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. |
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.) |
On This Happy Birthday.
By Mrs. CHARLOTTE B. MERRITT. Mrs. SARAH L. WARNER.
| 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. |
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.) |
| 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. |
| I'm almost out of
breath, I really fear the North Wind Intends to be my death. |
| 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. |
| The East Wind says his health
demands A little snow or rain. |
| Well, well, just tell the
storm clouds To send us rain or snow. |
| 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. |
| 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) |
| 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? |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| You hear the little
children Their Christmas carols sing. |
| O children, little
children, What light is that afar? |
| 'Tis shining from the
heavens, A glorious Christmas star. |
| O children, little
children, What means its glorious rays? And why is Christmas better Than many other days? |
| Oh, don't you know the
story Of the first Christmas time? Then listen, we will tell it, While the bells so sweetly chime. |
| We count the years by
hundreds Since that first Christmas day. When in a lowly manger The little Christ-child lay. |
| That night some shepherds
tending Their flocks upon the hill, Heard heavenly voices singing, "Peace, peace! On earth, good will." |
| All bright as noon-tide
splendor. A light about them shone, While louder sang the angels, "A Saviour hath been born!" |
| And then a sudden
darkness— The voices died away, The wondering shepherds hurried To where the young Child lay. |
| Their flocks were all
untended, While filled with love and awe, They bent above the manger And the Baby Jesus saw. |
| Then, too, the wise men
watching Beheld a star that shone, In the blue heavens above them To tell that Christ was born. |
| And with their camels
laden With spices and gold. They came from eastern countries The young King to behold. |
| The star still went before
them, And pointing out the way, It shone upon the stable Where the Babe of Bethlehem lay |
| 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. |
| O children, little
children, I soon must pass away, But 'tis good to have the memory Of this blessed Christmas day. |
| 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. |
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. |
(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.
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! |
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. |
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. |
| 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." |
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. |
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! |
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. |
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?" |
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! |
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." |
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." |
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. |
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. |
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. |
|
(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. 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.
BY WOLSTAN DIXEY.
|
(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. |
BY SUSIE M. BEST.
| If old Kriss Kringle should
forget To travel Christmas eve, I tell you now, I think next day The little folks would grieve. 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 "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. |
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, 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!" |
|
(To be recited with careful regard to smoothness, without a sing-song effect.) |
| Oh Christmas is coming again,
you say, And you long for the things 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! |
—Lucy Larcom
| 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 Kingsley.