Chapter 4
1. On this happy Birthday Of our Saviour King, Come, dear little children, Sweetly let us sing Of the Christ Child; Of the Christ Child, We will glad-ly sing.
2. Bethlehem's star is shining, Ho-ly is its ray, To the world proclaiming Christ was born to-day. Of the Christ Child, Of the Christ Child, We will glad-ly sing.
3. Wise men came to worship, Wise men from a-far, Guided by the glo-ry Of that ho-ly star. Of the Christ Child, Of the Christ Child, We will glad-ly sing.
4. Now He reigns forever. Loving you and me; Joyful, let as praise Him Round our Christmas tree. To the Christ Child, To the Christ Child, We our tribute bring.
* * * * *
=A Christmas Party.=
By LIZZIE M. HADLEY.
(CHARACTERS: _1897_, a bent and feeble old man with skull-cap and white beard, leaning on a cane. The number 1897 across his forehead or breast. _South Wind_, a slender brunette in veil, mantle, and cape of green cheese cloth, cape belted down in the back. As she enters she flourishes her arms to throw out veil and cape. _Messenger_, in lettered uniform. Four _Heralds_, uniformed somewhat like messenger. Nine _Fairies_, very small girls. Coronets of silver paper. Flowing robes of cheese cloth with angel sleeves worn over clothing sufficiently warm for the season. Colors to present the plants whose leaves they carry. Silver belts, shoe-buckles, and necklaces. Leaves cut from green paper, and letters from gilt. _Kriss Kringle, Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, Knight Rupert_, and _Babousca_ in appropriate costumes. Nine _Children_, in ordinary clothes. _North Wind, East Wind_, and _West Wind_ in costumes similar to _South Wind_, but varying in color,--white for north, blue for east, and red for west. The Winds stand behind St. Nicholas and keep up a restless blowing; that is, a fluttering and ballooning of capes and veils by flourishing arms.)
_1897_: I'm growing old and feeble, So much excitement's wrong; Folks should have had their Christmas When I was young and strong. Instead of that, they take it When I really ought to rest. My last days should be peaceful But--Father Time knows best
And now I must be stirring, And call for Santa Claus; I almost dread his coming, There's always such a noise. The winds shall be my heralds-- Come, North Wind, where are you? Just whisper to old Santa That here he'll soon be due.
Now while I am about it, Perhaps it would be best To call that windy herald Whose home is in the west. (_Enter South Wind_) Here comes my daughter, South Wind.
_South Wind_: I'm almost out of breath, I really fear the North Wind Intends to be my death.
_1897_: I'll bid him treat you kindly; He should not be so rough; He's getting much too boisterous, I know that well enough. You're all here now but East Wind I'll call for him again.
_Messenger (entering)_: The East Wind says his health demands A little snow or rain.
_1897_: Well, well, just tell the storm clouds To send us rain or snow. _(Snowflakes begin to fall, seen through a window,--cotton or bits of paper_) Well done! Now are you ready Upon your way to go? For some one must be bidding Knight Rupert come this way, To give the German children Their presents, Christmas day. And then there's old Babousca-- In Russia she'll be found; Kriss Kringle and St. Nicholas, They, too, must both be round.
_Heralds_: We know where each one liveth, Full soon they shall appear. We go to do your bidding. Farewell, farewell, Old Year. (_Exit Heralds. Enter Fairies_)
_1897_: Bless me! what little people! _(Speaks to first one_.) Why, who are you, my dear? I ne'er before have seen you. What are you doing here?
_Fairies_: Oh, we are little fairies From out the ether blue. Here is a Christmas posy We are bringing unto you. And the initial letters Will a starry chaplet make. Each trusts you will receive it, And wear it for her sake.
_First Fairy (pointing to first leaf in chaplet)_: This is for Cypress. _Second Fairy_: And this for Holly. _Third Fairy_: And this for Rose of Jericho. _Fourth Fairy_: And this for Ivy. _Fifth Fairy_: And this for Speedwell. _Sixth Fairy_: And this for Thyme. _Seventh Fairy_: And this for Mistletoe. _Eighth Fairy_: And this for the quivering Aspen. _Ninth Fairy_: And this for Star of Bethlehem.
(_They place chaplet upon the head of 1897._)
_1897_: Here's thanks, my little people, For this your posy sweet; Your loving thought has surely Made my happiness complete.
(_Enter Kriss Kringle, Santa Claus, Prince Rupert_, and _Babousca._)
Why here is old Kriss Kringle; And Santa's coming, too; Knight Rupert and Babousca, I welcome both of you. And from the frozen Northland, I see a-riding down The cheery old St. Nicholas, Clad in his friar's gown.
(_Enter St. Nicholas._)
(_Enter children, singing. They march around the stage, and finally stop in front of 1897 and the others._)
See how the children, so happy and gay, Come marching together this glad Christmas day.
_Children_: With hands on our heads, while the bells sweetly chime, All blithely we're keeping the glad Christmas time. Marching and singing, so gayly we go, Turning and winding in lines to and fro. Clap all together, and sing, sing away, So merrily keeping this glad Christmas day.
_1897_: Oh, children, little children, You're welcome here alway; I'm glad to see you coming To keep our Christmas day. (_Bells outside._) Oh, children, little children, Why do the joy-bells chime?
(_Singing heard outside. The following words, to the tune of "Ring, Ye Happy Christmas Bells."_)
Carol, O ye children all, With no thought of sadness; Welcome in the Christmas time With your songs of gladness.
_Chorus_--Sing, O sing, Bells all ring, Let us now be merry, Let us welcome Christmas day With our songs so cheery.
_1897_: Hark, how the winds are blowing, What music do they bring.
_Children_: You hear the little children Their Christmas carols sing.
_1897_: O children, little children, What light is that afar?
_Children_: 'Tis shining from the heavens, A glorious Christmas star.
_1897_: O children, little children, What means its glorious rays? And why is Christmas better Than many other days?
_Children_: Oh, don't you know the story Of the first Christmas time? Then listen, we will tell it, While the bells so sweetly chime.
_First child_: We count the years by hundreds Since that first Christmas day. When in a lowly manger The little Christ-child lay.
_Second child_: That night some shepherds tending Their flocks upon the hill, Heard heavenly voices singing, "Peace, peace! On earth, good will."
_Third child_: All bright as noon-tide splendor. A light about them shone, While louder sang the angels, "A Saviour hath been born!"
_Fourth child_: And then a sudden darkness-- The voices died away, The wondering shepherds hurried To where the young Child lay.
_Fifth child_: Their flocks were all untended, While filled with love and awe, They bent above the manger And the Baby Jesus saw.
_Sixth child_: Then, too, the wise men watching Beheld a star that shone, In the blue heavens above them To tell that Christ was born.
_Seventh child_: And with their camels laden With spices and gold. They came from eastern countries The young King to behold.
_Eighth child_: The star still went before them, And pointing out the way, It shone upon the stable Where the Babe of Bethlehem lay
_Ninth child_: And then, all lowly bending, They worshipped the young King, And gave him from their treasures Full many an offering.
_Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, Kriss Kringle, etc.:_ O children we have numbered Long centuries since then, But we see at every Christmas That little Child again. And we bring to all good children In memory of that time, Some pretty Christmas present, While the joy-bells gayly chime.
_1897_: O children, little children, I soon must pass away, But 'tis good to have the memory Of this blessed Christmas day.
_Santa Claus and others_: We, too, must now be going. And as we march along, O let us sing together A happy Christmas song.
(_All march out singing. Tune "Yankee Doodle."_)
O the merry Christmas time Now is in the way, sir, Ev'ry sweet and happy chime Tells of Christmas day, sir.
_Chorus._-- Christmas it is coming, now, Don't you hear the bells, sir? Happy Christmas time is here, To the world we tell, sir.
* * * * *
=Santa's Helpers.=
By M. NORA BOYLAN.
The fairies and brownies on last Christmas-tide Decided to open their hearts very wide, And spend extra time, throughout the whole year, In helping their grandfather--Santa Claus dear.
"Our fingers are nimble. We'll quickly make toys Enough to supply all the girls and the boys, And Santa may watch us to see if it's right, So all will be ready before Christmas night."
Then bravely they all went to work with a will, And soon all was quiet in workshop and mill; For old Santa said, "Enough, and well done, We've toys enough now to make all kinds of fun."
We thank you, old Santa, and your helpers, too, For all of the many kind things that you do; And should you need more help in making your toys, Just call on your small friends, the girls and the boys.
* * * * *
=Christmas Eve.=
(This must be spoken as if singing a lullaby to a baby, with motions indicating the sleeping child near.)
Oh, hush thee, little dear, my soul, The evening shades are falling; Hush thee, my dear, dost thou not hear The voice of the Master calling?
Deep lies the snow upon the earth, But all the sky is ringing With joyous song, and all night long The stars shall dance with singing.
Oh, hush thee, little dear, my soul, And close thine eyes in dreaming, And angels fair shall lead thee where The singing stars are beaming.
A shepherd calls his little lambs, And he longeth to caress them; He bids them rest upon his breast, That his tender love may bless them.
So, hush thee, little dear, my soul, Whilst evening shades are falling, And above the song of the heavenly throng Thou shall hear the Master calling.
--_Eugene Field._
* * * * *
=Santa Claus's Visit.=
By SUSIE M. BEST.
With a click and a clack And a great big pack, Down through the chimney, Pretty nimbly Somebody comes on Christmas eve!
If we are real nice And as still as mice, If we never peep, And are sound asleep, He'll fill our stockings, I do believe!
And when we arise Next day our eyes Will grow big to see How perfectly He knew what we all wished to receive!
* * * * *
=To Santa Claus.=
By JENNIE D. MOORE.
(Recitation for a little boy.)
Dear Santa Claus, I'll let you know The few things that I need, And if you'll bring them to me I'll be much obliged indeed.
I want a horse and wagon, And a boat that's painted red, An elephant, a jumping-jack-- You need not bring a sled,
For I have one very pretty; But I want a trotting-horse, A man who wheels a wheel-barrow, And candy, too, of course.
Now, Santa dear, you'll not forget. I wish you'd write them down, And leave them all at my house When you journey through the town.
* * * * * =What I Should Like.=
By JENNIE D. MOORE.
(Recitation for a little girl.)
On Christmas eve I'd like to lie Awake, when stars are in the sky, And listen to the sound that swells From Santa Claus's jingling bells.
I'd like to hear upon the roof The patter of each tiny hoof Of Santa's reindeer overhead, When I am snug and warm in bed.
But mamma says I must not lie Awake, or he will pass me by; He does not like the girls or boys To watch him when he brings the toys.
I think I'd better go to sleep. I guess the presents all will keep, Then in the morning I shall be Glad to think I did not see.
* * * * *
=A Gentle Reminder.=
Something new about Christmas? Why, what were half so sweet As the old, old way of keeping The day our glad hearts greet?
The old, old chimes are dearest; The old, old songs are best; It's the old, old gladness welling Within each joyous breast.
Then my little lad said slyly, "Remember, if that's true, That your old, old way, mamma dear, Was to give _me_ something new."
_Alice W. Rollins._
* * * * *
=Christmas Time.=
By M.N.B.
(An introductory recitation for a Christmas program.)
Christmas time for boys and girls Is a happy day, For we go to grandmamma's And eat and sing and play.
Grandma does not say to us-- "Stop that horrid noise," 'Cause she understands we can't, When we're _"only boys."_
And she lets the girls play house, In the garret old, And when they strew things around, Grandma doesn't scold.
But we ought to pick them up, Even on Christmas day, For we shouldn't make kind friends Trouble with our play.
Yes, we love the Christmas time Best of all the year, We have waited for it long, Now, at last, it's here.
* * * * *
=Christmas Wishes.=
By C. PHILLIPS.
(These couplets may be given by three primary children to open Christmas program.)
_First child:_ Dear teachers and friends, allow me to say That we wish you a very glad Christmas day.
_Second child:_ That our darling old "Santa," as sly as a fox, May leave at your door both bundle and box.
_Third child:_ And that beautiful gifts for one and for all From the evergreen boughs may happily fall!
* * * * *
=Christmas Morn.=
By M.N.B.
(Recitation and chorus. A semi-circle of primary children is formed on the stage. They sing first verse of the familiar church tune, "Joy to the World.")
_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 was laid The first glad Christmas morn.
That Child is now our Saviour King, Of Him we sing to-day; And may glad bells o'er all the earth Ring out a gladsome lay.
_Chorus.--_ Joy to the world, a Saviour reigns, Let men their tongues employ, While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and vales Repeat the sounding joy.
* * * * *
=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.
All he answered was, "Goo goo!" So I don't think that he knew, I told mamma hers was white, And she'd wear it every night.
That she'd need it getting tea. Then my mamma smiled at me, And she whispered, "Isn't May Letting secrets fly away?"
* * * * *
=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.=
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 here; But children learn to understand, That loyal heart and loving hand, Can pray, "Oh, Saviour, so divine, Make our lives so much like thine."
_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."
* * * * *
=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.=
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.
* * * * *
=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 evergreen. 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.