A Christmas Reunion

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 hangcarelessly 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 (halving):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 thern, -- 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 lie 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 Motlier 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 semicircle behind Father Christmas and Mother Goose)

SONG OF ALL NATIONS.

(Air : " Upidee," page 68, Franklin Sq. Coll. No. i.)

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 (year) 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 Thankgiving. 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 ; ,D

Come, follow him and Mother Goose.

Merry, merry Christmas, all !

Christmas gay, happy day !

Merry, merry Christmas, all,

Merry Christmas day.

A Christmas Party

A Christmas Party.

By Lizzie M. Hadley. 

edited

(Characters : Current Year (first performed in 1897), a bent and feeble old man with skull-cap and white beard, leaning on a cane. The number "current year" 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. Corenets of silver paper. Flowing robes of cheese cloth with angel sleeves worn over clothing sufficiently warm for the season. Colors to represent 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.)

Current Year: 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.

Current Year: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.

Current Year: Well, well, just tell the storm clouds

To send us rain or snow.

(Snow flakes 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.)

Current Year: 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 Current Year.)

Current Year: 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 Krinkle ;

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 Current Year 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.

Current Year: 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.

Current Year: Hark, how the winds are blowing,
What music do they bring.

Children: You hear the little children
Their Christmas carols sing.

Current Year: O children, little children,
What light is that afar?

Children: 'Tis shining from the heavens,
A glorious Christmas star.

Current Year: 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 worshiped 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.

Current Year: 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.

Saint Nick

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.

Christmas Questions

Christmas Questions.

By Wolstan Dtxey.

(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.

A Catastrophe

A Catastrophe

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.

Merry, Merry Christmas

Merry, Merry Christmas.

By Carine L. Rose

(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.

A Christmas Gift

A Christmas Gift.

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!"