>N 4305 H7 K4 opy 1 PN 4305 THE PR V ACTICAL TEACHERS' LIBRARY No. 9 ished Monthly A DD TT T ftr**7 Subscription Price, $3.00 .H7 K4 Copy 1 2 U hristmas Entertainment ft 8 8 s 8 a )NGS TO OLD T.l 8 FANCY DRILLS 8 | xCROSTICS MOTION SON § § I ABLEAUX SHORT PL A - S RECITATIONS IN COSTUft M EDITED BY *# ALICE M. KELLOGG & u 2 i rr rr rr ■S i E. L. KELLOGG & CO. 2 I rr u Entered at the Post Office at New York as second-class matter. Send all orders to E. L. Kellogg & Co., New York and Chicago. KELLOGG'S SERIES OF SPECIAL DAY BOOKS THIS exceedingly attractive and. popular series contains the following books. The material in all is new, carefully selected and is adapted" to all grades. A very valuable feature is the suggestions for the most effec- tive use of each exercise. Complete programs are also suggested, a great help to the teacher. How to Celebrate Washington's Birthday in the SCHOOL-ROOM. Containing Patriotic Exercises, Declamations, Recita- tions, Drills, Quotations, etc., for the Primary, Grammar, and High School. Price, 35c, postpaid. How to Celebrate Arbor Day in the School-Room. Giving the Origin of Arbor Day, Hints on the Planting of Trees, Special • Exercises', Rose Drill, Recitations, Songs, and 50 Quotations. Price, 25c, postpaid. How to Celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas IN THE SCHOOL-ROOM. Consisting of Recitations, Songs, Drills, Ex- ercises and Complete Programs for celebrating Autumn Days, Thanksgiv- ing, and Christmas. Price, 25c, postpaid. New Year and Midwinter Exercises. Consisting of Recitations, Quotations, Authors' Birthdays, and Special Pro- grams for Celebrating New Year and Midwinter Days in the School-Room. Price, 25c, postpaid. Spring and Summer School Celebrations. Containing exercises and a large amount of material for May Day, Decooration Day, Easter, Commencement, Spring and Summer Celebrations. Price, 25c, postpaid. Fancy Drills and Marches, Motion Songs, and ACTION PIECES- For Arbor Day, Christmas, Memorial Da\ t Closing Day, and Patriotic Occasions. Fully illustrated. Price, 25c. postpaid. Authors' Birthdays. No. i. Containing programs for the celebration of Birthdays ot Longfellow, Holmes, Bryant, Hawthorne, Shakespeare, Burns, and Dickens with portraits. Price, 25c, postpaid. 1 ft Authors' Birthdays. No. 2. 25 Programs for Lowell, Tennyson, Scott, Milton, Irving, Emerson, Whittier. Price, 25c, postpaid. Our Catalogue describes the best books for school entertainments It is free on req CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT BY / ALICE M. KELLOGG NEW SONGS TO OLD TUNES FANCY DRILLS ACROSTICS MOTION SONGS TABLEAUX SHORT PLAYS RECITATIONS IN COSTUME jP\ES RECH> NEW YORK AND CHICAGO E. L. KELLOGG & CO. Copyright, 1897, by E. L. KELLOGG & CO., NEW YORK CONTENTS. PAGE New Songs to Old Tunes : Time for Santa Claus M. Nora Boylan 7 Santa Claus is Coming Maud L. Betts 7 Old Santa Claus M. Nora Boylan 8 Fancy Drills : A Christmas-bell Drill Ella M. Powers 9 The Snow Brigade Marian Loder 10 Christmas Stockings A. S. Webber 11 Acrostics : Christmas Children M. Nora Boylan 13 Santa Claus W. S. C 14 Charity Jay Bee 15 Merry Christmas M. D. Sterling. . . . , 15 Motion Songs : A Christmas Lullaby 18 Dance of the Snow flakes Alice E. Allen 19 Little Snowflakes Ella M. Powers 22 Christmas Stories Lettie Sterling 23 Tableaux : Christmas Pictures 24 Recitations in Costume : The Brownie Men M. Nora Boylan 27 Winter's Children J. D. Moore 27 Santa Claus Julia C R. Dorr 29 Father Christmas' Message..}. A. Atkinson 31 Short Plays : Mr. Si;. Nicholas Alice M. Kellogg 31 Christmas Offerings by Chil- dren from Other Lands Ella M. Powers 37 A Christmas Reunion M. D. Sterling 41 Christmas Waits Katherine West 49 A Christmas Party .Lizzie M. Hadley 51 3 CONTENTS. PAGE Recitations for the Primary Grade : Santa's Helpers M. Nora Boylan 58 Christmas Eve Eugene Field 59 Santa Claus' Visit Susie M. Best 59 To Santa Claus Jennie D. Moore 60 What I Should Like Jennie D. Moore 61 A Gentle Reminder Alice W. Rollins 61 Christmas Time M. N. B 62 Christmas Wishes C. Phillips 62 Christmas Morn M. N. B 63 My Christmas Secrets S. C. Peabody 63 Kriss Kringle Susie M. Best 64 A Message Ella M. Powers 65 The Mousie M. N. B 65 A Letter from Santa Claus . . .William Howard 66 The Christmas We Like Ella M. Powers 67 Saint Nick M. N. B 67 Merry, Merry Christmas Carine L. Rose 68 Christmas Questions Wolstan Dixey 69 A Catastrophe Susie M. Best 69 Recitations for the Grammar Grade : A Christmas Gift Mabel L. Pray 70 A Christmas Thought Lucy Larcom 72 The Merry Christmas Eve . . . Charles Kingsley 73 The Christmas Stocking Charles H. Pearson 73 Christmas Hymn Eugene Field 75 Bells Across the Snow F. R. Havergal 76 Christmas Eve. Frank E. Brown 77 The Little Christmas Tree . . . .Susan Coolidge 78 The Russian Santa Claus Lizzie M. Hadley 80 A Christmas Garden 81 A Christmas Carol J. R. Lowell 82 The Power of Christmas 83 Peace on Earth . .S. T. Coleridge. 84 The Christmas Tree 85 Old English Christmases 86 Holly and Ivy Eugene Field 87 NOTE. A LARGE proportion of the material in this collec- tion was contributed to The School Journal. It is distinguished from other selections by the author's name following directly after the title. Permission to use copyrighted poems has been kindly given by the publishers of The Outlook, New York City; The Ladies' Home Journal, Philadelphia; Good Housekeeping, Springfield, Mass. ; Mrs. Alice W. Rollins, Bronxville, N. Y. ; Houghton, Mifflin & Co. and Roberts Brothers of Boston ; and Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. 5 Christmas Entertainment Time for Santa Claus. By M. Nora Boylan. (To be sung to the tune of " Ta-ra-ra, boom-de-ay.") Now's the time for Santa Claus ; Christmas comes with loud huzzas. Hark ! the bells ! Oh, hear them ring ! Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling. 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. Santa Claus is Coming. By Maud L. Betts. (To be sung to the tune of " Marching- thro' Georgia.") Santa Claus is coming — we shall welcome him with glee; He'll hang a gift for every one upon the Christmas-tree ; 8 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. He'll not forget a single child. How happy we shall be; For Santa Claus is coming. 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. Old Santa Claus. By M. Nora Boylan. (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.) Old Santa Claus is a jolly man Who brings us lots of toys, sir ; And none are happier Christmas time Than little girls and boys, sir. 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. A CHRISTMAS-BELL DRILL. 9 A Christmas-bell Drill. By Ella M. Powers. (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.") Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, Happy bells of Christmas time ; Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, Christ the Lord is born. 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.) Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, Happy bells of Christmas time ; Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, Glory be to God. Let us carol sweetly then, Peace on earth, good will to men ; Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, Christ the Lord is born. (All march out, singing, and waving wands.) io CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. The Snow Brigade. By Marian Loder. (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.") I. 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? CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS. II {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. {Begin snowballing with the cotton, throiving balls into audience and at each other?) Christmas Stockings. By A. S. Webber. (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, imme- diately 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 follow- ing 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 swing- ing 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.) Santa Claus on Christmas eve, Means to give a gift to all, Each a stocking we will hang, Stockings big and stockings small. 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,) I mean to hang on Christmas eve A stocking of this size (measures), Because I want a doll so big, That sleeps and shuts its eyes. 12 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. To crowd it in a stocking small Would surely not be wise. (Pupil steps back in place and al* sing the chorus, keeping time as before.) 2d Pupil. — My stocking is the one I'll hang, I know 'twill hold quite well, About a hundred marbles more Than's owned by Tommy Bell. Of course I want some candy, too, But the marbles are what tell. (Steps back, and chorus is repeated as before.) 3 Christmas Children. By M. Nora Boyla.v. (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 let- ter on the reverse side.) All : Happy children here we stand. Bringing words of love ; For on this glad Christmas day Christ came from above. First child: C is for the Christ Who came To this lowly earth. Second child: H is for the harps that rang At our Saviour's birth. Third child : R is for the ringing bells, Telling Christmas-tide. Fourth child : I is for the crystal ice Where we go to slide. Fifth child : S is for the schoolboy's sled When he coasting goes. Sixth child : T is for poor Tommy Jones- Jack Frost bit his nose. 14 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. Seventh child : M is for the merry part Of this Christmas day, Eighth child : A is for the apple pies Grandma put away. Ninth child : S is for old Santa Clans, Coming here to-night. Hope he'll wait till nearly morn, So it will be light. All : Yes, we're happy children nine, And to each we're .true, Three cheers for jolly Santa Claus, A happy day to you. -»> Santa Claus. By w. s. c. (A letter exercise for ten very small children. Let each child present a placard bearing the letter as he recites his line. At the close, all shut their eyes and screw them up very tight.) S stands for stockings we hang up so high. A is for all we get if we don't cry. N is for nobody he will pass by. T is for to-morrow, the day we eat pie. A stands for at last old Santa is nigh. 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. CHARITY— MERRY CHRISTMAS. *5 Charity. By Jay Bee. (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 dur- ing the speaking ) First child : Cheerily ring the Christmas bells ! Second child : How joyfully their jingling tells Third child : All peace and kindness on the earth, Fourth child : Ringing out, singing out, laughing with mirth ! Fifth child : In every home is joy profound, Sixth child : The echo of this merry sound. Seventh child : Yet Charity must remembered be, And that is why we have this tree. Merry Christmas. By M. D. Sterling. (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 platforn. He is followed by the girl with E. So continue until the line of children is complete.) First boy : M stands for merry — oh ' let us be merry ; M stands for merry — right merry am I. (Bowing.) With a bow to the right, sir, and a bow to the left, sir, Come, now, and be merry, all sadness defy. Chorus (by school, to the refrain of " Buy a Broom"). — Christmas dear now draws near, With song and with evergreen welcome it here^ 16 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. First girl : E stands for evergreen, beautiful evergreen, E stands for evergreen, never to fade. (Courtesying.) With a courtesy to right, sir, and a court- esy 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 lineot children between the last letter of " Merry ' ana the first of " Christmas.") Third girl : C stands for Christmas — bright Christmas, merry Christ- mas ; C stands for Christmas — the best of the year. With a courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir, Make merry at Christmas with good Christmas cheer. — Cho. 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. MERRY CHRISTMAS. 17 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 ! uever 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. i8 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. (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, elevat- ing and lowering the wands in time to music. During the second stanza they form two opposite lines, with wands crosseo overhead, couples march- ing 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.) Oh, Christmas, merry Christmas ! Thy call we must obey, And carry fadeless garlands In honor of the day. 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. A Christmas Lullaby. (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 i "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.") DANCE OF THE SNOWFLAKES. 19 Hushaby, hushaby, (1) Christmas stars are in the sky ; Sweet the bells of Christmas eve, — Babies, each a kiss receive, — (2) Hushaby, good-night, Hushaby, good-night ! (3) 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) Dance of the Snowflakes. By Alice E. Allen. (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 look ingdown. 20 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 13 Music much faster and brighter. Children look up over right shoul der, 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, heads 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.) We lived in cloudland, (1) Floating here and there (2) 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) DANCE OF THE SNOWFLAKES. 21 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 ! 22 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. Little Snowflakes. By Ella M. Powers. (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 claspeo and eyes upturned as if gazing with admiration at the tree.) We are little snowflakes, (a) Falling gently down, On the fields and mountains In the busy town. 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 (/) Early one fair night. Then on Christmas morning Children dance to see, (g) Many lovely presents On that stately tree, (h) CHRISTMAS STORIES. 23 Christmas Stories. By Lettie Sterling. (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. //. Place the doubled-up hand on the back of the other. i. Lift thumb and hold it up. / Lift 1st finger. k. Lift 2d finger. /. 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 ol 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 lool* down upon the palm of 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 e match, scratching it on the palm of the left hand and lighting the tips ol 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 o! the thumb and form an opening for the window. t. Bring the fingers of the right hand near and let them be boys anc girls peeping in. u. Double up hands, but instead of having thumb inside, let it stanc straight up to be a tower. v. Snap the fingers of one hand, then of the other. zv. Point far away with index finger. x. Point toward an imaginary star. y. Hold up the three middle fingers.) Chimneys standing in a row, (a) Down each one will Santa go. He goes down one, comes back alive, (b) And then tries two, (c) three, (d) four, (e) and five. (/] Santa has a wondrous pack, (g) This he carries on his back ; (h) From it he takes candies, (z) drums, (J) Dolls, {k) books, (/) 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, («) 24 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 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, (/) 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. Christmas Pictures. (This set of pictures is suggested by Mrs. Kate Douglas Wiggin's story of " The Birds' Christmas Carol," published by Houghton, Mifflin & Com- pany, Boston, Mass. Each picture should be preceded by descriptions from the book ; these are indicated by the number of the page in the vol- ume. 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, Eily, Kitty, Peter, Clem, Larry, Susan, and the boy singer. CHRISTMAS PICTURES. 25 The first hymn, " Carol, Brothers, Carol," is to be sung behind the cur- tains, 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 cur- tain. In the sixth picture the tree appeares, to illustrate the story, and remains lighted through the evening.) FIRST PICTURE. " They were consulting about it in the nursery." (Page I in "The Birds' Christmas Carol.") In this scene the children's belongings are scat- tered about : small chairs, a cradle, toys, and pic- ture-books. Mr. Bird stands in the center of the platform holding a large doll dressed in infant's robes. Grandma is seated near, and Uncle Jack, Donald, Paul, and Hugh are discussing a name for the baby. The Christmas hymn is heard after the curtains are drawn and before the SECOND PICTURE. " A famous physician had visited them." (Page 12.) Mr. and Mrs. Bird and the doctor are seated around a library-table in earnest conference. THIRD PICTURE. Carol's " Circulating Library." (Page 16.) Carol is lying in an easy-chair beside a case filled with books. The description of her room should be carried out on the stage as far as practicable. FOURTH PICTURE. " The children took their places." (Page 36.) The nine Ruggles children are seated in a row 26 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. facing the audience. Mrs. Ruggles stands before them, giving instructions about their behavior at Carol's dinner party. The costumes must be fan- tastic, following the description in the story — green glass breastpin, the purple necktie, and much- braided hair. FIFTH PICTURE. " The feast being over," etc. (Page 35.) Carol's room is shown again. The Ruggles chil- dren are seated around Carol, with Mr. Bird and Mrs. Bird and Uncle Jack in the background. SIXTH PICTURE. 1 ' There stood the brilliantly lighted tree." (Page 55-) The same characters that appeared in the preced- ing scene are shown in attitudes of delight and astonishment as the second curtain is drawn aside to show the Christmas tree. SEVENTH PICTURE. " Softly, Uncle Jack." (Page 63.) The library is shown again. Mr. and Mrs. Bird, Uncle Jack, Donald, Hugh, and Paul are grouped as if listening attentively. At the right of the plat- form a leaded-window effect is made with a slender wood frame covered with black gauze. Behind this stands a small boy in choir vestments, holding a music book and singing " My Ain Countree " to organ accompaniment. THE BROWNIE MEN— WINTER'S CHILDREN. 27 The Brownie Men. By M. Nora Boylan. (An exercise tor 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 jauntity. 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 'eader, before, between, and after verses.) Merry, merry sprites are we, Dancing round the Christmas tree. We've a gift for every one Though the last one is just done. This has been a busy year, And we hope we bring you cheer, And when Christmas comes again, Look for us — The Brownie men. Winter's Children. By j. D. Moore. (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.) Wind : I come from the cold and stormy North, With a rush and a roar I hurry forth, I toss from the trees the dead leaves down, The withered leaves all sere and brown, And sway the branches to and fro As on my way I whirling go. At crack and crevice I slip in, And make a lively sounding din. Swift I come and swift away, With you I can no longer stay, For I am wanted elsewhere now, And so good-bye, I make my bow, 28 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 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 ^s long as we are here., SANTA CLAUS. 29 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.) Santa Claus. (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 is taken up by Santa Claus, in costume of fur, with white beard and hair.) A voice from out of the northern sky : " On the wings of the limitless winds I fly, Swifter than thought, over mountain and vale, City and moorland, desert and dale ! $o CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. From the north to the south, from the east to the west, I hasten regardless of slumber or rest ; O, nothing you dream of can fly as fast As I on the wings of the windy blast ! " 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 crowned 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. 11 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 wis ! 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 ! " Julia C. R. Dorr. FATHER CHRISTMAS'S MESSAGE. 31 Father Christmas's Message. (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.) Here I am again. The close of the year Brings Old Father Christmas with his good cheer. I'm cheery myself, and cheery I make All folks who follow advice for my sake. My advice is the same to all my friends : Give and forgive, and quickly make amends For what you do wrong. Let love be the rule. Christians, be true at the season of Yule. Old Father Christmas every one welcomes ; I bring peace and happiness to all homes. Away with the bad. Have nothing but good. Do what I tell you. If only you would, You'd all live at one in true brotherhood. I always brighten up all hearts. The spell Of Christmas can all gloomy thoughts dispel. My friends, right pleased am I to see you here. How are you all ? Pray come again next year. I hope you've liked the fun we've had to-night ; If so, then now applaud with all your might. J. A. Atkinson. Mr. St. Nicholas. By Alice M. Kellogg. (The characters are Old-fashioned Santa Claus, dressed in the tradi- tional costume of fur, white beard, and a Christmas pack ; Mr. St. Nicho- las, 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 plat- form, 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.) Oh, Christmas time has come again, Tra la la la, tra la la la; We welcome it with glad refrain, Tra la la la la la. 32 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 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. Chorus. — Oh, ring the bells, the merry Christmas bells, Their music all our pleasure tells. {Repeat, singing tra la la whenever necessary to give the rhythm. They pause in groups in center ', right, and left ; some sit, others stand, and change their positions during the dialogue) Harry: Oh dear, the same old thing again this year, I suppose ! " Hang up the baby's stocking, be sure you don't forget." Charlie : This baby's stocking is the biggest bi- cycle hose I could buy. (Pins it at one side of the chimney.) I don't think old Santa could miss it if he tried. Dora : I made mine to suit the occasion, for I hope Santa Claus will fit a zither into it. {Displays a large, fantastically shaped stocking of striking color, and fastens it beside Charlie 's.) Harry : You ought to take a prize, Dora, for designing the most — ahem ! — unexpected-looking stocking. Generous sized, too ! Here goes my contribution to the chimney. [Hangs up a sock.) It's big enough to hold a coin of gold that will buy me a new bicycle. I don't care for any knick- knacks. Katie: I must confess that I'm rather tired of this old custom of hanging up our stockings on Christmas eve and crawling out of bed in the cold dawn to see what is in them. I wish some one would invent a new way. Maggie : Just what I thought, Katie, last winter, though I never spoke of it. But if you've hung MR. ST. NICHOLAS. 33 your stocking up, I must have mine there too. (Goes to chimney.) John : Well, I refuse to fall in line this year. I'm tired of the whole plan. It seems absurd for an old chap to come tumbling down the fireplace and load up our stockings. Tom : I agree with you, John! What we want is a new-fashioned Christmas. A real, up-to-date Santa Claus, and no more of this children's non- sense. Bess : Not have Santa Claus any more ? Isn't he coming to-night ? {Cries.) John : Oh yes, he'll remember you if you're a good little girl and stop crying. Dora, help Bess to fasten up her stocking. {After the stocki?ig is fixed, Bess faces the audience and recites.) Bess : I do hope dear old Santa Will come this way to-night, And come here to my stocking, To fill it nice and tight. 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. Tom : Let Bess have her old-fashioned Santa Claus, but the rest of us vote for something differ- ent. Harry : I used to think Santa a pretty jolly old duffer, who made lots of sport for the infants, but I'm ready for a change myself. Dora : Don't count me in to help out your ma- jority; Santa Claus seems to me the kindly spirit of Christmas appearing mysteriously to give us greater pleasure. 34 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. Katie : Well, I'll side with the boys this time, and see if there is any improvement in holiday matters. Charlie : You'll think me a baby to stick to the old style. I won't venture an opinion at all. Tom : Then we are agreed that of Santa Claus we have no need. John : ] a e . , »jj s w j, iat; we a jj concede. Harry : Maggie: J {All sing to the tune of ' ' Maryland, My Maryland. ' ') Old Santa Claus is such a bore, Of him we've had too much and more ; Now what we want is something new, But what is there for us to do ? A new St. Nick would be the thing, Who would our Christmas presents bring. {Electric bell sounds, the door opens, and Mr. St. Nicholas comes on the stage. He bows and takes off his hat.) Mr. St. N. : Good evening, young people ! I see you are at your old-time tricks of hanging up your stockings. This won't do. Don't you know it's gone out of fashion? {Goes toward fireplace ; the boys rush to protect their property.) John: Who are you, sir? And how dare you in- terfere with our fun? Mr. St. N.: I am the new, up-to-the-times Santa Claus. My proper name is Mr. St. Nicholas. I am on my rounds to take the names of all the young people who deserve a remembrance at Christmas time. I haven't a moment to lose. My telephones are overburdened with messages, my men are distracted with the work to be done be- MR. ST. NICHOLAS. 35 tween now and daylight. (Pulls out a book and pen- cil and prepares to write zvliile lie addresses Tom and speaks rapidly without waiting for a reply.) Your name, young man? Your age, birthplace, parents' names? Residence? Attendant at what school? What specific tastes? List of last year's presents. Make haste, time is money. Katie: But Santa — I mean Mr. St. Nicholas — here are our stockings. Mr. St. N.: Christmas stockings! trash and non- sense. They belong to the dark ages. Harry : Pray, how do you bestow your gifts? Mr. St. N.: By district messenger service, of course! Next boy (to Charlie), give me your name, age, birthplace, parents' names, residence, school, specific tastes, last year's presents. Charlie : How did you come here, Mr. St. Nich- olas? I heard no sleigh-bells at the door. Mr. St. N. (scornfully) : More nonsense to ex- plain. I came down from the north pole in an air- ship of the latest pattern. Come, now, here are these girls waiting to be classified. (To Dora.) Name, age Dora : I won't be put in statistics, even if it is Christmas and you are the patron saint. Charlie : Nor I. I didn't vote for any improve- ments. Take them away. John : You seem a trifle ahead of the age, Mr. St. Nicholas, or else we made a great mistake in being discontented with our old-fashioned Christmas. Tom : Allow me to call down your air-ship. (Mr. St. Nicholas is ushered to the door. The others turn back at the sound of sleigh-bells. Santa Claus appears at the fireplace.) Children (greeting him with enthusiasm) : Jolly old Saint Nicholas! 36 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. Santa Claus : Oh ! ho ! ha ! ha ! Are you really glad to see such an old-fashioned specimen as I am? John : Indeed we are! We have just shown your usurper the door. Bess {clasping S. C.'s hand) : You are the real Santa Claus. Santa Clans : Yes, 1 am the real Santa Claus, and I cannot get to work until you children are fast asleep. So scurry away as fast as you can, and a merry, merry Christmas when you awake! Children {singing to the tune of "Nancy Lee" and at the end leaving the stage) : Oh! Christmas time has come again, Tra la la la, tra la la la. We welcome it with glad refrain, Tra la la la la la. Of all the happy holidays this year, There's none so joyous, none so dear, Then sing we all oui song of festive glee, Of Santa Claus and Christmas tree. Chorus. — O ring the bells, the merry Christmas bells, Their music all our pleasure tells. {Repeat?) {Santa Claus unpacks his goods, and as he fills the stockings he performs various antics, holds up the objects, and dances about, Any local expressions that will create amusement he can bring in with running commentaries. The piano is heard softly titl he is through, and then bursts out loudly as the curtain is draivn.) CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS. 37 Christmas Offerings by Children from Other Lands. By Ella M. Powers. (Directions. — This exercise may be given by six little girls. The plat- form 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 giri enters, takes her seat in the center of the platform, saying : ) American girl : And this again is Christmas day ; My invitations all Have gladly been accepted ; Let us see who first will call. (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 : I'm a little Eskimo girl, I live in the land of ice, We never saw a Christmas tree Nor fruits and candies nice ; 38 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. But we run races o'er the snow, Beneath the big, bright moon, And from this far away ice-land, I've brought you a nice bone spoon. My father hunts all through the day For reindeer, seal, and bear, And sends away in ships so strong These furs so rich and rare, And fish, and birds, and whales, you know, I've seen them many a time, And here's a pretty fur for you That came from the arctic clime. (Eskimo girl offers presents and steps to one side. American girl bows and places presents on the boughs beside her. Enter Indian girl.) Indian girl : I'm a little Indian girl, I live in the far Northwest, In the land of the Dakotas, In the land I love the best. I've brought a nice bead-basket, I made it all. You see 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.) Chinese girl : I'm a little Chinese girl, They say I've almond eyes, I live in a boat, on a river we float, And often eat rice and rat pies. CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS. 39 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 Ameri can girl. Enter African girl.) African girl : I'm a dark little African girl, I live in a forest land, With kinky curls and jet black eyes, I watch the elephant band. 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 giil steps to her left. Enter Arabian girl.) Arabian girl : I'm a little Arabian girl, I live in a desert land, In tents on the plain so hot and dry, And I play on the burning sand ; 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. 40 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 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 :) Ai?ierican girl : And I'm a happy American girl, How thankful I should be, That Christmas is so bright a day And means so much to me. 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 :) All : Our countries all are glorious lands, So great, so rich, so rare ; Our people all are glorious bands ; So true, so good, so fair. Whatever country we are from, Whatever life we lead, We'll do our best ; be good and true, And do some noble deed. A CHRISTMAS REUNION. 41 A Christmas Reunion. By M. D. Sterling. 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 Na- tions 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 carry. ng an olive branch, Plenty a cornucopia, Good Resolu- tions a diary and pen, and Hope wearing a wreath of golden stars and car- rying a gilt anchor (cut from heavy cardboard) ; Santa Claus, a stout, roly- poly boy, if possible, wearing a long overcoat flaked with cotton (to rep- resent 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 con- versing, 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.) Mother Goose : Well, well, Father Christmas, I'll do as you say, And put off my trip for the frolic to-day. Your thought of a Christmas reunion is fine For all of our relatives — yours, sir, and mine ; — So, though greatly disposed at this season to wander Afloat in the air on my very fine gander, Instead of such exercise, wholesome and hearty, I've come with great pleasure to your Christmas party. Father Christmas {halving) : Thanks, thanks, Mother Goose, for the honor you pay To me your old friend now this many a day ; Tho' we may not, of course, on all questions agree, We're alike in our love for the children, you see ; 42 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. To give them delight is our greatest of pleasures, And freely we share with them best of our treasures ; Our energies each of us constantly bends To keep our loved title " The Children's Two Friends." Mother Goose : Ah, yes, Father Christmas, my jingles and rhymes, The boys and girls know in far separate climes, And sometimes I think that your son Santa Claus Earns me more than my share of the children's applause; For wherever he goes with his wonderful pack Santa always has some of my books on his back ; When from Christmas-eve dreams children's eyelids un- loose Oft they find in their stockings my book, " Mother Goose." Father Christmas : 'Tis true, my dear madam, that I and my son Respect most profoundly the work you have done. The boys from our store-rooms in Christmas-tree Land, Get the bonbons we make on the Sugar-loaf Strand ; The children enjoy thern, — I cannot deny it, — But still need your writings as part of their diet ; Your rhymes, wise and witty, their minds will retain When their toys and their candy are done, — that is plain! (Enter Jack, the son of Mother Goose. He carries a large golden egg.) Jack : Oh, there you are, Mother Goose, hob- nobbing with Father Christmas! My goose must have known there was going to be a reunion of the Goose and Christmas families! She was so obliging as to lay another egg in honor of the occasion. You shall have it, Father Christmas, and may good luck go with it. {Hands egg.) Father Christmas : Thank you, Jack. That's a present worth having! I wish my son Santa Claus had as fine a gift to put in every poor body's stock- ing. He is out on his rounds now, but expects to be back, as he said, " before the fun begins." Jack ; Santa's always ready for fun ! A CHRISTMAS REUNION. 43 Mother Goose {taking Jack 's hand, as lie stands beside her) : " This, my son Jack, Is a smart-looking lad ; He is not very good, Nor yet very bad." {Sound of voices outside?) Jack: Dear me, mother! I can't stir without those young ones following me ! {Sound of voices and knocking}) Children {outside): Jack! Jack! Jack {calling): All right. Come in. I'm here, and Mother Goose and Father Christmas, too. Surprise us all by being good, won't you ? (Enter, two by two, Little Bo-Peep with a bundle of lamb's wool sus- pended from a shepherdess crook ; Little Jack Horner, carrying carefully a deep pan covered with paper pie crust ; Little Miss Muffett, carrying a bowl and spoon ; Peter Pumpkin Eater, with a pumpkin under his arm ; Curly Locks, with a piece of needlework : Little Boy Blue, with a Christ- mas horn ; Contrary Mary, with a string of bells for bracelets, and carry- ing shells ; Little Tommy Tucker, with a sheet of music ; Jack and Jill, carrying a pail ; Simple Simon, finger in mouth, looking as idiotic as possible: Polly Flinders, in a torn dress, sprinkled with ashes. The chil- dren march and countermarch to music around Mother Goose and Father Christmas, bowing as they pass them. When Mother Goose claps her hands the children group themselves on her side of platform, not in a stiff row, but as naturally as possible. As one after another comes forward for his or her speech, the others appear to be conversing among themselves, making the by-play in keeping with their characters.) Mother Goose : Tell Father Christmas your names now, my pretty ones, and give him the presents you have brought in his honor. Little Bo-Peep {coming forward) : I'm little Bo- Peep who lost her sheep. I bring you some fine lamb's wool to keep you warm, Father Christmas. {Father Christmas receives zvith a gracious air this gift and those that follow, handing them afterward to Jack Goose, who puts them into a large box or basket previously provided for the purpose. ) Jack Horner : I'm little Jack Horner who sat in a corner, eating a Christmas pie. I've brought you 44 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. one just like it, Father Christmas. This pie is full of plums, and I haven't put in my thumb to pull out one! (Goes back to place after handing pie.) Miss Muffet : I'm little Miss Muffet, sir. I sat on a tuffet, eating some curds and whey ; but there came a big spider, and I was frightened away. Do you like curds and whey, Father Christmas? I hope so, for here are some in a bowl. (Hands gift, and returns to place.) Peter Pumpkin Eater: Here come I, Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater. But I've saved a nice pumpkin for you, Father Christmas, and here it is. (Returns to place. ) Curly Locks : Just little Curly Locks who sits on a cushion and sews a fine seam, and feeds upon strawberries, sugar, and cream ! Here's some of my sewing, Father Christmas. (Presents needlezvork, and returns to place.) Little Boy Blue (blowing several blasts on his horn as he comes forward): Here's Little Boy Blue ! I blow my horn when sheep's in the meadow and cow's in the corn. I've brought you my very best horn for a present, Father Christmas. It's a good one, I can tell you ! (Blows again, and hands to Father Christmas, who smilingly tries the horn before handing on to Jack.) Contrary Mary : " Mary, Mary, quite contrary," they call me, Father Christmas. I'm not contrary at all. Don't you believe it. Only I dorit like to do just the same as other folks. That's the reason I'm not going to give you one of my silver bells or my pretty shells. I'll keep them myself for the present. Perhaps when it's Fourth of July, or some other time when nobody else is thinking about giv- ing you anything, you'll hear from Contrary Mary. [Flounces herself away to place.) A CHRISTMAS REUNION. 4S MotJicr Goose : Fie, fie, my child ! Give your presents to Father Christmas as you should. This contrariness grows upon you apace, and must be checked at once. [Mary obeys Motlier Goose reluc- tantly, pouting and muttering to herself. Little Tommy Tucker : I am only little Tommy Tucker who sings for his supper. All I can give you is a song, Father Christmas! TOMMY TUCKER'S SONG. (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 ! Father Christmas : Bravo, Tom Tucker! Be sure you shall have the supper for which you have sung so well. Bless my eyes ! Who comes here ? Jack and Jill {together): We are Jack and Jill, Father Christmas. And here's a pail for you. It is the one that we had when " Jack fell down and broke his crown, and Jill came tumbling after." {Hands a pail.) 46 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. Simple Simon {drawling): Simple Simon, I am. I met a pieman going to the fair. Says Simple Simon to the pieman, " Let me taste your fare." Says the pieman to Simple Simon, " Show me first your penny." Says Simple Simon to the pieman, " Indeed, I have not any." Father Christmas : So you did not get the pie ? My boy, let it be a lesson to you that in this world nobody can have something for nothing. Polly Flinders {sobbing)-. I don't look fit to come to a party, Father Christmas, for I burnt my best dress sitting among the cinders. Please excuse me this time, and let me stay, though I have no gift. Father Christmas : Certainly, my dear, certainly. Mother Goose {severely) : You are entirely too indulgent, Father Christmas ! Polly Flinders, who sat among the cinders, ought to have stayed at home. (Polly begins to ery.) Father Christmas : Oh, we must overlook her appearance this time, Mother Goose. Christmas is no time for tears. Go back among your brothers and sisters, Polly. Mother Goose and I will let you stay, but don't sit again among the cinders, Polly Flinders ! (Sound of singing outside. Children of All Nations enter, waving flags. At the conclusion of their song they stand in a semicircle behind Father Christmas and Mother Goosed SONG OF ALL NATIONS. (Air : " Upidee," page 68, Franklin Sq. Coll. No. i.) Dear Father Christmas, you we greet, Tra la la, tra la la, i\.nd Mother Goose, his friend so meet, Tra la la, la la. From every nation on the earth We hail you both with Christmas mirth. A CHRISTMAS REUNION. 47 Chorus. — Merry, merry Christmas, all ! Christmas gay, happy day ! Merry, merry Christmas, all ! Merry Christmas day ! (Pointing to Mother Goose and Father Christmas.) " The Children's Friends " their name is known, Tra la la, tra la la ; Oh, long may they that title own, Tra la la, la la. Wherever in the whole wide world The flag of childhood is unfurled. — Cho. (Taking places.) Above our two most loving friends, Tra la la, tra la la, The banner of each nation bends, Tra la la, la la. Hurrah for Father Christmas dear ! And also Mother Goose we'll cheer ! — Cho. (Enter Thanksgiving, carrying a basket of fruit, and accompanied by her children, Peace and Plenty.) Father Christmas : Why, here's my dear niece Thanksgiving, with her two fine youngsters, Peace and Plenty ! Thanksgiving, my dear, permit me to present you to Mother Goose, her son Jack, and all the rest of her family. {Mutual recognitions.} Also, to the Children of All Nations. {Bows.) Thanksgiving : With Peace and with Plenty, my children, I bring To good Father Christmas our small offering. {Pre- sents basket.) Peace and Plenty (together) : Long live Father Christmas and Mother Goose, too ! Their fame is world-wide, and their friends not a few. (Thanksgiving, Peace, and Plenty now take places near Father Christ- mas, while Happy New Year enters, carrying a bunch of keys. She is accompanied by two children, Hope and Good Resolutions.) 48 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. Father Christmas {rising to greet her) : My dear daughter Happy New Year, we are glad to see you, with Hope and Good Resolutions looking so bright and well. Permit me to introduce my guests. {Mu- tual recognitions.} Happy New Year : With Good Resolutions quite close to my side, And sweet little Hope with me whate'er betide, I bring Father Christmas the bright golden keys That will open my door '98 with ease. Hope and Good Resolutions {together) : Good cheer, Mother Goose ! Father Christmas, good cheer ! We wish each and all of you happy New Year I (Happy New Year and her children group themselves next to Thanks- giving. Enter Santa Claus, bustling about and shaking hands with every- body while speaking.) Santa Claus : What ho, Father Christmas ! What ho, Mother Goose ! At last from my Christmas-eve duties I'm loose. Not a stocking from north pole to south but I've filled, Books, candies, and toys by each mantlepiece spilled. My pack is quite empty, my reindeer done out, But on Christmas morning there'll be such a shout From the east to the west, from the south to the north, When their gifts from their stockings the children pull forth, That it's worth all my trouble — that hearty good cheer, " Hurrah ! In the night Santa Claus has been here ! " But, folks, I am hungry, I freely confess, So on to the dining-room now I will press. Roast turkey and cranberry sauce and mince pie Are there on the table, I saw passing by. Father Christmas: Now Santa has come, let the banquet be shared That for our reunion I've ordered prepared. To the dining-room we will adjourn, Mother Goose ; ( Takes her arm.) CHRISTMAS WAITS. 49 Come, all the rest, follow — I'll take no excuse. Santa Claus, lead Thanksgiving ; Jack, Happy New Year; Away now, my friends, to our good Christmas cheer ! (All go out, two by two, singing the following stanza to the air of " Upidee.") All together : Come to the Christmas feast so gay, Tra la la, tra la la ; Good Father Christmas leads the way, Tra la la, la la. Come, children, he'll " take no excuse ; ,D Come, follow him and Mother Goose. Merry, merry Christmas, all ! Christmas gay, happy day ! Merry, merry Christmas, all, Merry Christmas day. Christmas Waits. By Katherine West. (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.) 5* CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. « .„ .2 «g £ 2 ,Q 2 £ S 1 .1 .2 1 .* "SIB J 53 M SD JR -rt O O g a- ~ * t2 -° g3 e b ^ b' ►-a •T.33.S ( f* f-«t A £:; QOO m&a % ■— I ^H r— : I «- 1 ' ' J -tso'&b'&b BBB * * * Christmas Wishes. By C. Phillips. (These couplets may be given by three primary children to open a Christmas program.) First child : Dear teachers and friends, allow me to say That we wish you a very glad Christmas day. CHRISTMAS MORN— THE CHRISTMAS SECRETS. 63 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 beaatiful gifts for one and for all From the evergreen boughs may happily fall ! Christmas Morn. By M. N. B. (Recitation and chorus. A semi-circle of primary children is .ormed on he stage. They sing first verse of the familiar church tune, "Joy to the world.") Chorus. — Joy to the world, the Lord has come, Let earth receive her King, Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing. Recitation {one child steps forward). — In Bethlehem, the story goes, A little Child was born, Low in a manger He *vas 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. My Christmas Secrets. By S. C. Peabody. Hurry Christmas ! How you creep ! I've some presents I can't keep, Just this morning I forgot, And told baby what I'd bought. 64 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. All he answered was, " Goo goo ! J 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 ? " Kriss Kringle. By Susie M. Best. If there's any one here who ever has seen The face of Kriss Kringle, I'll think he is mean If he is not willing at once to arise And tell the real color and shape of his eyes ! 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 ! A MESSAGE-THE MOUSIE. 65 A Message. By Ella M. Powers. (For three primary children to recite.) First pupil : One true thing I have to say, Clap your hands now, for you may, It's very happy, very dear, This Christmas day will soon be lv But children learn to understand, That loyal heart and loving hand, Can pray, " Oh, Saviour, so divine, Make our lives so much like thine.' re 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." The Mousie. By M. N. B. (A very small primary boy may recite these lines.) A mousie got into a great Christmas pie, Two little boys heard him, and then they did cry, " O mousie ! O mousie ! come quickly away ! That pie is not for you, 'tis for our Christmas day. 66 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. A Letter from Santa Claus. By William Howard. (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.) Merry Christmas ! little children, From my home so far away Send I loving Christmas greetings To you on your holiday. 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. THE CHRISTMAS WE LIKE -SAINT NlCK. 6? The Christmas We Like. By Ella M. Powers. (A recitation for two primary children.) First pupil : Just a little stocking, Very small indeed, Hang it by the chimney, Santa Claus will heed. 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. Saint Nick. By M. N. B. (For the youngest pupil to recite.) When cold the winds blow, And comes the white snow, Then look out for good Saint Nick. He comes in a sleigh From miles, miles away, And vanishes very quick. 68 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. Merry, Merry Christmas. (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 ever- green. The five children who recite in turn point to the words whenever they speak them.) First child : Oh ! " merry, merry Christmas," Blithely let us sing, And " merry, merry Christmas," Let the church-bells ring. Lo ! the little stranger, Smiling in the manger Is the King of Kings. 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. CHRISTMAS OUESTIONS— A CATASTROPHE. 69 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. Carine L. Rose, in Good Housekeeping. Christmas Questions. By Wolstan Dtxey. (At the three last words the speaker raises her finger impressively.) How old is Santa Claus ? Where does he keep ? And why does he come when I am asleep ? His hair is so white in the pictures I know, Guess he stands on his head all the time in the snow. But if he does that, then why don't he catch cold ? He must be as much as, — most twenty years old. I'd just like to see him once stand on his head, And dive down the chimney, as grandmother said. Why don't his head get all covered with black ? And if he comes head first, how can he get back ? Mamma knows about it, but she wont tell me. I shall keep awake Christmas eve, then I can see. I have teased her to tell me, but mamma she won't, So I'll find out myself now ; see if I don't. / A Catastrophe By Susie M. Best. If old Kriss Kringle should forget To travel Christmas eve, I tell you now, I think next day The Httle folks would grieve. 70 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 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 u 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. -*> A Christmas Gift. By Mabel L. Pray. It seems that dear old. Santa Claus One day in old November Received a note from Dottie D — , With words and phrases tender, In which she asked the dear old man, With many words of warning, To bring her a new Paris doll On the next Christmas morning. 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, A CHRISTMAS GIFT. 71 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 ! " 72 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT A Christmas Thought. (To be recited with carefu regard to smoothness, without a sing-song effect. ) Oh Christmas is coming again, you say, And you long fcr the thing; he is bringing ; But the costliest gift may not gladden the day, Nor help on the merry bells ringing Some getting is losing, you understand, Some hoarding is far from saving ; What you hold in your hand may slip from your hand ; There is something better than having ; We are richer for what we give ; And only by giving we live. 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 ! ^—Luc\ Larcom A MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE— THE CHRISTMAS STOCKING 73 A Merry Christmas Eve. It chanced upon the merry, merry Christmas eve I went sighing past the church across the moorland dreary : " Oh ! never sin and want and woe this earth will leave, And the bells but mock the wailing round, they sing so cheery. How long, O Lord ! how long before Thou come again ? Still in cellar, and in garret, and on moorland dreary The orphans moan, and widows weep, and poor men toil in vain, Till earth is full of hope deferred, though Christmas bells be cheery." 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." — Charles Kings ley. -#> The Christinas Stocking. In the ghostly light I'm sitting, musing of long dead Decembers, While the fire-clad shapes are flitting in and out among the embers 74 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. On my hearthstone in mad races, and I marvel, for in seeming I can dimly see the faces and the scenes of which I'm dreaming. golden Christmas days of yore ! In sweet anticipation 1 lived their joys for days before Their glorious realization ; And on the dawn Of Christmas morn My childish heart was knocking A wild tattoo, As 'twould break through, As I unhung my stocking. 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 ali 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. CHRISTMAS HYMN. 75 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 •Clarence H. Pearson in The Ladies Home Journal. <+\ Christmas Hymn. (During this recitation let the piano be played very softly in run- ning 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, Christmas bells ! Say to the earth this is the morn Whereon our Saviour-King is born ; Sing to all men — the bond, the free, The rich, the poor, the high, the low, The little child that sports in glee, The aged folk that tottering go,— Proclaim the morn That Christ is bom, That saveth them and saveth me ! 76 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 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 ! — Eugene Field. Bells Across the Snow. (This poem may be recited by one pupil, or divided as follows :) First pupil : Christmas, merry Christmas ! Is it really come again ? With its memories and greetings, With its joys and with its pain ; There s a minor in the carol, And a shadow in the light, And a spray of cypress twining With the holly wreath to-night. And the hush is never broken By laughter, light and low, As we listen in the starlight To the " bells across the snow." 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." CHRISTMAS EVE. 77 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." — F. R. Haver gal. Christmas Eve. Outside my window whirls the icy storm, And beats upon its panes with fingers white ; Within, my open fire burns bright and warm, And sends throughout the room its ruddy light. Low on the hearth my good grimalkin lies, His supple, glossy limbs outstretched along ; Now gently sleeps with softly closed 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. 7§ CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 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, Ana " 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. — Frank E. Broun in The Outlook. The Little Christmas Tree The Christmas day was coming, the Christmas eve drew near, The fir-trees they were talking low at midnight cold and clear And this is what the fir-trees said, all in the pale moon- light, " Now which of us shall chosen be to grace the holy night ? " 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 — 44 You all will be approved," he said, " but, oh ! what chance have I ? " THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE. 79 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, w T ith love and pity stirred. He sought and found St Nicholas, the dear old Christ- mas 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 ! " — Susan Coohdge. 8o CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. The Russian Santa Claus. By Lizzie M. Hadley. Over the Russian snows one day, Upon the eve of a Christmas day, While still in the heavens shone afar, Like a spark of fire, that wondrous star, Three kings with jewels and gold bedight Came journeying on through the wintry night. 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 A CHRISTMAS GARDEN. 8l 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 Christmas Garden. (A prose recitation, or suggestion for composition.) There is a story told of a magician who conjured up a garden in the winter time. The wand of the wizard, however, is not necessary to dislose even in a northern climate in the cold months the beautiful 82 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. contents of Nature's world. The varieties of ever- green, pine, hemlock, fir, cedar, and larch provide a variety of green foliage through the dreary- weather. The rich, clustering berries, besides their ornamental character, furnish food for the snow- birds. The Christmas rose, wax-like in its white purity, will bloom out of doors long after frost if a glass is turned over the plant on cold nights. The ivy remains glossy, its green berry another addition to our winter bouquet. Farther south, but still within our United States, the scarlet holly grows in luxuriance. So full of holiday association is this tree that its branches are carefully transported a thousand miles for use dur- ing Christmas week. Its crisp leaves, lively color, and happy sentiment make the holly, pre-eminent as a winter ornament, prince in our Christmas garden. A contrast is furnished by the delicate sprays of the mistletoe growing upon the limbs of the oak, elm, and apple trees. The white berry attaches itself, curiously enough, without roots of any kind, and becomes an enduring plant. A Christmas Carol. " What means this glory round our feet ? " The Magi mused, " more bright than morn ? " And voices chanted clear and sweet, " To-day the Prince of Peace is born ! " " 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 ! " THE POWER OF CHRISTMAS. &3 '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 ! " — /. R. Lowell. The Power of Christmas. Even under the pressure of battle the influence of the Christmas season has exerted a powerful effect. In 1428, during the war of the roses, while Orleans was under siege, the English lords, history tells us, requested the French commanders to sus- pend hostilities, and let the usual celebration of Christmas eye take their place. This was agreed to, and the air was filled with the song of the min- strels and the music of trumpets, instead of the discordant sounds of battle. 84 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. Peace on Earth. (Recitation for a high-school pupil.) The shepherds went their hasty way, And found the lowly stable shed Where the Virgin-Mother lay ; And now they checked their eager tread, For to the Babe that at her bosom clung A mother's song the Virgin-Mother sung. 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 ! THE CHRISTMAS TREE. 85 I am a woman poor and mean, And therefore is my soul elate. War is a ruffian, all with guilt denied, 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." — S. T. Coleridge. -*> The Christmas Tree. (Recitation for a boy to give before a Christmas tree is dismantled.) Of all the trees in the woods and fields There's none like the Christmas tree ; Tho' rich and rare is the fruit he yields, The strangest of trees is he. Some drink their fill from the shower or rill ; No cooling draught needs he ; Some bend and break when the storms awake, But they reach not the Christmas tree. When wintry winds thro' the forests sweep, And snow robes the leafless limb ; When cold and still is the ice-bound deep, O this is the time for him. Beneath the dome of the sunny home, He stands with all his charms ; 'Mid laugh and song from the youthful throng, As they gaze on his fruitful arms. 86 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. There's golden fruit on the Christmas tree, And gems for the fair and gay ; The lettered page for the mind bears he, And robes for the wintry day. And there are toys for the girls and boys ; And eyes that years bedim Grow strangely bright, with a youthful light, As they pluck from the pendant limb. -*> Old English Christmases. The court celebrations of Christmas were ob- served with great splendor during the reign of King Charles the First. The royal family, with the lords and ladies, often took part themselves in the performances, and the cost to prepare cos- tumes and sceneries for one occasion often amounted to ten thousand dollars. During Charles's reign, and preceding his, Ben Jonson wrote the plays, or masques, for Christmas. The court doings were, of course, copied outside by the people, and up to the twelfth night after Christmas, sports and feast- ings held high carnival. So important were these Christmas court cele- brations held by our ancestors, and of such mo- ment were the preparations, that a special officer was appointed to take them in charge. To him were accorded large privileges, very considerable appointments, and a retinue equal to a prince's, counting in a chancellor, treasurer, comptroller, vice-chamberlain, divine, philosopher, astronomer, poet, physician, master of requests, clown, civilian, ushers, pages, footmen, messengers, jugglers, her- ald, orator, hunters, tumblers, friar, and fools. Over this mock court the mock monarch presided during the holidays with a reign as absolute as the actual monarch. HOLLY AND IVY. 87 Holly and Ivy. (Noel is the French word for Christmas,) Holly standeth in ye house When that Noel draweth near; Evermore at ye door Standeth Ivy, shivering sore, In ye night wind bleak and drear. "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." u 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 Noel 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. — Eugene Field. S8 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. Holiday Chimes. (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. HOLIDAY CHIMES. 89 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 Temiyson 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. 90 CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENT. 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, HOLIDAY CHIMES. 9t 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. — E. O. Peck, How to Celebrate Arbor Day in the Schoolroom. For the Primary, Grammar, and High School. This book contains 96 solid pages. All the selections are fresh and new, and are selected both for their excellence and their practical usefulness in making up a program for the day. The following table of contents will give an idea of the I THE ORIGIN OF ARBOR DAY. II. HINTS ON PLANTING THE TREES. III. ARBOR DAY IN THE U. S. IV. SPECIAL. EXERCISES. 1. The Arbor Day Queen ; 2. Thoughts About Trees ; 3. Little Runaways ; 4. November's Party ; 5. The Coming of Spring ; 6. Through the Year with the Trees ; 7. May ; 8. The Poetry of Spring ; 9. The Plea of the Trees ; lO. Tree Planting Exercise. V. RECITATIONS AND SONGS. VI. FIFTY QUOTATIONS. VII. THE PINK ROSE DRILL.. VIII. ARBOR DAY PROGRAMS For Primary, Grammar, and High Schools. Suggestions as to the most effective use of each exercise and recitation and the seven Arbor Day Programs are features which will be appreciated by the busy teacher. Price, 25 Cents Postpaid. How to Celebrate Washington's Birthday in the Schoolroom. Containing Patriotic Exercises, Declamations, Recitations, Drills, Quotations, &c, for the PRIflARY, GRAMMAR, AND HIGH SCHOOL. 96 Pages. Price, 25 Cents Postpaid. This book has been received with great eagerness by teachers, and a large num- ber sold. There are at least 100,000 teachers, who will hold some exercises on this great day. The observance of Washington's Birthday is increasing. It has re- cently been made compulsory in all the schools of New Jersey. No book is so good for preparing for it as this. The material is new and of a high order of merit. Here is a part of the CONTENTS : I Would Tell. Flag of the Rainbow, The Good Old Days, The School House Stands by the Flag, A Boy's Protest, Tribute to Washington, Our Presidents, Flag of the Free. Special Exercises His Birthday, Tableaux and Recitations, Our National Songs, Historic Exercise, Honoring the Flag, Washington is Our Model, Pictures from the Life of Washington, Celebrating Washington's Birthday. Recitations and Songs The 22d of February, Three Flag Drills Fifty Patriotic Quotations. Spring ^ Summer School Celebrations EXERCISES, TABLEAUX, PANTOMIMES, RECITA- TIONS, DRILLS, SONGS FOR CELEBRATING EASTER, MAY DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, FOURTH OF JULY, CLOSING DAY IN THE SCHOOLROOM. <50 Pages. Price, 25 Cents Postpaid. You have general exercises in your school, do you not ? Then you need this book and should send for it now. It is illustrated. It contains nearly one hun- dred fresh, charming, mostly original selections. PARTIAL TABLE OF CONTENTS : Easter Song, Give Flowers to the Children, Easter in Early Days, Sir Robin, To the Flowers, Wreath Drill and March, Easter Time. Tableaux for Longfellow's King Robert of Sicily, A Bunch of Lilies. Greeting to May, A Call to tbe Flowers, A Carpet of Green, To the Cuckoo, To the Arbutus, May and the Flowers, The May Festival, Gathering Flowers, The Return of the Wanderers, The Nation's Dead. In Memoriam, Zouave Drill, Program for Memorial Day, The Blue and the Gray, The Nation's Birthday, Stand by the Flag, Flag of Our Nation Great, Boy's Marching Song, The Poet's History of America, Etc., Etc Fancy Drills and Marches. MOTION SONGS AND ACTION PIECES FOR ARBOR DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY, MEMORIAL DAY, AND PATRIOTIC OCCASIONS. Price SJ45 Cents Postpaid. THE LATEST, BRIGHTEST, AND BEST BOOK OF DRILLS. Teachers who want something new and bright in the line of drills will certainly be greatly pleased with this book. One drill alone — Betz's Flag Grouping — has heretofore been sold for the price of this book, 25 cents. PARTIAL TABLE OF CONTENTS : Fancy Ribbon March. Carl Betz. Wreath Drill and March- Hatchet Drill for Feb. 22. Rainbow Drill. Christmas Tree Drill. Wand Drill. Mara L. Pratt. Delsarte Children. M. D. Sterling Zouave Drill. Scarf Drill. Glove Drill. Tambourine Drill. Flag Grouping and Posing. Carl Betz. Two Flag Drills. The March of the Red, White, and Blue, Also many Motion Songs and Action Pieces. Full directions with each : fully illustrated, Kellogg 's Series of Special Day Books, Latest and Best / How to Celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas in the Schoolroom. FOR THE PRIMARY, GRAMMAR, AND HIGH SCHOOL. This book consists of Recitations, Songs, Drills, Dialogues, Exercises, and Complete Programs for celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Autumn Days in the Schoolroom. Its use will save teachers much time and labor and insure an attractive and successful program. Two Important Features of the book are the carefully prepared complete programs, and the suggestions following every selection as to the most effective use of it. This will save the teacher much labor. Attractively bound in heavy- man ila cover. PRICE 25 CENTS, POSTPAID. A FEW OF THE GOOD THINGS in the book are here given. There is room to give only a part of the contents. RECITATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS. Christmas Eve. Christinas Bells, The Very Best Thing, The Christmas Tree, The Merry Christmas Time, The Stocking's Christmas, A Surprise for Santa Claus, Merry Christmas, The Day of Days, Kris Kringle, The Bells, Christmas Echoes, EXERCISES. What the Months Bring, Thanksgiving in the Past and Present. The Gifts of the Year, The Mistletoe Bough (for Reading and Tableau 1 , Christmas Tree Drill, A Visit from Santa Claus, (Tableaux). An Autumn Poet (Bryant), In the Autumn, Autumn Leaves, Autumn Thougnts, The Return of Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving Exercise for Little Children, SONGS FOR THANKSGIVING. Reward of Labor, I A Song of Gladness, Thanksgiving Song, What Little Folks Can Do. Fill the Baskets, Motion Song for Thanksgiving. New Year and Midwinter Exercises Recitations, Quotations, Authors' Birthdays, and Special Programs for Celebrating New Year and nidwinter in the Schoolroom. For the Primary, Grammar and High School. PRICE, 25 CENTS, POSTPAID. Do you want help in preparing- a program for Charles Dickens' birthday, Feb. 7th? A Dickens' exercise in this book gives selections from his writings, a list from his writings and their purpose, and many interesting things about him. It contains also a Robert Burns' Exercise for January 25, which will be found excellent. In the country schools "A Winter Evening Entertainment," contained in this book will occasion a great deal of interest. Original recitations and exercises appropriate for the winter months are not easy to find. This collection contains excellent ones. E, L« KELLOGG & CO., New York & Chicago, BOOKS -BY- T. G. Roofer, These are the authorized editions, complete with topic headings and other aids for the student and are half the price of others. APPERCEPTION: Or "A Pot of Green Feathers,' 1 is a very simple book on psychol- ogy — strange as the title may seem. It discusses perception and shows how perception becomes apperception. It is a book that any teacher may read with profit. Commissioner Harris recommends it, so do other emi- nent educators. Remember this edition has many special points of ex- cellence. It is accurate, has paragraph headings, is clearly printed and well bound in limp cloth. Price 25c. ; to teachers, 20c. ; postage 3c. OBJECT TEACHING: OR Words and Things. The author has done an important service to teachers in pointing out thus clearly the foundation principles on which the much-talked-of but little understood subject of Object Teaching should be based. It takes a simple subject — the Duck — and gives a very clear and correct exposition of the right methed of Object Teaching by a series of lessons. The teacher will be set to work in the right direction by reading it. There are plenty of books which furnish material for Object Lessons ; no other that gives so admirably the principles and method. This edition is published by special permission of the author who has written a preface and added topic headings and questions for the student. Limp cloth, 16 mo. Price 25c. ; to teachers, 20c. ; by mail, 3c. extra. STUDIES AND OCCUPATIONS. Suitable for Children between the ages of 7 and 9. Everything that Mr. Rooper writes is instructive and interesting. This is a practical and sug- gestive discussion of what should be the child's work in school between the ages of seven and nine, with a time table, or program based upon the author's ideas. It is reprinted from the Summer Number (1894) of The School Journal. Only a limited edition has been issued and it will not be reprinted. Manilla Covers. Price, 15c. postpaid. DRAWING IN INFANT SCHOOLS: A Study in Practical Psychology. All of Mr. Rooper's writings on educational topics are based upon careful observation and experiment, and are extremely practical and interesting. This little book is no exception. Everyone interested in the study of the mental development of the child should read it. flanilla Covers. Price, 15c. postpaid. E. L. KELLQQQ & CO., "%%%%&? SEND Alili ORDERS TO E. L. KELLOGG & CO., NEW YORK AND CHICAGO. Th^ First Three Years of Childhood. An exhaustive study of the psychology of children. By Bernard Perez. Edited and translated by Alice M. Christie, translator of "Child and Child Nature," with an introduction by James Sully, M. A., author of " Out- lines of Psychology," etc. 12mo, cloth, 340 pp. Pric°, $1.50 ; to teachers, $1. 20 ; by mail, 10 cts. extra. This is a comprehensive treatise on the psychology of child- hood, and is a practical study of the human mind, not full formed and equipped with knowledge, but as nearly as possible, ab origine — before habit, environment, and educa- tion have asserted their sway and made their permanent modifications. The writer looks into all the phases of child activity. He treats exhaustively, and in bright Gallic style, of sensations, instincts, sentiments, intellectual tendencies, the will, the faculties of aesthetic and moral senses of young children. He shows how ideas of truth and falsehood arise in little minds, how natural is imitation and how deep is credulity. He illustrates the development of imagination and the elaboration of new concepts through judgment, abstrac- tion, reasoning, and other mental methods. It is a book that has been long wanted by all who are engaged in teaching, and especially by all who have to do with the education and training of children. Our edition has a new index of special value and is beauti- fully printed and elegantly and durably bound. Prof. John Fiske, Harvard University : " It seems to me an ex- cellent book and very much needed." John Bascom, President University of Wisconsin: **A work of marked interest to psychologists and intelligent parents." B. A. Hinsdale, ex-Supt. Schools, Cleveland, Ohio : " I have exam- ined the book with much pleasure and profit, and I sincerely hope you may be successful in introducing it generally among the teachers of the country." Edwin C. Hewitt, President Illinois State Normal University: " You have rendered an excellent service in bringing the book before the public. I hope both your house and the public will profit by a large sale.' ' G. Stanley Hall, Professor of Psychology and Pedagogy, Johns Hopkins University: "I esteem the work a very valuable one for primary and kindergarten teachers and for all interested in the psy- chology of childhood." Col Francis W. Parker, Principal Cook County Normal and Training School, Chicago : "I am glad to see that you have published Perez's wonderful work upon childhood. T shall do all 1 can to g«* everybody to read it. It is a grand wors," Kellogg's School Entertainment Series. Mother Nature's Fstival. Ad exercise suitable tor primary errade* of public schools. Compiled and arranged by Mrs S. E. Ware. The characters are Mother Nacure, April, May, Birds, Flowers, Trees. From 30 to 50 children can take part. 1 he costumes may be very simile or as elaborate as it is desired to make them. This exercise is within the ability of any school and will furnish a very pretty and attractive entertainment. Price 15 cents postpaid. An Object Lesson in History. An historical exercise for school exhibitions, by Emma Shaw Colclougb ? represented as laid in toe school-room where the character* ire divided into those who have just been on atrip to the his- s about Boston and the "stay-at-homes." The conversation between them introduces a large number of quotations from American authors descriptive of the historical scenes visited. A Visit from Mother Goose. A Christmas play for primary pupils. By Belle L. Davidson. Will make a delightful entertainment. From twelve to twenty-four children may take part. Costumes fully described. Price. 15c. At the Court of King Winter. By Lizzie M. Hadley. Characters: Winter, November, December Nature s<4nta ! Heralds, Winds, Christmas Day, Forefathers' Day. Mam children or a few may take part. Suggestions for costumes are given. This play will easily include children of allages if desired. Price, 15c. Banner Days of the Republic. The grouping of the chief points in American history eeches, ard pretty costumes, makes a very att- ainment Good for Washington's or Lincoln's birthdays or any Price, 15c. Lincoln the Patriot. Q for Lincoln's Birthday. Contains a narrative of his life, jns, portrait and pictures of birth- E. L. KELLOGG & CO., 61 E. 9th St.,N. Y LEADING- LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 022 015 761 EDUCATIONAL • * PERIODICALS THE SCHOOL JOURNAL. Published Weekly at $2.50 a year. Established 1870. The best known and widest circulated weekly educa- tional journal. Superintendents and leading teachers take it for its invalu- able information covering the educational field both of news and methods. THE TEACHERS' INSTITUTE. Published Monthly at $ 1 .OO a year. Is. the Journal of Methods. Established 1878. Has the largest regulai circulation of any monthly educational Each issue has a large chart as a supplement. Size will be increased to forty-eight pages for 1896-97, and other important changes made. THE PRIMARY SCHOOL. Published Monthly at $ 1 .OO a year. Is designed specially for lower grade teachers, and is crammed with practical material on every phase of primary school work. It has large Language Pictures, Supplementary Reading Leaflets, and other popular helps each month. It is finely Mustrated and printed. EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATIONS. Published Monthly at^l.OO a year. This is not a paper ; it is a series of small monthly volumes that bear on Professional Teaching. 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