Chapter 3
_(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!
_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 Claus_: Yes, I 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," end 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 our song of festive glee, Of Santa Claus and Christmas tree.
_Chorus_.--O ring the bells, the merry Christmas bells, Their music all out 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 till he is through, and then bursts out loudly as the curtain is drawn._)
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=Christmas Offerings by Children from Other Lands.=
By ELLA M. POWERS.
(DIRECTIONS.--This exercise may be given by six little girls. The platform may be decorated with evergreen trees or boughs, and flags should be used freely. The American girl should be dressed in an American flag and wear a cap of red, white, and blue. The costumes of the others may be as follows:
The Eskimo girl should procure a boy's fur coat, or wrap a fur rug about her and wear a fur cap or hood and fur mittens.
The Indian girl can throw about her a gay-colored blanket, and wear strings of beads about her neck, arms, and head. Her straight dark hair should be parted in the middle, plaited in two braids in the back, and decorated with short pieces of bright ribbons. Moccasins and dark brown stockings may be worn on the feet. Bracelets, earrings, chains, beads, quills, and brooches may be used as ornaments. The hands, arms, and face should be stained. To color the skin get a stick of Hess Grease Paint No. 17. Rub a little vaseline into the skin to be tinted. Then rub a portion of the paint on the palm of the left hand and with the fingers of the right hand transfer it evenly to the skin surface until the required tint is obtained.
The Chinese girl should be dressed brightly with large, square, loose hanging sleeves, a broad sash tied on one side, her hair brushed flat, coiled in the back, with haircomb and pins thrust into the coil. She may have a Japanese parasol and carry a fan.
The African girl may be dressed in red and black, with black hair and red handkerchief over her head and large rings in her ears. Face and hands blackened with burnt cork.
The Arabian girl can wear a tunic or bright shawl draped about her, a turban of a bright silk handkerchief, and wear feathers in her hair. She should be very dark-complexioned
The American girl enters, takes her seat in the center of the platform, saying:)
_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; 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 turns 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.
And here is a bamboo basket, Filled with choicest tea, I picked and dried it all myself It comes from Ken See Lee. (_Bows low_.)
With us we have no Christmas, No presents nor a tree; But there in the boat, I made this toy, This, too, comes from Ken See Lee.
(Chinese girl bows low and takes a seat on low stool in front of American girl. Enter African girl.)
_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 girl 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.
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.)
_American 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.=
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 Nations_ are sufficiently represented by boys and girls each carrying one of the flags of all nations, but elaborate costumes in keeping with the national character may be used, if desired. _Thanksgiving_ and _Happy New Year_, large girls in white Grecian dresses, flowing sleeves; their children, _Peace_ and _Plenty_, _Good Resolutions_ and _Hope_ are represented by smaller girls in white, _Peace_ carrying an olive branch. _Plenty_ a cornucopia, _Good Resolutions_ a diary and pen, and _Hope_ wearing a wreath of golden stars and carrying a gilt anchor (cut from heavy cardboard); _Santa Claus_, a stout, roly-poly boy, if possible, wearing a long overcoat flaked with cotton (to represent snow) and a round fur cap and mittens; an empty pack should hang carelessly from one shoulder.)
(Enter _Father Christmas_ and _Mother Goose_, arm in arm. While conversing, they walk up and down the platform. At the end of Mother Goose's second speech, they seat themselves in two large arm-chairs, which should be ready in middle of platform.)
_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 (bowing):_
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: 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 unloose 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 them,--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, hobnobbing 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 stocking. 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!
_Mother Goose (taking Jack's hand, as he 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 suspended 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 Christmas horn; Contrary Mary, with a string of bells for bracelets, and carrying 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 children 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 with 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 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 needlework, 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 _don't_ 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 giving you anything, you'll hear from Contrary Mary. (_Flounces herself away to place_.)
_Mother 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 Mother Goose reluctantly, 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_.)
_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 cry.)_
_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 semi-circle behind Father Christmas and Mother Goose.)
SONG OF ALL NATIONS.
(Air--: "Upidee," page 68, Franklin Sq. Coll No. 1.)
Dear Father Christmas, you we greet, Tra la la, tra la la, And Mother Goose, his friend so meet, Tra la la, la la. From every nation on the earth We hail you both with Christmas mirth.
_Chorus_.--Merry, merry Christmas, all. Christmas gay, happy day! Merry, merry Christmas, all! Merry Christmas day!
(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. _(Presents 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 Christmas, while Happy New Year enters, carrying a bunch of keys. She is accompanied by two children, Hope and Good Resolutions.)
_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. _(Mutual 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!
(Happy New Year and her children group themselves next to Thanksgiving. Enter Santa Claus, bustling about and shaking hands with everybody 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)_ 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;" 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.)
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=On This Happy Birthday.=
By Mrs. CHARLOTTE B. MERRITT. Mrs. SARAH L. WARNER.