—
You need not bring a
sled,

For I have one very
pretty;
But I want a
trotting-horse,
A man who wheels a
wheel-barrow,
And candy, too, of
course.

Now, Santa dear, you’ll not
forget.
I wish you’d write them
down,
And leave them all at my
house
When you journey through the
town.

I’d like to hear upon the
roof
The patter of each tiny
hoof
Of Santa’s reindeer
overhead,
When I am snug and warm in
bed.

But mamma says I must not
lie
Awake, or he will pass me
by;
He does not like the girls or
boys
To watch him when he brings the
toys.

I think I’d better go to
sleep.
I guess the presents all will
keep,
Then in the morning I shall
be
Glad to think I did not
see.

The old, old chimes are
dearest;
The old, old songs are
best;
It’s the old, old gladness
welling
Within each joyous
breast.

Then my little lad said
slyly,
“Remember, if that’s
true,
That your old, old way, mamma
dear,
Was to give me something
new.”

Grandma does not say to
us—
“Stop that horrid
noise,”
‘Cause she understands we
can’t,
When we’re “only
boys.”

And she lets the girls play
house,
In the garret old,
And when they strew things
around,
Grandma doesn’t scold.

But we ought to pick them
up,
Even on Christmas day,
For we shouldn’t make kind
friends
Trouble with our play.

Yes, we love the Christmas
time
Best of all the year,
We have waited for it
long,
Now, at last, it’s here.

(These couplets may be given by three primary
children to open Christmas program.)

Second child:
That our darling old “Santa,” as
sly as a fox,
May leave at your door both bundle
and box.

Third child:
And that beautiful gifts for one
and for all
From the evergreen boughs may
happily fall!

(Recitation and chorus. A semi-circle of
primary children is formed on the stage. They sing first verse of
the familiar church tune, “Joy to the World.”)

Recitation (one child steps
forward).—
In Bethlehem, the story
goes,
A little Child was born,
Low in a manger He was
laid
The first glad Christmas
morn.

That Child is now our Saviour
King,
Of Him we sing to-day;
And may glad bells o’er all the
earth
Ring out a gladsome lay.

Chorus.—
Joy to the world, a Saviour
reigns,
Let men their tongues
employ,
While fields and floods, rocks,
hills, and vales
Repeat the sounding joy.

All he answered was, “Goo
goo!”
So I don’t think that he
knew,
I told mamma hers was
white,
And she’d wear it every
night.

That she’d need it getting
tea.
Then my mamma smiled at
me,
And she whispered, “Isn’t
May
Letting secrets fly
away?”

Somehow I much doubt if the
gentleman looks
Like the pictures we see in the
shops and the books.
I’ve a sort of a notion we’d all be
surprised
If we suddenly saw him, by day,
undisguised!

Is he big, is he little, is he
young, is he old?
There are some things, I know, that
can’t always be told,
But I’d much like to know why it is
he must keep
Himself hidden securely till we are
asleep?

I’ve made up my mind that I’m going
to watch,
And see if I cannot by any means
catch
One glimpse of his face as he comes
down the flue,
And if I succeed I’ll describe him
to you!

Second pupil:
Yes, far away that Christmas
night,
A star above the Christ shone
bright,
And led the shepherds from
afar
To seek that bright and glorious
star.

Third pupil:
The shepherds came with presents
rare
And knelt with tender love and
care,
Before that child so sweet and
true,
And loved Him as we all should
do;
And that grand song we hear
again,
“Peace on earth—good will to
men.”

(A little girl is seated with her slate and
pencil. A postman’s whistle is heard, and she exclaims, “There is
the letter-man!” She runs to the door and returns with a large
envelope, made of white wrapping-paper sealed with red wax, which
she tears open, announces it is written by Santa Claus to the
pupils of the school, and then reads it aloud. In the last verse
the names of the children present are to be substituted for the
printed ones.)

You may watch and wait till
midnight,
Looking at the falling
snow,
But be sure you won’t
discover
When I come or when I
go.

For I come when all is
silent,
Not a breath will then be
heard,
And I softly through the
chimney
Enter, saying not a
word.

Quickly to the stockings step
I,
And I place in every one
Something for the Christmas
frolic,
Something for the Christmas
fun.

Hark! my reindeer out the
window,
Prance and shake a warning
note;
Santa Claus will speed away
then,
Wrapping close his cap and
coat.

Your surprise, when comes the
morning,
Gladness which your bright eyes
tell,
Grateful, merry, happy
children,
Pleases Santa Claus full
well.

Willie, Alice, Harry,
Mary,
Christmas greetings now I
send.
Cora, Freddie, Sadie,
Johnnie,
Don’t forget Santa Claus, your
friend.

Then on Christmas
morning
I will run and see
All the lovely presents
He has left for me.

Second pupil:
I never think that
Christmas
Is quite so full of joy,
Unless I find a poor
child
And give her a nice toy.

For don’t you know at
Christmas
We must be happy then,
And love to do for
others
As Christ did to all
men.

(Over the platform against the wall hang the
words “Merry, Merry Christmas.” They may be simply made of
dark-colored pasteboard twelve inches high, or the cardboard may be
covered with red berries and evergreen. The five children who
recite in turn point to the words whenever they speak them.)

Second child:
Oh! “merry, merry
Christmas,”
Weave in fragrant green,
And “merry, merry
Christmas,”
In holly-berries’ sheen.
Opened heaven’s portals,
That by favored mortals
Angels might be seen.

Third child::
Oh! “merry, merry
Christmas,”
Carol bright and gay,
For “merry, merry
Christmas”
Is the Children’s day;
Morning stars revealing
Shepherds humbly
kneeling
Where the Christ child
lay.

Fourth child:
Oh! “merry, merry
Christmas,”
Day of sacred mirth;
Oh! “merry, merry
Christmas,”
Sing the Saviour’s
birth.
Christ, the high and
holy,
Once so meek and lowly,
Came from heaven to
earth.

Fifth child:
Oh! “merry, merry
Christmas,”
Shout the happy sound,
Till “merry, merry
Christmas,”
Spreads the world
around;
Wonderful the story,
Unto God may glory
Evermore abound.

(At the three last words the speaker raises her
finger impressively.)

There wouldn’t be a single
toy,
A single box or book,
And not a bit of candy
in
Their stockings when they’d
look

Because, you see, Kriss Kringle
has
A “corner” on these
things,
‘Tis he, and he alone, who
in
The night our presents
brings.

Then let us all try to
avert
This sad catastrophe,
And hope Kriss Kringle may at
least
Remember you and me.

Just as he started for his
sleigh
One eve, in old
December,
He turned to Mistress Santa
Claus
And said, “Did you
remember
About that fine new Paris
doll
For wee Dot in the city?
I must not fail to take that
gift,
‘Twould be a dreadful
pity.”

It was early in the
morning,
One day in old December;
A very happy, joyous day
That children all
remember,
When Santa, on his mission
fleet,
To the nursery came
creeping,
And left the fine new Paris
doll
Among the others,
sleeping.

The holly and the
mistletoe
Were bright this winter
morning;
One stocking filled from top to
toe
The mantel was adorning.
A Christmas tree hung full with
gifts,
While underneath,
reposing
On an upholstered rocking
chair,
The Paris doll was
dozing.

Then suddenly from out the
gloom
Dot’s other dolls came
peeping,
Their hair uncombed, their dresses
torn,
And noses red with
weeping;
They talked in whispers soft and
low,
But tones that grew quite
scornful,
About the fate that was to
greet
This stranger, sad and
mournful.

There were Annabel and
Bessie,
That came one cold
December;
They hobbled round with broken
backs
From falling on the
fender.
Then Tommy, Grace, and baby
Ruth,
All came one birthday
party,
And Rose and Don a year
ago,
With Santa Claus so
hearty.

They all assembled round the
tree,
And then with manners
shocking
They pinched and shook the Paris
doll,
And cried in words so
mocking—
“Why, don’t you know, you stupid
thing,
Dot won’t care for
another,
She has received this Christmas
morn
A dear, sweet baby
brother!”

(To be recited with careful regard to
smoothness, without a sing-song effect.)

Your last year’s presents are
scattered and gone;
You have almost forgot who gave
them;
But the loving thoughts you bestow
live on
As long as you choose to have
them.
Love, love is your riches, though
ever so poor;
No money can buy that
treasure;
Yours always, from robber and rust
secure,
Your own, without stint or
measure;
It is only love that we can
give;
It is only by loving we
live.

For who is it smiles through the
Christmas morn—
The Light of the wide
creation?
A dear little Child in a stable
born,
Whose love is the world’s
salvation.
He was poor on earth, but He gave
us all
That can make our life worth the
living;
And happy the Christmas day we
call
That is spent, for His sake, in
giving;
He shows us the way to
live,
Like Him. Let us love and
give!

Then arose a joyous clamor from the
wild fowl on the mere,
Beneath the stars, across the snow,
like clear bells ringing,
And a voice within cried:
“Listen!—Christmas carols even here!
Though thou be dumb, yet o’er their
work the stars and snows are singing.
Blind! I live, I love, I reign; and
all the nations through
With the thunder of my judgments
even now are ringing;
Do thou fulfill thy work, but as
yon wild fowl do,
Thou wilt hear no less the wailing,
yet hear through it angels singing.”

Each simple gift that came to
hand,
How marvelous I thought
it!
A treasure straight from
wonderland,
For Santa Claus had brought
it.
And at my cries
Of glad surprise
The others all came
flocking
To share my glee
And view with me
The contents of the
stocking

Years sped—I left each
well-loved scene
In Northern wilds to
roam,
And there, ‘mid tossing pine-trees
green,
I made myself a home.
We numbered three
And blithe were we,
At adverse fortune
mocking,
And Christmas-tide
By our fireside
Found hung the baby’s
stocking.

Alas! within our home
to-night
No sweet young voice is
ringing,
And through its silent rooms no
light.
Free, childish step is
springing.
The wild winds rave
O’er baby’s grave
Where plumy pines are
rocking
And crossed at rest
On marble breast
The hands that filled my
stocking

With misty eyes but steady
hand
I raise my Christmas
chalice;
Here’s to the children of the
land
In cabin or in palace;
May each one hold
The key of gold,
The gates of glee
unlocking,
And hands be found
The whole world round
To fill the Christmas
stocking

(During this recitation let the piano be played
very softly in running chords that resolve into the key of a
Christmas carol which is taken up and sung by the entire school at
the end of the poem.)

Sing angel host!
Sing of the stars that God has
placed
Above the manger in the
east.
Sing of the glories of the
night,
The Virgin’s sweet
humility,
The Babe with kingly robes
bedight,—
Sing to all men where’er they
be
This Christmas morn
For Christ is born,
That saveth them and saveth
me!

(This poem may be recited by one pupil, or
divided as follows:)

Second pupil:
Christmas, merry
Christmas!
‘Tis not so very long
Since other voices
blended
With the carol and the
song!
If we could but hear them
singing
As they are singing now,
If we could but see the
radiance
Of the crown on each dear
brow;
There would be no sigh to
smother,
No hidden tear to flow,
As we listen in the
starlight
To the “bells across the
snow.”

Third pupil:
O Christmas, merry
Christmas!
This never more can be;
We cannot bring again the
days
Of our unshadowed glee.
But Christmas, happy
Christmas,
Sweet herald of good
will,
With holy songs of
glory,
Brings holy gladness
still.
For peace and hope may
brighten,
And patient love may
glow,
As we listen in the
starlight
To the “bells across the
snow.”

Low on the hearth my good grimalkin
lies,
His supple, glossy limbs
outstretched along;
Now gently sleeps with softly
closèd eyes,
Now, half awakened, purrs his
even-song.

Near to the fire, touched by its
gentle heat,
A silent, welcome friend, my
armchair stands.
Its cushioned depths invite me to
its seat,
And promise rest for weary head and
hands.

Within its depths mine eyes
unheeded close,
And comes to me a vision wondrous
sweet.
Such sights and sounds no wakeful
hours disclose
As then my resting, dreaming senses
greet.

I am where gentle shepherds on the
plain
Keep sleepless, faithful watch o’er
resting sheep;
I hear them chant the Psalmist’s
sweet refrain,
That Israel’s God will sure his
promise keep.

Then quick the air is full of
heav’nly song,
And radiant light illumines all the
ground,
While angel voices sweet the strain
prolong,
And angel faces shine in glory
round.

I see the shepherds’ faces pale
with fear,
Then glow with joy and glad
surprise, for then
“Glory to God!” from angel lips
they hear,
And “Peace on earth good will to
men.”

And then the light marks out a
shining way,
And swift the shepherds are the
path to take.
I long to go! O laggard feet, why
stay?
Alas! the vision fades, and I
awake.

Within, the smold’ring fire is
burning dim;
Without, the whirl and beat of
storm have ceased.
I still can hear the angels’
peaceful hymn,
And know the vision hath my peace
increased.

The tall trees and the goodly trees
raised each a lofty head.
In glad and secret confidence,
though not a word they said
But one, the baby of the band,
could not restrain a sigh—
“You all will be approved,” he
said, “but, oh! what chance have I?”

Then axe on shoulder to the grove a
woodman took his way.
One baby-girl he had at home, and
he went forth to find
A little tree as small as she, just
suited to his mind.

Oh, glad and proud the baby-fir,
amid its brethren tall,
To be thus chosen and singled out,
the first among them all!
He stretched his fragrant branches,
his little heart beat fast,
He was a real Christmas tree; he
had his wish at last.

One large and shining apple with
cheeks of ruddy gold,
Six tapers, and a tiny doll were
all that he could hold.

“I am so small, so very small, no
one will mark or know
How thick and green my needles are,
how true my branches grow;
Few toys and candles could I hold,
but heart and will are free,
And in my heart of hearts I know I
am a Christmas tree.”

The Christmas angel hovered near;
he caught the grieving word,
And, laughing low, he hurried
forth, with love and pity stirred.
He sought and found St Nicholas,
the dear old Christmas saint,
And in his fatherly kind ear
rehearsed the fir-tree’s plaint.

Saints are all-powerful, we know,
so it befell that day,
The baby laughed, the baby crowed,
to see the tapers bright;
The forest baby felt the joy, and
shared in the delight.

And when at last the tapers died,
and when the baby slept,
The little fir in silent night a
patient vigil kept;
Though scorched and brown its
needles were, it had no heart to grieve.
“I have not lived in vain,” he
said; “thank God for Christmas eve!”

Out of the East they rode
amain,
With servants and camels in their
train.
Laden with spices, myrrh, and
gold,
Gems and jewels of worth
untold,
Presents such as to-day men
bring,
To lay at the feet of some Eastern
king.

Wrinkled and feeble, old and
gray,
Dame Babousca, that Christmas
day,
Looked from her hut beside the
moor,
Where the four roads crossed by her
cottage door,
And saw the kings on their camels
white,
A shadowy train in the wintry
night.

They knocked at her cabin door to
tell
That wonderful story we know so
well,
Of the star that was guiding them
all the way
To the place where the little
Christ-Child lay,
And they begged that she, through
the sleet and snow,
To the nearest village with them
would go.

But naught cared she for that
unknown Child,
And winds about her blew fierce and
wild,
For the night was stormy, dark, and
cold,
And poor Babousca was weak and
old,
And in place of the pitiless
winter’s night,
Her lowly hut seemed a palace
bright.

So to their pleadings she answered
“Nay,”
And watched them all as they rode
away.
But when they had gone and the
night was still,
Her hut seemed lonely, and dark,
and chill,
And she almost wished she had
followed them
In search of the Babe of
Bethlehem.

And then as the longing stronger
grew,
She said, “I will find Him,” but no
one knew,
Where was the cradle in which He
lay
When He came to earth upon
Christmas day,
For the kings and their trains were
long since gone,
And none could tell of the Babe,
new born.

Then filling a basket with toys,
she said,
As over the wintry moor she
sped,
“I will go to the busy haunts of
men,
There I shall find the kings, and
then,
Together we’ll go that Child to
meet,
And jewels and toys we’ll lay at
His feet.

The kings with their trains have
long been clay.
The hut on the moor has mouldered
away,
But old and feeble, worn and
gray,
Every year upon Christmas
day,
It matters not though the winds
blow chill,
Old Babousca is seeking
still.

And every year when the joy-bells
chime,
To tell of the blessed Christmas
time,
When in Holland they tell to the
girls and boys,
Of good Saint Nicholas and his
toys,
In Russia, the little children
say,
“Old Babousca has passed this
way.”

(A prose recitation, or suggestion for
composition.)

“What means that star?” the
shepherd said,
“That brightens through the rocky
glen?”
And angels answering
overhead,
Sang, “Peace on earth, good will to
men!”

‘Tis eighteen hundred years and
more
Since those sweet oracles were
dumb;
We wait for Him, like them of
yore;
Alas, He seems so slow to
come!

But it was said, in words of
gold.
No time or sorrow e’er shall
dim,
That little children might be
bold
In perfect trust to come to
Him.

All round about our feet shall
shine
A light like that the wise men
saw,
If we our loving wills
incline
To that sweet Life which is the
Law.

So shall we learn to
understand
The simple faith of shepherds
then,
And clasping kindly hand in
hand,
Sing, “Peace on earth, good will to
men!”

And they who do their souls no
wrong,
But keep at eve the faith of
morn,
Shall daily hear the
angel-song,
“To-day the Prince of Peace is
born!”

(Recitation for a high-school pupil.)

They told her how a glorious
light,
Streaming from a heavenly
throng,
Around them shone suspending
night,
While, sweeter than a mother’s
song,
Blest angels heralded the Saviour’s
birth,
Glory to God on high and Peace on
Earth.

She listened to the tale
divine,
And closer still the Babe she
prest;
And while she cried, The Babe is
mine!
The milk rushed faster to her
breast;
Joy rose within her like a summer’s
morn;
Peace, Peace on Earth! the Prince
of Peace is born.

Thou Mother of the Prince of
Peace,
Poor, simple, and of low
estate!
That strife should vanish, battle
cease,
O why should this thy soul
elate?
Sweet music’s loudest note, the
poet’ story—
Didst thou ne’er love to hear of
fame and glory?

And is not War a youthful
king,
A stately hero clad in
mail?
Beneath his footsteps laurels
spring;
Him Earth’s majestic monarch’s
hail
Their friend, their playmate! and
his bold bright eye
Compels the maiden’s
love-confessing sigh.

‘Tell this in some more courtly
scene,
To maids and youths in robes of
state!
I am a woman poor and
mean,
And therefore is my soul
elate.
War is a ruffian, all with guilt
defiled,
That from the aged father tears his
child!

“A murderous fiend, by fiends
adored,
He kills the sire and starves the
son;
The husband kills, and from her
hoard
Steals all his widow’s toil had
won;
Plunders God’s world of beauty;
rends away
All safety from the night, all
comfort from the day.

“Then wisely is my soul
elate,
That strife should vanish, battle
cease;
I’m poor and of a low
estate,
The Mother of the Prince of
Peace.
Joy rises in me like a summer’s
morn;
Peace, Peace on Earth! the Prince
of Peace is born.”

(Recitation for a boy to give before a
Christmas tree is dismantled.)

(Noël is the French word for
Christmas.)

“Sister Holly,” Ivy
quoth,
“What is that within you
see?
To and fro doth ye glow
Of ye yule-log flickering
go;
Would its warmth did cherish
me!
Where thou bidest is it
warm;
I am shaken of ye
storm.”

“Sister Ivy,” Holly
quoth,
“Brightly burns the yule-log
here,
And love brings beauteous
things,
While a guardian angel
sings
To the babes that slumber
near;
But, O Ivy! tell me now,
What without there seest
thou?”

“Sister Holly,” Ivy
quoth,
“With fair music comes ye
Morn,
And afar burns ye Star
Where ye wondering shepherds
are,
And the Shepherd King is
born:
‘Peace on earth, good will to
men,’
Angels cry, and cry
again.”

Holly standeth in ye
house
When that Noël draweth
near;
Clambering o’er yonder
door,
Ivy standeth evermore;
And to them that rightly
hear,
Each one speaketh of ye
love
That outpoureth from
Above.

(When it is impossible to prepare a regular
Christmas program for the friends of the pupils to enjoy with the
school, the entrance to holiday week may be signalled by the
impromptu reading and recitation of Christmas sentiments.)

CHRISTMAS DAY.

Feathery flakes are falling,
falling
From the skies in softest
way,
And between are voices
calling,
“Soon it will be Christmas
day!”

—Mary B. Dodge.

OLD DECEMBER.

With snowy locks December
stands
‘Mid sleet and storm; his wasted
hands
A frosty scepter grasp and
hold;
His frame is bent, his limbs are
old;
His bearded lips are iced and
pale;
He shivers in the winter
gale.
Come then, O day of warm
heart-cheer,
Make glad the waste and waning
year,
While old December shivering
goes
To rest beneath the drifted
snows!

—Benj. F. Leggett.

CHRISTMAS-TIDE.

O happy chime,
O blessed time,
That draws us all so
near!
“Welcome, dear day,”
All creatures say,
For Christmas-tide has
come.

—L.M. Alcott

CHRISTMAS EVE.

The time draws near the birth of
Christ:
The moon is hid; the night is
still;
The Christmas bells from hill to
hill
Answer each other in the
mist.

Rise, happy morn! rise, holy
morn!
Draw forth the cheerful day from
night:
O Father! touch the east, and
light
The light that shone when hope was
born.

—Alfred Tennyson

FATHER CHRISTMAS.

Here comes old Father
Christmas,
With sound of fife and
drums,
With misteltoe about his
brows,
So merrily he comes!

Hurrah for Father
Christmas!
Ring all the merry
bells!
And bring the grandsires all
around
To hear the tale he
tells.

—Rose Terry Cooke

CHRISTMAS IN ENGLAND.

Well our Christian sires of
old
Loved when the year its course had
rolled,
And brought blithe Christmas back
again,
With all his hospitable
train.

    *    *    *    *    *    *
England was merry England
when
Old Christmas brought his sports
again.
‘Twas Christmas broached the
mightiest ale;
‘Twas Christmas told the merriest
tale,
A Christmas gambol oft could
cheer
The poor man’s heart through half
the year.

—Sir Walter Scott.

MUSIC OF CHRISTMAS.

What do the angels sing?
What is the word they
bring?
What is the music of Christmas
again?
Glad tidings still to
thee,
Peace and good will to
thee
Glory to God in the
highest!

—F.R. Havergal.

A CHRISTMAS WISH.

A bright and blessed Christmas
Day,
With echoes of the angels’
song,
And peace that cannot pass
away,
And holy gladness, calm and
strong,
And sweetheart carols, flowing
free!
This is my Christmas wish to
thee.

—F.R. Havergal.

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS.

Where love takes, let love give,
and so doubt not:
Love counts but the
will,
And the heart has its flowers of
devotion
No winter can chill;
They who cared for “good will” that
first Christmas
Will care for it still.

—A.A. Procter.

ONCE A YEAR.

At Christmas play and make good
cheer,
For Christmas comes but once a
year.

—Tusser.

OLD ENGLISH SONG.

When Rosemary and Bays, the poet’s
crown,
Are bawled in frequent cries
through all the town,
Then judge the festival of
Christmas near,—
Christmas, the joyous period of the
year!
Now with bright holly all the
temples are strow;
With Laurel green and sacred
Mistletoe.

OLD FATHER CHRISTMAS.

Old Father Christmas is passing
by,
His cheeks are ruddy, he’s bright
of eye;
His beard is white with the snows
of time.
His brow is hoary with frost and
rime.
It’s little he cares for the frost
and the cold,
For old Father Christmas he never
grows old.

EVERGREEN AND HOLLY.

Bring the evergreens and
holly,
Bring the music and the
song,
Chase away the
melancholy,
By the pleasures bright, and
jolly,
Which to Christmas time
belong.