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!"

A Christmas Thought

A Christmas Thought.

by Lucy Larcom

(To be recited with carefu regard to smoothness, without a sing-song effect. )

Oh Christmas is coming again, you say,

And you long fcr the thing; 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!

The Christmas We Like

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.

A Merry Christmas Eve

A Merry Christmas Eve. 

by Charles Kingsley

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."

The Christmas Stocking

The Christmas Stocking.

Clarence H. Pearson

In the ghostly light I'm sitting, musing of long dead

Decembers,

While the fire-clad shapes are flitting in and out among

the embers

On my hearthstone in mad races, and I marvel, for in

seeming

I can dimly see the faces and the scenes of which I'm

dreaming.

O golden Christmas days of yore !

In sweet anticipation

I lived their joys for days before

Their glorious realization;

And on the dawn

Of Christmas morn

My childish heart was knocking

A wild tattoo,

As 'twould break through,

As I unhung my stocking. 

Each simple gift that came to hand,

How marvelous I thought it !

A treasure straight from wonderland,

For Santa Claus had brought it.

And at my cries

Of glad surprise

The others all came flocking

To share my glee

And view with me

The contents of the stocking

Years sped -- I left each well-loved scene

In Northern wilds to roam,

And there, 'mid tossing pine-trees green,

I made myself a home.

We numbered three

And blithe were we,

At adverse fortune mocking,

And Christmas-tide

By our fireside

Found hung the baby's stocking.

Alas! within our home to-night

No sweet young voice is ringing,

. And through its silent rooms no light,

Free, childish step is springing.

The wild winds rave

O'er baby's grave

Where plumy pines are rocking

And crossed at rest

On marble breast

The hands that filled my stocking

With misty eyes but steady hand

I raise my Christmas chalice;

Here's to the children of the land

In cabin or in palace;

May each one hold

The key of gold,

The gates of glee unlocking,

And hands be found

The whole world round

To fill the Christmas stocking

Christmas Hymn

Christmas Hymn.
by Eugene Field

(During this recitation let the piano be played very softly in running chords that resolve into the key of a Christmas carol which is taken up and sung by the entire school at the end of the poem.)

Sing, Christmas bells!

Say to the earth this is the morn

Whereon our Savior-King is born;

Sing to all men -- the bond, the free,

The rich, the poor, the high, the low,

The little child that sports in glee,

The aged folk that tottering go,--

Proclaim the morn

That Christ is born,

That saveth them and saveth me!

Sing angel host !

Sing of the stars that God has placed

Above the manger in the east.

Sing of the glories of the night,

The Virgin's sweet humility,

The Babe with kingly robes bedight, ‚--

Sing to all men where'er they be

This Christmas morn

For Christ is born,

That saveth them and saveth me !

Bells Across the Snow

Bells Across the Snow. 

by F. R. Havergal

(This poem may be recited by one pupil, or divided as follows :)

First pupil: Christmas, merry Christmas !

Is it really come again ?

With its memories and greetings,

With its joys and with its pain ;

There s a minor in the carol,

And a shadow in the light,

And a spray of cypress twining

With the holly wreath to-night.

And the hush is never broken

By laughter, light and low,

As we listen in the starlight

To the " bells across the snow."

Second pupil: Christmas, merry Christmas !

'Tis not so very long

Since other voices blended

With the carol and the song !

If we could but hear them singing

As they are singing now,

If we could but see the radiance

Of the crown on each dear brow ;

There would be no sigh to smother,

No hidden tear to flow,

As we listen in the starlight

To the '" bells across the snow." 

Third pupil: O Christmas, merry Christmas!

This never more can be;

We cannot bring again the days

Of our unshadowed glee.

But Christmas, happy Christmas,

Sweet herald of good will,

With holy songs of glory,

Brings holy gladness still.

For peace and hope may brighten,

And patient love may glow,

As we listen in the starlight

To the "bells across the snow."

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve. 

by Frank E. Broun

Outside my window whirls the icy storm,

And beats upon its panes with fingers white;

Within, my open fire burns bright and warm,

And sends throughout the room its ruddy light.

Low on the hearth my good grimalkin lies,

His supple, glossy limbs outstretched along;

Now gently sleeps with softly closed eyes,

Now, half awakened, purrs his even-song.

Near to the fire, touched by its gentle heat,

A silent, welcome friend, my armchair stands.

Its cushioned depths invite me to its seat,

And promise rest for weary head and hands.

Within its depths mine eyes unheeded close,

And comes to me a vision wondrous sweet.

Such sights and sounds no wakeful hours disclose

As then my resting, dreaming senses greet.

I am where gentle shepherds on the plain

Keep sleepless, faithful watch o'er resting sheep;

I hear them chant the Psalmist's sweet refrain,

That Israel's God will sure his promise keep.

Then quick the air is full of heav'nly song,

And radiant light illumines all the ground,

While angel voices sweet the strain prolong,

And angel faces shine in glory round.

I see the shepherds' faces pale with fear,

Then glow with joy and glad surprise, for then

" Glory to God ! " from angel lips they hear,

Ana " Peace on earth good will to men."

And then the light marks out a shining way,

And swift the shepherds are the path to take.

I long to go O laggard feet, why stay?

Alas ! the vision fades, and I awake.

Within, the smold'ring fire is burning dim;

Without, the whirl and beat of storm have ceased.

I still can hear the angels' peaceful hymn,

And know the vision hath my peace increased.

The Little Christmas Tree

The Little Christmas Tree

by Susan Coolidge

The Christmas day was coming, the Christmas eve drew 

near,

The fir-trees they were talking low at midnight cold and

clear

And this is what the fir-trees said, all in the pale moon-

light,

"Now which of us shall chosen be to grace the holy

night?

The tall trees and the goodly trees raised each a lofty 

head.

In glad and secret confidence, though not a word they 

said

But one, the baby of the band, could not restrain a sigh--

"You all will be approved," he said, "but oh! what

chance have I?"

Then axe on shoulder, to the grove a woodman took his

way.

One baby-girl he had at home, and he went forth to find

A little tree as small as she, just suited to his mind.

Oh, glad and proud the baby-fir, amid its brethren tall,

To be thus chosen and singled out, the first among them

all !

He stretched his fragrant branches, his little heart beat

fast,

He was a real Christmas tree ; he had his wish at last.

One large and shining apple with cheeks of ruddy gold,

Six tapers, and a tiny doll were all that he could hold.

" I am so small, so very small, no one will mark or know

How thick and green my needles are, how true my

branches grow ;

Few toys and candles could I hold, but heart and will

are free,

And in my heart of hearts I know I am a Christmas

tree."

The Christmas angel hovered near; he caught the

grieving word,

And, laughing low, he hurried forth, with love and pity

stirred.

He sought and found St Nicholas, the dear old Christ-

mas saint,

And in his fatherly kind ear rehearsed the fir-tree's

plaint.

Saints are all-powerful, we know, so it befell that day,

The baby laughed, the baby crowed, to see the tapers

bright;

The forest baby felt the joy, and shared in the delight.

And when at last the tapers died, and when the baby

slept,

The little fir in silent night a patient vigil kept;

Though scorched and brown its needles were, it had no

heart to grieve.

"I have not lived in vain," he said ; "thank God for

Christmas eve!"

The Russian Santa Claus

The Russian Santa Claus.

By Lizzie M. Hadley.

Over the Russian snows one day,

Upon the eve of a Christmas day,

While still in the heavens shone afar,

Like a spark of fire, that wondrous star,

Three kings with jewels and gold bedight

Came journeying on through the wintry night.

Out of the East they rode amain,

With servants and camels in their train.

Laden with spices, myrrh, and gold,

Gems and jewels of worth untold,

Presents such as to-day men bring,

To lay at the feet of some Eastern king.

Wrinkled and feeble, old and gray,

Dame Babousca, that Christmas day,

Looked from her hut beside the moor,

Where the four roads crossed by her cottage door,

And saw the kings on their camels white,

A shadowy train in the wintry night.

They knocked at her cabin door to tell

That wonderful story we know so well,

Of the star that was guiding them all the way

To the place where the little Christ-Child lay,

And they begged that she, through the sleet and snow,

To the nearest village with them would go.

But naught cared she for that unknown Child,

And winds about her blew fierce and wild,

For the night was stormy, dark, and cold,

And poor Babousca was weak and old,

And in place of the pitiless winter's night,

Her lowly hut seemed a palace bright.

So to their pleadings she answered " Nay,"

And watched them all as they rode away

But when they had gone and the night was still,

Her hut seemed lonely, and dark, and chill,

And she almost wished she had followed them

In search of the Babe of Bethlehem.

And then as the longing stronger grew,

She said, "I will find Him," but no one knew,

Where was the cradle in which He lay

When He came to earth upon Christmas day,

For the kings and their trains were long since gone,

And none could tell of the Babe, new born.

Then filling a basket with toys, she said,

As over the wintry moor she sped,

"I will go to the busy haunts of men,

There I shall find the kings, and then,

Together we'll go that Child to meet,

And jewels and toys we'll lay at His feet.

The kings with their trains have long been clay,

The hut on the moor has mouldered away,

But old and feeble, worn and gray,

Every year upon Christmas day,

It matters not though the winds blow chill,

Old Babousca is seeking still.

And every year when the joy-bells chime,

To tell of the blessed Christmas time,

When in Holland they tell to the girls and boys,

Of good Saint Nicholas and his toys,

In Russia, the little children say,

" Old Babousca has passed this way."

A Christmas Garden

A Christmas Garden.

(A prose recitation, or suggestion for composition.)

       There is a story told of a magician who conjured up a garden in the winter time. The wand of the wizard, however, is not necessary to dislose even in a northern climate in the cold months the beautiful contents of Nature's world. The varieties of evergreen, pine, hemlock, fir, cedar, and larch provide a variety of green foliage through the dreary-weather. The rich, clustering berries, besides their ornamental character, furnish food for the snowbirds. The Christmas rose, wax-like in its white purity, will bloom out of doors long after frost if a glass is turned over the plant on cold nights. The ivy remains glossy, its green berry another addition to our winter bouquet.

       Farther south, but still within our United States, the scarlet holly grows in luxuriance. So full of holiday association is this tree that its branches are carefully transported a thousand miles for use during Christmas week. Its crisp leaves, lively color, and happy sentiment make the holly, pre-eminent as a winter ornament, prince in our Christmas garden.

       A contrast is furnished by the delicate sprays of the mistletoe growing upon the limbs of the oak,

elm, and apple trees. The white berry attaches itself, curiously enough, without roots of any kind, and becomes an enduring plant.

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol.

by J. R. Lowell

"What means this glory round our feet?"

The Magi mused, "more bright than morn?"

And voices chanted clear and sweet,

" To-day the Prince of Peace is born!"

"What means that star?" the shepherd said,

"That brightens through the rocky glen ?"

And angels answering overhead,

Sang, "Peace on earth, good will to men!"

'Tis eighteen hundred years and more

Since those sweet oracles were dumb;

We wait for Him, like them of yore;

Alas, He seems so slow to come!

But it was said, in words of gold,

No time or sorrow e'er shall dim,

That little children might be bold

In perfect trust to come to Him.

All round about our feet shall shine

A light like that the wise men saw,

If we our loving wills incline

To that sweet Life which is the Law.

So shall we learn to understand

The simple faith of shepherds then,

And clasping kindly hand in hand,

Sing, "Peace on earth, good will to men!"

And they who do their souls no wrong,

But keep at eve the faith of morn,

Shall daily hear the angel-song,

"To-day the Prince of Peace is born!"

Old English Christmases

Old English Christmases.

       The court celebrations of Christmas were observed with great splendor during the reign of King Charles the First. The royal family, with the lords and ladies, often took part themselves in the performances, and the cost to prepare costumes and sceneries for one occasion often amounted to ten thousand dollars. During Charles's reign, and preceding his, Ben Jonson wrote the plays, or masques, for Christmas. The court doings were, of course, copied outside by the people, and up to the twelfth night after Christmas, sports and feastings held high carnival.

       So important were these Christmas court celebrations held by our ancestors, and of such moment were the preparations, that a special officer was appointed to take them in charge. To him were accorded large privileges, very considerable appointments, and a retinue equal to a prince's, counting in a chancellor, treasurer, comptroller, vice-chamberlain, divine, philosopher, astronomer, poet, physician, master of requests, clown, civilian, ushers, pages, footmen, messengers, jugglers, herald, orator, hunters, tumblers, friar, and fools. Over this mock court the mock monarch presided during the holidays with a reign as absolute as the actual monarch.

The Power of Christmas

The Power of Christmas.

       Even under the pressure of battle the influence of the Christmas season has exerted a powerful effect. In 1428, during the war of the roses, while Orleans was under siege, the English lords, history tells us, requested the French commanders to suspend hostilities, and let the usual celebration of Christmas eye take their place. This was agreed to, and the air was filled with the song of the minstrels and the music of trumpets, instead of the discordant sounds of battle.

The Christmas Tree

The Christmas Tree.

(Recitation for a boy to give before a Christmas tree is dismantled.)

Of all the trees in the woods and fields

There's none like the Christmas tree;

Tho' rich and rare is the fruit he yields,

The strangest of trees is he.

Some drink their fill from the shower or rill;

No cooling draught needs he;

Some bend and break when the storms awake,

But they reach not the Christmas tree.

When wintry winds thro' the forests sweep,

And snow robes the leafless limb;

When cold and still is the ice-bound deep,

O this is the time for him.

Beneath the dome of the sunny home,

He stands with all his charms;

'Mid laugh and song from the youthful throng,

As they gaze on his fruitful arms.

There's golden fruit on the Christmas tree,

And gems for the fair and gay;

The lettered page for the mind bears he,

And robes for the wintry day.

And there are toys for the girls and boys;

And eyes that years bedim

Grow strangely bright, with a youthful light,

As they pluck from the pendant limb.

Peace on Earth

Peace on Earth.

by S. T. Coleridge

(Recitation for a high-school pupil.)

The shepherds went their hasty way,

And found the lowly stable shed

Where the Virgin-Mother lay;

And now they checked their eager tread,

For to the Babe that at her bosom clung

A mother's song the Virgin-Mother sung.

They told her how a glorious light,

Streaming from a heavenly throng,

Around them shone suspending night,

While, sweeter than a mother's song,

Blest angels heralded the Savior's birth,

Glory to God on high and Peace on Earth.

She listened to the tale divine,

And closer still the Babe she prest;

And while she cried, The Babe is mine!

The milk rushed faster to her breast;

Joy rose within her like a summer's morn;

Peace, Peace on Earth ! the Prince of Peace is born

Thou Mother of the. Prince of Peace,

Poor, simple, and of low estate !

That strife should vanish, battle cease,

O why should this thy soul elate?

Sweet music's loudest note, the poet' story --

Didst thou ne'er love to hear of fame and glory?

And is not War a youthful king,

A stately hero clad in mail?

Beneath his footsteps laurels spring;

Him Earth's majestic monarch's hail

Their friend, their playmate! and his bold bright eye

Compels the maiden's love-confessing sigh.

" Tell this in some more courtly scene,

To maids and youths in robes of state!

I am a woman poor and mean,

And therefore is my soul elate.

War is a ruffian, all with guilt denied,

That from the aged father tears his child!

"A murderous fiend, by fiends adored,

He kills the sire and starves the son;

The husband kills, and from her hoard

Steals all his widow's toil had won;

Plunders God's world of beauty ; rends away

All safety from the night, all comfort from the day.

"Then wisely is my soul elate,

That strife should vanish, battle cease;

I'm poor and of a low estate,

The Mother of the Prince of Peace.

Joy rises in me like a summer's morn;

Peace, Peace on Earth ! the Prince of Peace is born."

A Letter from Santa Claus

A Letter from Santa Claus.

By William Howard.

(A little girl is seated with her notebook and pencil. A postman's whistle is heard, and she exclaims, " There is the postman!" 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 Mousie

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 Message

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."

Kriss Kringle

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!

My Christmas Secrets

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"

Christmas Morn

Christmas Morn.

By M. N. B.

(Recitation and chorus. A semi-circle of primary children is formed on he 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 Savior 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 Savior reigns,

Let men their tongues employ,

While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and vales

Repeat the sounding joy.

Christmas Wishes

Christmas Wishes.

By C. Phillips.

(These couplets may be given by three primary children to open a 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 Time

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.

What I Should Like

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 Dells.

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

A Gentle Reminder. 

Alice W. Rollins

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 vie something new.''

To Santa Claus

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.

Santa Claus's Visit

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!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve. 

by Eugene Field

(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 shalt hear the Master calling.

Santa's Helpers

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 toy,

Just call on your small friends, the girls and the boys.

Christmas Waits

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 center 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 and Mrs. Sarah L. Warner sheet music.

Mr. St. Nicholas

Mr. St. Nicholas.

By Alice M. Kellogg.
edited and updated version

(The characters are Old-fashioned Santa Claus, dressed in the traditional costume of fur, white beard, and a Christmas pack ; Mr. St. Nicholas, in evening dress with silk hat ; Dora, Katie, Maggie, and little Bess; Harry, Charlie, Tom, and John in ordinary school clothes. The scene opens with a large fireplace arranged at the center of the platform, a dark curtain drawn before the opening to conceal Santa Claus. The accompaniment to "Nancy Lee" is heard, and the eight children march in, carrying their stockings.)

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. -- Oh, ring the bells, the merry Christmas bells,
Their music all our pleasure tells.

(Repeat, singing tra la la whenever necessary to give the rhythm. They pause in groups in center --

right, and left ; some sit, others stand, and change their positions during the dialogue)

Harry: Oh dear, the same old thing again this year, I suppose ! " Hang up the baby's stocking, be sure you don't forget."

Charlie: This baby's stocking is the biggest bicycle hose I could buy. (Pins it at one side of the chimney.) I don't think old Santa could miss it if he tried.

Dora: I made mine to suit the occasion, for I hope Santa Claus will fit a zither into it. (Displays a large, fantastically shaped stocking of striking color, and fastens it beside Charlie 's.)

Harry: You ought to take a prize, Dora, for designing the most -- ahem! -- unexpected-looking

stocking. Generous sized, too! Here goes my contribution to the chimney.    (Hangs up a sock.)

It's big enough to hold a coin of gold that will buy me a new bicycle. I don't care for any knick-knacks.

Katie: I must confess that I'm rather tired of this old custom of hanging up our stockings on Christmas eve and crawling out of bed in the cold dawn to see what is in them. I wish some one

would invent a new way.

Maggie: Just what I thought, Katie, last winter, though I never spoke of it. But if you've hung your stocking up, I must have mine there too. (Goes to chimney.)

John: Well, I refuse to fall in line this year. I'm tired of the whole plan. It seems absurd for an old chap to come tumbling down the fireplace and load up our stockings.

Tom: I agree with you, John! What we want is a new-fashioned Christmas. A real, up-to-date Santa Claus, and no more of this children's nonsense.

Bess: Not have Santa Claus any more ? Isn't he coming to-night ? (Cries.)

John: Oh yes, he'll remember you if you're a good little girl and stop crying. Dora, help Bess to fasten up her stocking.

(After the stocking is fixed, Bess faces the audience and recites.)

Bess: I do hope dear old Santa

Will come this way to-night,

And come here to my stocking,

To fill it nice and tight.

I'd like to watch and see him,

But I know I must wait

Till shines the Christmas sunshine --

I hope he won't be late.

Tom: Let Bess have her old-fashioned Santa Claus, but the rest of us vote for something different.

Harry: I used to think Santa a pretty jolly old duffer, who made lots of sport for the infants, but I'm ready for a change myself.

Dora: Don't count me in to help out your majority; Santa Claus seems to me the kindly spirit of Christmas appearing mysteriously to give us greater pleasure.

Katie: Well, I'll side with the boys this time, and see if there is any improvement in holiday matters.

Charlie: You'll think me a baby to stick to the old style. I won't venture an opinion at all.

Tom: Then we are agreed that of Santa Claus we have no need.

John, Katie, Harry and Maggie: "Tis what we all concede." 
(All sing to the tune of ' ' Maryland, My Maryland.")

Old Santa Claus is such a bore,

Of him we've had too much and more ;

Now what we want is something new,

But what is there for us to do ?

A new St. Nick would be the thing,

Who would our Christmas presents bring.

(Electric bell sounds, the door opens, and Mr. St. Nicholas comes on the stage. He bows and takes

off his hat. He's wearing modern clothing)

Mr. St. N.: Good evening, young people! I see you are at your old-time tricks of hanging up your

stockings. This won't do. Don't you know it's gone out of fashion? (Goes toward fireplace; the boys

rush to protect their property.)

John: Who are you, sir? And how dare you interfere with our fun?

Mr. St. N.: I am the new, up-to-the-times Santa Claus. My proper name is Mr. St. Nicholas. I am on my rounds to take the names of all the young people who deserve a remembrance at Christmas time. I haven't a moment to lose. My e-mail is overburdened with messages, my men are distracted with the work to be done between now and daylight. (Pulls out a cell phone and appears to text while he speaks rapidly without waiting for a reply to Tom) Your name, young man? Your age, birthplace, parents' names? Residence? Attendant at what school? What specific tastes? List of last year's presents. Make haste, time is money.

Katie: But Santa -- I mean Mr. St. Nicholas --here are our stockings.

Mr. St. N.: Christmas stockings! trash and nonsense. They belong to the dark ages.

Harry: Pray, how do you bestow your gifts?

Mr. St. N.: By district messenger service, of course! Next boy (to Charlie), give me your name,

age, birthplace, parents' names, residence, school, specific tastes, last year's presents.

Charlie: How did you come here, Mr. St. Nicholas? I heard no sleigh-bells at the door.

Mr. St. N. (scornfully): More nonsense to explain. I came down from the north pole in an airplane. Come, now, here are these girls waiting to be classified. (To Dora.) Name, age

Dora: I won't be put in statistics, even if it is Christmas and you are the patron saint.

Charlie: Nor I. I didn't vote for any improvements. Take them away.

John: You seem a trifle ahead of the age, Mr. St. Nicholas, or else we made a great mistake in

being discontented with our old-fashioned Christmas.

Tom: Allow me to book you another flight.

(Mr. St. Nicholas is ushered to the door. The others turn back at the sound of sleigh-bells. Santa

Claus appears at the fireplace. He is dressed in the traditional red suit, trimmed with white fur.)

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 Clans: 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!

(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.)

Father Christmas's Message

Father Christmas's Message. 

By J. A. Atkinson

(This speech may be given at the close of a Christmas entertainment. A white wig and beard, fur coat and gloves are worn, and sleigh-bells are sounded before Father Christmas appears on the platform.)

Here I am again. The close of the year

Brings Old Father Christmas with his good cheer.

I'm cheery myself, and cheery I make

All folks who follow advice for my sake.

My advice is the same to all my friends :

Give and forgive, and quickly make amends

For what you do wrong. Let love be the rule.

Christians, be true at the season of Yule.

Old Father Christmas every one welcomes ;

I bring peace and happiness to all homes.

Away with the bad. Have nothing but good.

Do what I tell you. If only you would,

You'd all live at one in true brotherhood.

I always brighten up all hearts. The spell

Of Christmas can all gloomy thoughts dispel.

My friends, right pleased am I to see you here.

How are you all ? Pray come again next year.

I hope you've liked the fun we've had to-night ;

If so, then now applaud with all your might.

Santa Claus

Santa Claus.

By Julia C. R. Dorr.

 

(Let the first line be given by a small boy as a herald, carrying a trumpet, and dressed in tunic, tights, and velvet cap. The second line is taken up by Santa Claus, in costume of fur, with white beard and hair.)

A voice from out of the northern sky :

" On the wings of the limitless winds I fly,

Swifter than thought, over mountain and vale,

City and moorland, desert and dale !

From the north to the south, from the east to the west,

I hasten regardless of slumber or rest ;

O, nothing you dream of can fly as fast

As I on the wings of the windy blast !

" The wondering stars look out to see

Who he that flieth so fast may be,

And their bright eyes follow my earthward track

By the gleam of the jewels I bear in my pack.

For I have treasures for high and for low :

Rubies that burn like the sunset glow ;

Diamond rays for the crowned queen ;

For the princess, pearls with their silver sheen.

" I enter the castle with noiseless feet --

The air is silent and soft and sweet ;

And I lavish my beautiful tokens there --

Fairings to make the fair more fair !

I enter the cottage of want and woe --

The candle is dim and the fire burns low ;

But the sleepers smile in a happy dream

As I scatter my gifts by the moon's pale beam.

" There's never a home so low, no doubt,

But I in my flight can find it out ;

Not a hut so hidden but I can see

The shadow cast by the lone roof-tree !

There's never a home so proud and high

That I am constrained to pass it by,

Nor a heart so happy it may not be

Happier still when blessed by me !

" What is my name ? Ah, who can tell,

Though in every land 'tis a magic spell ?

Men call me that, and they call me this ;

Yet the different names are the same, I wis !

Gift-bearer to all the world am I,

Joy-giver, light-bringer, where'er I fly ;

But the name I bear in the courts above,

My truest and holiest name, is -- Love ! "