Chapter 2
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) 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!
* * * * *
=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 clasped 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 _(f)_ Early one fair night.
Then on Christmas morning Children dance to see, _(g)_ Many lovely presents On that stately tree. _(h)_
* * * * *
=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.
_h_. Place the doubled-up hand on the back of the other.
_i_. Lift thumb and hold it up.
_j_. Lift 1st finger.
_k_. Lift 2d finger.
_l_. Lift 3d finger.
_m_. Lift 4th finger.
_n_. Hold hands in a listless way, with tips of fingers pointing toward floor for two first lines, and let the fingers gently swing. Near the close of the verse make the fingers still and rigid and hold them close together.
_o_. Have hands doubled up and held so that the child's eyes can look down upon the palm or the hand and see the nails of the four fingers--thumb out of sight.
_p_. Let fingers fly up quickly
_q_. Hold left hand as in _a_. Use the index finger of the right hand as a match, scratching it on the palm of the left hand and lighting the tips of each finger as if the fingers were candles.
_r_. Make a circle of a thumb and index finger of the right hand and slip it on and off each finger on the left hand.
_s_. Bunch fingers of left hand together so they can all touch the tips of the thumb and form an opening for the window.
_t_. Bring the fingers of the right hand near and let them be boys and girls peeping in.
_u_. Double up hands, but instead of having thumb inside, let it stand straight up to be a tower.
_v_. Snap the fingers of one hand, then of the other.
_w_. Point far away with index finger.
_x_. Point toward an imaginary star.
_y_. Hold up the three middle fingers.)
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. _(f)_
Santa has a wondrous pack, _(g)_ This he carries on his back; _(h)_ From it he takes candies, _(i)_ drums, _(j)_ Dolls, _(k)_ books, _(l)_ trumpets, _(m)_ when he comes.
Near the chimney stockings swing, What to them will Santa bring? All of them I'm sure he'll fill, Make them round and stiff and still. _(n)_
Morning kisses curly heads Lying snugly in their beds, _(o)_ O how quickly they hop out, _(p)_ Seizing stockings with a shout!
On the hemlock and the pine, Light the candles, make them shine; _(q)_ String the rows of corn so white _(r)_ 'Mong the gifts and tinsels bright.
Storemen's windows all look gay, 'Cause it's near to Christmas day. _(s)_ Come and look in, girls and boys, _(t)_ Get a peep at Christmas joys.
In high towers out of sight Great bells ring with all their might; _(u)_ Hear one, then another chime, _(v)_ Telling it is Christmas time.
In the distance, look afar, _(w)_ With their eyes upon the star, _(x)_ Come on camels wise men three, _(y)_ They the Christmas King shall see.
* * * * *
=Christmas Pictures.=
(This set of pictures is suggested by Mrs. Kate Douglas Wiggin's story of "The Birds' Christmas Carol," published by Houghton, Mifflin & Company, Boston, Mass. Each picture should be preceded by descriptions from the book; these are indicated by the number of the page in the volume.
DIRECTIONS.--A good reader must be chosen, who can bring out the light and shade in the story--one who can make the listeners feel the pathos of Carol's brief, helpful existence and the contrasting homely humor of "the Ruggleses in the rear." A reading-desk and lamp must stand below the platform, and the audience-room be left in darkness. The reader will give the signal for the opening and closing of the curtains, pausing long enough for a full recognition of the scene. As a repetition of a tableau is often more successful than its initial effort, the performers should be on the alert, prepared to give a second view.
The characters in the story call for six young people to represent Mr. Bird, Mrs. Bird, the Grandmother, Physician, Mrs. Ruggles, and Uncle Jack, and fourteen children to take the parts of Donald, Hugh, Paul, Carol, Sarah Maud, Peoria, Cornelius, Elly, Kitty, Peter, Clem, Larry, Susan, and the boy singer.
The first hymn, "Carol, Brothers, Carol," is to be sung behind the curtains, just before they are drawn for the second picture. A harp, violin, and triangle would assist the piano in making an orchestral effect. A solo voice supplies the closing air, "My Ain Countree." The piano may be played very softly whenever the reader pauses and the tableaux are shown.
It is important that the arrangements for each scene be made in absolute quietness, with systematic forethought, else the attention of the listeners will be distracted from the reading.
If a Christmas tree for the entire school is to close the entertainment, it should be in readiness at the rear of the platform, concealed by a curtain. In the sixth picture the tree appears, to illustrate the story, and remains lighted through the evening.)
FIRST PICTURE.
"They were consulting about it in the nursery." (Page 1 in "The Birds' Christmas Carol.")
In this scene the children's belongings are scattered about: small chairs, a cradle, toys, and picture-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 facing the audience. Mrs. Ruggles stands before them, giving instructions about their behavior at Carol's dinner party. The costumes must be fantastic, 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 children are seated around Carol, with Mr. Bird and Mrs. Bird and Uncle Jack in the background.
SIXTH PICTURE.
"There stood the brilliantly lighted tree." (Page 55.)
The same characters that appeared in the preceding 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 platform 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.=
By M. NORA BOYLAN.
(An exercise for four little boys. They wear padded trousers of some cheap brown material and a loose shirt of same material in place of the school jacket. Skull-caps of same material, worn jauntily. Broad white rings about the eyes and charcoal lines upon face to produce resemblance to pictured Brownies. Jolly smiles and capers. Join hands and hop on one foot around tree or leader, before, between, and after verses.)
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.
_Frost (taking Wind's hand)_: Hand in hand we ever go Through the season to and fro. I breathe upon the streams. They cease Their murmurings and are at peace. Upon each window pane I trace The finest filmy glistening lace. Each boy and girl, 'tis plain to see, Hath still a welcome kind for me. For on the lake they whirl and wheel, You hear the click of polished steel As swift upon their skates they fly With joyous heart and flashing eye. My breath blows cold. Health, joy, delight, Follow my silvery sparkles bright. Now Snow, who is my guardian sweet, Will all my young friends fondly greet.
_Snow (a little girl)_: Over the earth so bare and brown I spread a robe as soft as down. Drifting, drifting down through space, Hiding each unsightly place, Touched to shimmering radiance bright, In the moonbeam's mellow light, By my brother Frost, for we (_they join hands_) Both go hand in hand, you see. North Wind goes gaily with us both, To help us he is nothing loath. And he and Frost and Rain combine To give what in the clear sunshine Shimmers sparkling--pure and nice, Transparent, white, and glistening Ice.
_Ice_: I cling to lofty gables, I rustle 'mid the snow, I weave a gleaming covering For lakes and streams. They know That all must cease their murmuring When Frost and I appear, For we will hold them firm and fast As long as we are here. Gleaming, glistening, sparkling, Yet pure and clear and bright. You'll find me 'neath a silver moon, Each crisp, fresh winter night.
(_Enter Old Winter_)
_Winter_: What, ho! my children, here I am, I've sought you everywhere. And now to busy work away, For you must all prepare To do your duty while I hold In check your enemy, The great round sun, whose rays with you. My children, disagree. Now up, away! Wind, to the west And come again in glee; And join with Frost and Snow and Ice, In one grand jubilee. And paint the cheeks with roses Of all these children who, Right joyously will run and shout, _My_ children dear, with you. Away! to work, you must not shirk Your duties, dears; and now, To these, your firmest friends, make each Your most engaging bow.
(_All bow and retire Old Winter following_.)
* * * * *
=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 it 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! 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 crownèd queen; For the princess, pearls with their silver sheen.
"I enter the castle with noiseless feet-- The air is silent and soft and sweet; And I lavish my beautiful tokens there-- Fairings to make the fair more fair! I enter the cottage of want and woe-- The candle is dim and the fire burns low; But the sleepers smile in a happy dream As I scatter my gifts by the moon's pale beam.
"There's never a home so low, no doubt. But I in my flight can find it out; Not a hut so hidden but I can see The shadow cast by the lone roof-tree! There's never a home so proud and high That I am constrained to pass it by, Nor a heart so happy it may not be Happier still when blessed by me!
"What is my name? Ah, who can tell, Though in every land 'tis a magic spell? Men call me that, and they call me this; Yet the different names are the same, I wish! Gift-bearer to all the world am I, Joy-giver, light-bringer, where'er I fly; But the name I bear in the courts above, My truest and holiest name, is--LOVE!"
JULIA C.R. DORR.
* * * * *
=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 traditional costume of fur, white beard, and a Christmas pack; Mr. St. Nicholas, in evening dress with silk hat; Dora, Katie, Maggie, and little Bess; Harry, Charlie, Tom, and John in ordinary school clothes.
The scene opens with a large fireplace arranged at the center of the platform, a dark curtain drawn before the opening to conceal Santa Claus. The accompaniment to "Nancy Lee" is heard, and the eight children march in, carrying their stockings.)
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 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 bicycle 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 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 nonsense.
_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 stocking 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 different.
_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 majority; Santa Claus seems to me the kindly spirit of Christmas appearing mysteriously to give us greater pleasure.
_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_: } _Kate_: } Tis what we all concede. _Harry_: } _Maggie_: }
_(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 interfere 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 between now and daylight. _(Pulls out a book and pencil and prepares to write while he 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 nonsense. 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. Nicholas? I heard no sleigh-bells at the door.
_Mr. St. N. (scornfully)_: More nonsense to explain. 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 improvements. 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.