2A iV"^ /4 014 211 911 ^ HoUin^er Corp> pH8.5 A CHRISTMAS DILEMMA Copies of A Christmas Dilemma may be obtained for 50 THE WOMANS PRESS, 600 Lexington Avenue, ^ There is no royalty for the use of tki* mr Copyright 1922, by the National t'>- ^ of the Young Womant Ciiristian A:- 4.Uon«. its each from Vork City. 'osmim >CI.O 61525 ^ '\m:i Z7M Li inr \ A CI-IRISTMAS DILEIvJia is a slcit r/hich v/as given Tsy the local staff of the Yotmg Women's Christian Association at Lancaster, Pennsylvania, for their Associrtion Christmas party in December, 1920* The parts are easy to learn, and, if ad- visable, the stage may he set simply hy the Snov/men vho take part. A paper of pins and the remnants of old, much-used Asso- ciation costumes v/ill fit out the actors. In the original production the stage was marked off by Christmas trees arranged on three sides of a square, thus forming a charming backgroimd. Each tree v.-as given by one of the clubs, and was to be sent to some group of poor children after the party at the Association, The clubc gathered under their respective trees and sang Christmas carols for half an hour, '//ith the entrance of the Snovmen to begin the play, the club members v/ithdrew to join the audience. The cuthor submits A CHRISTms DILEIvKIA, hoping that it may meet the need of some Acsociction that will enjoy it as much as did the Lancaster Association. Katharine Van Etten L/iTord, Girls' V/ork Secretary, Lcnc."ster, P?.. - 1 - CAjT of CHARACTEP.3 FOUR Sl^OV/LiEN MISTLETOE HOLLY Father time the old year sakta glaus mrs. sauta glaus the me"j yeah the young '.voken's chris'i'iaii assoc lation - 2 - A CKRISHlaS J^ILSLluA Tne action tnrougxiout tiie play should be light and spontaneous. At the beginning of tae pla.y tne S&OliJJV. waiii. in stiffly, talcing tneir places in tne center of tne stage, and forming a hollow square. They face outward. After tne SlJOVIIElv" have taicen tixeir pla-ces, lIISxILTOE and HOLLY come dancing in from opposite doors, ¥iien they reach the SICOVAJEIJ, lilSCLZxOE flirts with them, holding her bunch of mistletoe over each in turn and kissing him; HOLLY tickles each under tne chin ,vith a sharp piece of holly.' Finally HOLLY and MISTLETOE meet in the center of tne stage, and begin a roiliclcing, flir- tatious little aance. (A hide and seek pantomine around the Si\OV*:iSK is effec- tive. ) For all the dancing use a concealed victrola or piiino; the "Best Ever Medley", Victor record, which includes "Dance of tne Hours" for t.ie entrance, and "Love in Idleness" for tne duet, is a gocd selection, HOLLY and MISTLETOE finish their dance .by sprinkling tlie Cnristmas trees with "star dust" from tne SNO.jklEK'S baskets, cJid'hide as FATHER TIM enters with the OLD YEAB. FAIHEH THE: OLD YEAR: Bear up, bear up, my tired son. Your yearly jOurney is nigh done; As soon as Santa's bells we hear. Your work is finisned. One more year With all tncse past you tnen will be. Sent oef to live in History, I -.vish he'd hurry i am faint; With all ray ti.T.e I hope tne Saint Will not forget that twenty four Decemoer days are almost o'er. And only several minutes wait To make it twenty-five, the date Red-cheeked Kris Kringle knows he's due. My hours ache; my seconds, too; Still six more days - (Catching signt of HOLLY and IJISTLETOE) I say,' now vvho — HOLLY AND MISTLETOES We're Mistletoe and Holly, Both at your service, sir; You don't look very jolly; Pray, ./here's your winter fur? Perhaps you don't remember - 3 - HOLLY Jil^TD MISTLETOE (Continued) Ihat Christmas ti.-e is here,' TaKe tiiese Aroc: gay DeceraDer, (rney offer tne OLD YEuiR sprays of holly and nistletoe) Gome Iciss, and have no fear.' (MISTLETOE nolds her Wig high over his head and kisses hia. OLD YEAH (Loolcing 'brisicer): PAIHEH TUM: V/ait, Father Time, I don't believe 1 want to oe a year gone by, Tius lively world is hard to leaye, I am not tired; I g-aess I'll try - - - (OLD YE/Jl dances awkwardly a few steps) Alack,' three hundred fifty nine SiiCir cling days spent well or ill Must satisfy, Fe'.7 more are mine. T..t New Year comes, I'm grov/ing chill. (Sound of sleigii-bells). At last here's Santa, Give applause.' And for the lad that's with him too. Still more for jolly i«irs, Clausj She'd melt the heart right out of you.' (lais to the StO.liEK) And Old Year, ere you pass away, Benold the young year, strange and nev7j So greet him, pass the time of day, And v;ish him luck for .vork to do. (Enter SaI^'Ia CLaUS, :«i23, S^iaT^ CLaUS, and tlie NE;V YEAR) Old Saint, a welcome vv-arm indeed,' Your merry face we badly need To cheer tne passing year's last days. To thaw, in tuese, their hearts of snow, (He points to SKO./MEN) And coax tae Holly and Kistletoe To dance for as m graceful maze. (HOLLY and MISTLETOE dance. ) SAKTA CLiiUS (Clapping): V/ell done, well done,' 'Jiiat's tnat, you say? (HOLLY and MISTLETOE have whispered to hi.Ti) V/ish me to take you far away? To homes of grief and want - but stay?, What will these friends, the Snowmen say? (The SNO'vMEi: wink and smile) - 4 - MIS. SANTA CLAUS; SANTA CLAUS: y.V/.C.A.: To silence they're congealed But slyly they've revealed With genial wink and smile They'd think it well worth-while To speed the v;inter joys Of little girls and boys. All right, v/e're off! But now, just wait I Alas J I fear we'll be so late In getting over all the world That these will droop, their leaves be curled, (He points to HOLLY and T^STLETOE) Those jaunty Snov/men all will melt; New Year be here; - I wish I felt 1 - - (Enter Y.V/.CA. and rushes up to SAJJTA CLAUS) V/hy, Santa, I scarce thought you'd forget That with staunch will, love stronger yet Can al'.vays find a ready v;ay, I'm the Y.V/.CA. I Now heed me all, good friends, I pray. Beneath my roof, beside my hearth We gather girls all 'round the earth: Aner:.cans, both blsck and white; Outcast child widows, India's blight- The factory girls in quaint Japan, ' To whom we give what joy we can; Chinese road-builders, women small, ;7ith penny wages - yes, that's all! The girls of Europe scourged by war IThose hearts with loss are aching sore. As Father Time makes old earth spin. New girls by thousands come within % doors for comfort, cheer and fun. So here I am, the very one To bear your gifts across the sea To gladden girls where'er they be. Holly and Mistletoe I invite; Snowmen, who'd surely melt at sight 01 Africa's rain or India's heat V7e'll send for Russian children's treat ^'A :i SAKTA CIAUS: You've salved the problem v;ell, my dear. One that-s ■bothered all met here. Now, litrs. Glaus, the hasket please S No lovelier toys are made than these I brought v/j.th me from polar shops. In which the Year and I made tops. And kites and dolls' and drums. And every sort of thing that comes In stockings hiang on Christmas Eve. (Sees OLD YEAR fainting) Twenty-two (Supply right year,) my manl v;ho would "believe That you were once like yonder ladl (Points to HK7 YEAR) Cheer up, shake hands, don't look so sad! OLD YEAR (Gasping) : I've just a moment more to say That in the Y.W.C.A, I've found good friends, light-hearted glee. And shared in high festivity. Here's ray advice to you. New Year, Lend a hand to further her good cheer; And let us hope that v/hen you're gone. Still other years will carry onl SANTA CLAUS (Catching the OLD YEAR as he faints): Alasl he's almost dead, poor chap, (KEW YEAR puts note in cap) But v/hat is this trpon ray cap? Ahal V/ho put it there? Tis he. That blushing bit of infancy I (To Y.W.C.A.) A message ere you speed away. For you, my child; I'll read it. Stayl (He reads) "% loyalty this very night To you, Y.'.V.CA., I plight; Though I seem small and young, 'tis true. All Tv7enty-three (Supply correct year) belongs to you! (The End) 6 - ( v^a: ;v:f ^ SUGSESilCi; FOR C0S'iai.:E3 SKO'ii/MEK MISTLETOE- HOLLY Wnite pajaijas covered -./itia cotton batting (split so that the fuzzy inside part makes a feathery covering) and sprinkled v/ith artificial "star dust". More cotton for hair, and faces pov/ered dead vvnite. Old men's -shoes on feet and battered liats over cot- ton -lair, -Tv/o carry brooms and two, baskets filled v/ith "star dust". Clay pipes in mouths of all four. Tney walk in very stiffly, and throughout the play move as little, and as stiffly, as possible. pale green ballet dress, with small v/hite or silver Cnristmas tree balls sev/ed on skirt or bodice to represent mistletoe ber- ries. Ruff of crepe paper mistletoe leaves around, neck ^nd. v/rist ruffs of same. If leaves are v/ired they will stind up and prove most effective. One or two shiny Christmas tree balls in hair, v/hich should be done high, and a piece of real mistletoe in hand. Long green trousers made of sateen, ^nd cut in points (which may be v/ired) at sides to represent holly leaves. Red Cnristmas tree balls sewed at base of each point will look like berries. Red flannel middy turned inside out will do for snirt, if bloused well, with ruff or green crepe paper leaves at throat and wrists. Red cap) vvith green border and a sprig of real holly in cap and in hand. FATHER TBKE - Long grey robe, wnite beard and long m^ir, hour glass am scythe. OLD YEkR - Djressed as page, gallant but almost exhausted. Cape and trousers made of blacK muslin with leaves torn from a daily desk calendar sewed on to them. If tae calendar leaves are a bit torn or mussed, tne effect is better. A page from a large c-alendar forms the vest. SiilJTA GLAUS - Dressed as usual, but looking very tired. MRS. SAHTA CLaUS- Red dress aiid cape trimmed with cotton to represent enr.ine. Red bonnet and mittens; altogether a very »)0lly little person. Side curls, if possible. FEW YEAR - Dressed a la Saturday Evening Post cover's idea of New Year, in white sateen knickers, swallow tail coat, high silk hat, a good bit too big, large v/nite gloves aad cane. He should be a child from about five to ten years old. Y, V/.G.A, - Dressed as you wish her - in white or blue, vvith shoulders through a large blue card board triangle, to represent a popular conference poster. - 7 - LIST OF PI^.YS AW PASE/iNTS HIBLISHED BY T3IE \70jyL\K3 FHES 6 600 Le2an(;;ton Avqiiug Ne^v York City. Price of all pageants and plays 50 cents. CAT PEAR : pantomime ;,!arion Korris G-leason COUNSEL, THE : pageant Hazel MacKaye POLK SONGS OF MANY PEOPLES : Florence H. Botsford $2.75 HDJ/IE VALLEY, THE : pageant Faith Van Valkenbnirgh Vilas IN SPIRIT and IN TRUTH : pageant Hazel MacKaya JOHN HBIffiY SPEAKS : play Charlotte Johnson Dav-m Powell ^'^^ LAiTO OF RIGHT SIDE OUT, THE Josephine Thorp 'iIAIDEN OVffi THE WALL : masque Bertram Bloch MINISTSIING OF THE GIFT: Helen Thoburn NATIONAL COSTUMES OF THE SLAVIC PEOPLES: Margaret Swain Pratt $3.00 PLEDGE OF THE BLUE TRIANGLE, THE; ceremony Hazel MacKaye EAJESES* DREARflS : pantomime Marion Norris Gleason SCENES AND SONGS OF HOLE ; pantomime Marion Norris Gloason SHINING GODDESS, THE : pageant Clara S. Sackett THREE PANTOamiES : Era Betzner 1. THE FORTUNE TELLER 2. THE AV/.«ENING OF SPRING 3. CELESTIAL LOVE THROUGH THE BLUE TRIANGLE : pageant Josephine Thorp TROUBLE THAT IS IN IT, THE : play Constance Choate V/right VISION OF THE BLUE CRUSADERS, TH2 : sue Ann Wilson pageant V/E C02IE .UffiRICA : Josephine Thorp HISTORIC AM) PATRIOTIC BONDS OP LIBERTY, TIE : pageant-masque ROAD TO TOlfflRROW, THE : pageant-play Josephine Thorp BOW OF PROMISE, THE : pageant-festival Josephine Thorp CEREiiONY OF AMEBICM DEMOCRACY, A: Rosamond Kimball pageant - ceremony CHALLENGE, THE : song ceremony present- ed at Silver Bay City Conference July 20, 1918. Josephine Thorp THROUGH THE CENTURIES : pageant Written and devised by the Bureau of pageantry & Drama UNITED \vE STAND: pageant Josephine Thorp IIjgROMPTU ENTERTAim'lEUTS CIRCUS, A : Helen Durham FOUR DANCES : Helen Durham ICa BREAKERS and THE ICE BREAKER HERSELF Edna Geister $1.35 IT IS TO LAUGH : Edna Geister $1*25 RED LETTER DAY PLAYS : Margaret G» Parsons - Price ^1.35 SIX RECREATIONAL PARTIES: : Helen Durham SPECIAL PARTIES A1<[D STUNTS ; Era Betzner 20 cents THE ICE BREAKER HSESELF : Edna Geister 75 cents •T •■i<'> :^i.ri 'i'cra yp-.ttvi-'-^.t-i &■ -• . ■. i .., i-^;wJfA^*^:^., ^' -'.liwfciiijc ,j.v. -^^ RELIGIOUS EDUCATIOK AIJD .VORLD FELLOWSH IP AIR ROUTE 10 BUENOS AIRES : play Helen VVillcox AND WHO CAN THIS SPIRIT BE? : pageant Emma Mauri tz Larson CAMEL TRIP TO CAIRO, A: play Helen Willcox DRAMA OF ESmER, THE : play Written by the class of Re- ligious Pedagogy at the National Training School, 1917. LIGHT OF THE '.VCMEH, THE: ceremonial PraEces Gunner MAGIC CARPET, THE: play Helen Willcox MEERY-GO-ROUKD-TtlE-ORIElIT: ( enter- tainment suggestions) Helen V/ilicox PAGEANT OP THE CHUECH, As pageant Eleanor B. Forman and Mabel E. Stone TOHCH BEARERS OF OHE WESTERN WORUJ, THE: pageant Elizabeth B. Grimball OWO WORLD FELLOWSHIP VESPER SERVICES Marjorie Lacey-Balcer V/HICH v;AY OUT? : play Florence Wells SEASONAL EASTER CHALICE AND THE COP, THE: Mary S, Edgar r)CHRIS!IIiAS pageant-play BIG SISTER'S CHRISOMAS DREM : play Dorothy Powell CHRISIMAS STORY, THE : tableaux Jane Miller CHRISTMAS TREE BLUEBIRD. THE Mary S. Edgar MISER'S MILL, THE : play Ednah Proctor Clark SPIRIT OF CHRISOMAS, THE: play Grace E. Craig WAIF, THE : play Elizabeth B. Grimball SPRING THE CONSPIRACY OF SPRING an4 THE SCARLET ZNIGHT : pageant Mary S. Edgar JACK 'I THE GREEN and THE POTENTATE OF ;VEATHEKDCM: plays Margaret C, Getchell FALL CCiNSPIRACY OF SPRING and THE SCARLET ZNIGHT : pageant Mary S. Edgar FESTIVAL OF THE HriRVEST IXON, THE; pageant Sue Ann Wilson YOUNGER GIRLS EVERY GIRL : pageant Mary S. Edgar FASHION REVUE DOV»N PETTICOAT LANE pantomime Devised for the Red Cross and Y.W. C.A. FRIENDUC - 2INGD0M : pageant-play Tracy D. Mygatt MAGIC OF THE DEED, THS t pageant Hazel MacKaye SNOW QUEEN, THE : play Elizabeth B. Grimball 75 cents. SM TITLES CANTON PEARLS : V/orld Fellov;ship pageant BEAU AND BELLE : sketch Jean Paxton Constance Armfield SPIRIT OP COOPERATION : playlet CHRISTMAS DILEMMA Lydia Johnson & Louise Stoll Katharine V. Lyford .iiykii.-- . -iilfi- tvi.J 1-. ,. .'7l. -.u.;.-.ii^i.;i i>r,;f 3t • J, . , J. ...... '\ .! s .';tvj'»I-Jj;,ktjy J;i. , J .'.•li'v .'t." .;.■ ! • . /j^Ciw; iJj-; . . . , . :*.* S»^::^*..^^■i. i:: -.-Oi^'.. .AO »V a(t;.'r;'«-t; ■7A Lii^ A 014 211 911 0, HolUnger Corp, pH8.5