Christmas Stockings

Christmas Stockings.

By A. S. Webber.

      (Six small girls and boys are needed for speaking, and any even number of larger girls for singing. A boy leads each division of the march, immediately followed by those who speak.

      An equal number enter from opposite sides as far back as possible, pass in front to sides, back half-way, form two lines across front, having the six who speak in front (alternating boy and girl), and the larger pupils back of them sing as they enter and until they are placed the chorus of " Birdies' Ball," beginning " Tra la la la la." When in position all sing the following two verses, air, " Birdies' Ball." When chorus is reached, let them keep time by resting weight on right foot on first count, and at same time swinging left foot over right, touch toe to floor, dipping body slightly on third count, foot back in place on first count of next measure. Rest weight on left foot and swing right foot over left, touching right toe on third count, foot back in place on first count of next measure, etc.)

Santa Claus on Christmas eve,

Means to give a gift to all,

Each a stocking we will hang,

Stockings big and stockings small.

Chorus. -- Tra la la la, etc.

Santa Claus on Christmas eve

Comes with reindeer swift as air,

Early all must be in bed,

Leaving only stockings there.

Chorus. -- Tra la la la, etc.

(A girl comes one step forward, bows, and speaks.)

I mean to hang on Christmas eve

A stocking of this size (measures),

Because I want a doll so big,

That sleeps and shuts its eyes.

To crowd it in a stocking small

Would surely not be wise.

(Pupil steps back in place and all sing the chorus, keeping time as before.)

2d Pupil. --  My stocking is the one I'll hang,

I know 'twill hold quite well,

About a hundred marbles more

Than's owned by Tommy Bell.

Of course I want some candy, too,

But the marbles are what tell. 

(Steps back, and chorus is repeated as before.)

3d Pupil. --I mean to beg a stocking small

Of little sister Clare,

Because I want some things so small

They'll scarce be found e'en there.

I want a ring that has a stone,

And a pretty pin to wear.

(Chorus repeated as before.)

4th Pupil. -- I've measured all the stockings round,

And think I'll hang up two,

Because I want a pair of skates, --

One stocking will not do.

Of course I want some sweets and things

To last the whole week through.

Chorus, etc.

5th Pupil. -- My mamma's stocking I will hang,

'Twill so much better hold

A tea-set for my dolly dear,

All painted round with gold;

And dishes can't be squeezed, you know,

That's what I've oft been told.

Chorus, etc.

6th Pupil. -- And I don't know just what to do,

Because I want, you see,

A hobby-horse that is so high, --

Now tell me, can it be,

Are stockings ever made so big

That one can hold all of me?

Chorus, etc.

All sing. --All we children love to hang

Stockings o'er the fireplace,

Wondering how our gifts can come

Nice and clean from such a place.

Chorus. -- Tra la la la, etc.

Santa Claus is loved by all

Folks who are as big as we,

And for long before he comes

We can only sing for glee.

Chorus. -- Tra la la la, etc

(When the chorus is partly sung, the leaders of the march lead to opposite sides, others fall in line forward, pass in front to rear along sides, pass at rear end to seats. Continue to repeat the chorus till all are seated.)