Thrifty Scissors

Tuesday, August 29, 2017

The Story of Easter Eggs

The Story of Easter Eggs

by Christoph Von Shmid

Many hundred years ago, a good and noble lady, Duchess Rosilinda von Lindenburg, at a time when a cruel war was devastating the land, was obliged to fly from her beautiful home accompanied only by her two little children and one old manservant.

They found refuge in a small mining village in the mountains, where the simple but contented and happy inhabitants did what they could for their comfort, and placed the best of all they had at the disposal of the wanderers. Nevertheless, their fare was miserable: no meat was ever to be found, seldom fish, and not even an egg; this last for the very good reason that there was not a single hen in the village! These useful domestic fowls, now so common everywhere, were originally brought from the East, and had not yet found their way to this secluded place. The people had not even heard of such "strange birds." This troubled the kind duchess, who well knew the great help they are in housekeeping, and she determined that the women who had been so kind to her should no longer be without them.

Accordingly, the next time she sent forth her faithful old servant to try and gather news of his master and of the progress of the war, she commissioned him to bring back with him a coop full of fowls. This he did, to the great surprise of the simple natives, and the village children were greatly excited a few weeks later at the appearance of a brood of young chickens. They were so pretty and bright, were covered with such a soft down, were so open-eyed, and could run about after their mother to pick up food the very first day, and were altogether such a contrast to the blind, bald, unfledged, helpless, ugly little birds they sometimes saw in nests in the hedges, that they could not find words enough to express their admiration.

The good lady now saved up eggs for some time, then invited all the housewives of the village to a feast, when she set before them eggs cooked in a variety of ways. She then taught them how to prepare them for themselves, and, distributing a number of fowls among them, sent the dames home grateful and happy.

When Easter approached, she was anxious to arrange some pleasure for the village children, but had nothing to give them," not even an apple or a nut," only some eggs; but that, she concluded, was, after all, an appropriate offering, "as an egg is the first gift of the reviving spring." And then it occurred to her to boil them with mosses and roots that would give them a variety of brilliant colors," as the earth," said she, "has just laid aside her white mantle, and decorated herself with many colors ; for the dear God makes the fruit and berries not only good to eat, but also pleasant to look upon," and the children's pleasure would be all the greater.

Easter Blessings

Accordingly, on Easter Sunday, after the church service, all the little ones of about the age of her own met together in a garden; and, when their kind hostess had talked to them awhile, she led them into a small neighboring wood. There she told them to make nests of moss, and advised each to mark well his or her own. All then returned to the garden, where a feast of milk-soup with eggs and egg-cakes had been prepared. Afterward they went back to the wood, and found to their great joy in each nest five beautiful, colored eggs, and on these a short rhyme was written.

The surprise and delight of the little ones when they discovered a nest of the gayly colored treasures, was very great, and one of them exclaimed: "How wonderful the hens must be that can lay such pretty eggs! How I should like to see them!"

"Oh! no hens could lay such beautiful eggs," answered a little girl, " I think it must have been the
little hare that sprang out of the juniper bush when I wanted to build my nest there."

Then all the children laughed together, and said, "The hares lay colored eggs! Yes, yes! the dear little hares lay the beautiful eggs!" And they kept repeating it till they began really to believe it.

Not long afterward the war ended, and the Duke Amo von Lindenburg took his wife and children back to their own palace; but before leaving the Duchess set apart a sum of money to be expended in giving the village children every Easter a feast of eggs. She instituted the custom also in her own duchy, and by degrees it spread over the whole country, the eggs being considered a symbol of redemption or deliverance from sin. The custom has found its way even to America, but nowhere out of the Vaterland are the eggs laid by the timid hare.

To this day children living in the country go to the woods just before Easter, and return with their arms full of twigs and moss, out of which they build nests and houses, each child carefully marking his own with his name. They are then hidden behind stones and bushes in the garden, or, if the weather be cold, in corners, or under furniture in the house. And on Easter morning what an excitement there is to see what the good little hare has brought! Not only real eggs boiled and colored but sugar ones too, and often wooden ones that open like boxes, disclosing perhaps, a pair of new gloves or a bright ribbon.

Draw an Easter Egg to Look Like a Little Man!

Above is our example of a funny face on an Easter Egg. You can copy this little man too!

It's always fun
At Easter time
To paint up eggs
With dots and lines.

And many shades
From blue to brown;
Then set them standing
All around.

To see who's fixed
The cleverest egg,
And who has mixed
The nicest shade.

Did you know that of all Easter customs, the use of Easter eggs is the most universal? This is also of pagan origin, the egg having been considered a symbol of immortality by the ancients.

Easter Index / Previous Page / Next Page

Easter Day In Rome

Easter Day in Rome

By Oscar Wilde

The silver trumpets rang across the dome,

The people knelt upon the ground with awe,

And borne upon the necks of men I saw,

Like some great God, the Holy Lord of Rome.

Priest-like he wore a robe more white than foam,

And king-like swathed himself in royal red ;

Three crowns of gold rose high above his head,

In splendor and in light the Pope passed home.

My heart stole back across wide wastes of years,

To One who wandered by a lonely sea.

And sought in vain for any place of rest.

Foxes have holes, and every bird its nest,

I, only I, must wander wearily,

And bruise my feet, and drink wine salt with tears.

Did you know that the proper time for the observance of Easter has been a subject of bitter controversy among various Christians groups? In the year 197 Pope Victor excommunicated Polycrates, bishop of Ephesus, and his entire Asiatic following for not conforming to the Roman custom. The Greek church did not adopt the Roman date until 1923, so only since then have so many Christians around the world observed Easter simultaneously!

Easter Index / Previous Page / Next Page

Easter Even

Easter Even

by Christina G. Rossetti

The tempest over and gone, the calm begun,

Lo, " It is finished," and the Strong Man sleeps :

All stars keep vigil watching for the sun,

The moon her vigil keeps.

A garden full of silence and of dew,

Beside a virgin cave and entrance stone:

Surely a garden full of angels too.

Wondering, on watch, alone.

They who cry, " Holy, Holy, Holy," still.

Veiling their faces round God's throne above,

May well keep vigil on this heavenly hill

And cry their cry of love.

Adoring God in His new mystery

Of love more deep than hell, more strong than death;

Until the day break and the shadows flee,

The Shaking and the Breath.

Easter Index / Previous Page / Next Page

The First Easter

The First Easter

St. Luke

And the Sabbath drew on. And the women also,which came with him from Galilee, followed after, and beheld the sepulcher, and how his body was laid. And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments; and rested the Sabbath-day, according to the commandment. Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher, and they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus. And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments, and as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them. Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen. Remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, saying. The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the sepulcher, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not. Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulcher, and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.

Illustration From Christian Clip Art Review.

And behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about three score furlongs, and they talked together of all these things which had happened. And it came to pass, that, while they communed together, and reasoned Jesus himself drew near, and went with them, but their eyes were holden, that they should not know him.

And he said unto them, What manner of communications are these that ye have one to another, as ye walk, and are sad? And one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answering, said unto him. Art thou only a stranger in Jerusalem, and hast not known the things which are come to pass there in these days? And he said unto them, What things? And they said unto him, Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God, and all the people, and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to death and have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he which should have redeemed Israel: and besides all this, to-day is the third day since these things were done. Yea, and certain women of our company made us astonished, which were early at the sepulcher, and when they found not his body, they came saying, that they had also seen a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us, went to the sepulcher, and found it even so as the women had said: but him they saw not.

Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

And they drew nigh unto the village whither they went: and he made as though he would have gone further, but they constrained him, saying. Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.

And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them, and their eyes were opened, and they knew him : and he vanished out of their sight.

And they said one to another. Did not our heart burn within us while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?

And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and them that were with them, saying, The Lord is risen indeed, and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done on the way, and how he was known of them in the breaking of bread.

And as they thus spake, Jesus himself stood in the midst of them, and said unto them. Peace be unto you. But they were terrified and affrighted, and supposed that they had seen a spirit. And he said unto them, Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.

And when he had thus spoken he showed them his hands and his feet, and while they believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat? And they gave him a piece of broiled fish, and of a honey-comb. And he took it, and did eat before them.

And he said unto them. These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms concerning me.

Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things.

And behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.

And he led them out as far as to Bethany: and he lifted up his hands and blessed them. And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven. And they worshiped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.

"The Realities of Two Worlds"

Did you know the day on which Easter falls is governed by the Jewish Feast of the Passover, simply because Jesus (whose resurrection Easter celebrates) was crucified at the time of the Jewish Passover? The Passover, like all other events of those early times, was governed by a change by a change of the moon's phase; for there were no almanacs or calendars then, but everybody had the glorious heaven stretched out over him and everybody was taught to watch the moon and study the stars. Easter, then, under the same laws as the Passover, always comes when the feast is being celebrated; and the sure rule for finding its date is: "Easter is the first Sunday after the first full moon after the 20th of March. Easter always falls upon a Sunday, the expression "Easter Sunday," which is often heard, is mere tautology.

Easter Index/ Previous Page/ Next Page

Monday, August 28, 2017

Mardi Gras Holiday Index

Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday Clip Art

Mardi Gras, or Shrove Tuesday, in Catholic countries of Europe a celebration on the last day of revelry before the advent of Lent. The term is from the French, and means fat Tuesday, referring to the old French custom of parading a fat ox through the streets during the festivities. The day following is Ash Wednesday.

Only in New Orleans in the United States is the celebration of Mardi Gras famous, although a few other cities celebrate the day. (St. Louis, Chicago) The first New Orleans Mardi Gras day was in 1857, and not a year was thereafter missed until 1917. No celebration was held that year, nor in the two succeeding years because of World War I. In New Orleans on the occasion of the Mardi Gras at the height of the celebration there is a parade in which are seen gorgeous floats and thousands of people in costumes of every conceivable design. The streets are decorated with banners and streamers, and especial illumination is provided. The event attracts thousands of visitors from great distances.

Mardi Gras Artifacts:

Mardi Gras Craft Collections:

Crayon Methods and Applications Index

Crayola for educators.

Temporary dependence upon scaffolding tools such as coloring sheets, does not predetermine the student's dependency upon their use, nor does it imply that other creative processes can not or will not be used within the educational environment. As long as professional art educators are employed, additional scaffolding methods and tools will inevitably replace coloring sheets.

There are many circumstances, however unfortunate, that dictate a child's exposure to art be limited. In cases such as these, parents and classroom teachers may introduce coloring sheets to a young and/or inexperienced student in order to achieve basic goals similar to those I have written about at my Color The Bible Blog.

In the future, I will include lesson plans especially adapted for the use of coloring pages on this blog. For those of you who are unfamiliar with my resources visit, you may also visit Art Education Daily to read more articles and lesson plans about art education.

Read more about the importance of coloring activities:

Read more about performance-based learning:

Coloring Pages at Thrifty Scissors: Read Terms of Use Here

Snow White Coloring Pages
Little Red Riding Hood Coloring Pages
Cinderella Coloring Pages
Buffalo Bill's Coloring Pages
Buster Brown Coloring Pages
Thanksgiving Day Coloring Pages: pilgrims * turkey * the Karo corn maiden *
Color and shade vintage racing cars and antique automobiles
Coloring pages by Walter Crane: "Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush" * "The Woodcutter's Song" *
Coloring pages by Kate Greenway: bird in a meadow *
Coloring pages of animals, birds and amphibians: Elephant * Owl *

Art Techniques for The Use of Crayons:

More Coloring Page Collections:

My largest collection of coloring pages at Crayon Palace
Christmas Coloring Pages at my family blog, belsnickle.blogspot.com
Selection of Easter, Spring and Fashion related coloring pages at Easter Egg Crafts
A large selection of Bible related coloring pages at "Color The Bible"
Unique Coloring Pages for Kids

The Nation's Birthday

The Nation's Birthday

by Mary E. Vandyne

Ring out the joy bells ! Once again,

With waving flags and rolling drums,

We greet the Nation's Birthday, when.

In glorious majesty, it comes.

Ah, day of days ! Alone it stands,

While, like a halo round it cast,

The radiant work of patriot hands,

Shines the bright record of the past.

Among the nations of the earth,

What land hath story like our own?

No thought of conquest marked her birth;

No greed of power was ever shown

By those who crossed the ocean wild.

That they might plant upon her sod

A home for Peace and Virtue mild,

And altars rear to Freedom's God.

How grand the thought that bade them roam!

Those pilgrim bands, by Faith inspired --

That bade them leave their cherished home,

And, with the martyr's spirit fired,

Guide their frail vessels o'er the main

Upon the glorious mission bound

On alien soil a grave to gain.

Or else a free born nation found.

What land has heroes like to ours ?

Their names are as the lightning's gleams,

When, on the darkling cloud that lowers,

In blinding majesty it streams.

Great Washington, the man of faith,

Who conquered doubt with patient might ;

Warren and Putnam, true till death,

The "Swamp Fox" eager for the fight.

See Major Molly's woman hand

Drive home the murderous cannon ball;

How bravely Lydia Darrach planned,

For home and country risking all.

A glorious list, and without end;

Forgotten were both sex and age ;

Their names in radiant luster blend.

And shine like stars on history's page.

Like stars to light the firmament,

And show the world what men may do

Who, as God's messengers, are sent

And to their mission still are true.

No. end had they to seek or gain;

Their work was there before their sight ;

There lay their duty, stern and plain,

To dare and suffer for the right.

The right that conquered, and whose power

Is shown in our broad land to-day;

Shown in this bright and prosperous hour.

When peace and plenty gild our way ;

Shown in the glorious song that swells

The hearts of men from South to North,

And in its rapturous accents tell

The story of our glorious Fourth.

The Great American Holiday

Among all the holidays of the year, one stands out as preeminently American; one appeals especially to that sentiment of patriotism and national pride which glows in every loyal American heart. Independence Day -- the Fourth of July -- is observed in every State in the Union as our distinctive national holiday; and rightly so, for the event which it celebrates is by far the most important in American history -- an event no less, indeed, than the birth of the nation.

Independence Day celebrates the signing, on the Fourth of July, 1776, of the paper which declared this country forever free from British rule. It had been under consideration for some time by the Continental Congress, assembled at Philadelphia, and final action was finally taken on July 4. From that time forward, the American colonists were no longer rebels in arms against their country, but a free people fighting for their independence.

That the Declaration of Independence was mainly the work of Thomas Jefferson has been established beyond reasonable doubt; and it stands to-day one of the most remarkable state papers in the history of the world.

At the time of the passage of the act, John Adams wrote to his wife a letter which has become historic. ''I am apt to believe -- he wrote, ''that this day will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever-more."

Bonfires and guns there have been without limit; and the deaths that have resulted from these celebrations would form no inconsiderable fraction of those lost during the Revolution. For years, the celebration of this great holiday has consisted mainly of meaningless noise; but there is a steadily growing sentiment in favor of a more worthy observance of the day, as a time when every loyal American should rejoice in the welfare of his country, and recall with pride the manner in which the Nation was established." Anonymous, 1912

A parade for all American people, 2017.

"it is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us...that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth." Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, Nov. 19, 1863

United States Presidents Index

American Patriot Clip Art

The Constitution declares that the law-executing department of the government shall be in the hands of a President of the United States, who shall be chosen by electors, and not elected directly by the people; his term of office was fixed at four years; he may legally succeed himself.

The system of electing the President and Vice-President is not clearly understood by many people. As a rule, we fail to see why it would not be right that every legal voter in the country should cast his vote directly for President and Vice-President. The plan adopted in the convention which framed the Constitution was the result of a compromise. One section demanded that the President be elected by Congress, and that in the selection the people directly should have no choice. Another faction desired to place the responsibility fully upon the people by direct vote. By the plan adopted, each state was empowered to choose by vote, a number of men/women equal to its total membership in Congress, and the men so chosen were to meet on the same day all over the United States in the various state capitals and there cast their votes directly for President and Vice-President. If a state has ten Representatives and two Senators, it is entitled to choose twelve electors of the President and Vice-President.

The First 100 Years of American Presidential History Artifacts:
In Order of Appointment:

George Washington - 1789 to 1797: Biography, Poetry, Tributes etc...
John Adams - 1797 to 1801: Biography
Thomas Jefferson - 1801 to 1809:
James Madison - 1809 to 1817:
James Monroe - 1817 to 1825:
John Quincy Adams - 1825 to 1829:
Andrew Jackson - 1829 to 1837:
Martin Van Buren - 1837 to 1841:
William Henry Harrison - March 1841 to April 1841:
John Tyler - 1841 to 1845:
James K. Polk - 1845 to 1849:
Zachary Taylor - 1849 to 1850:
Millard Fillmore - 1850 to 1853:
Franklin Pierce - 1853 to 1857:
James Buchanan - 1857 to 1861:
Abraham Lincoln - 1861 to 1865: Biography, Poetry, Tributes etc...
Andrew Johnson - 1865 to 1869:
Ulysses S. Grant - 1869 to 1877:
Rutherford B. Hayes - 1877 to 1881:
James A. Garfield - March 4, 1881 to Sept. 19th 1881:
Chester A. Arthur - 1881 to 1885:
Grover Cleveland - 1885 to 1889:
Benjamin Harrison - 1889 to 1893:

Additional Related Content:

Search the tags dedicated to The Fourth of July Holiday - many of these also appropriate for President's Day celebrations in public and private schools
Our Presidents - public domain lyrics for young students to sing on President's Day

American Presidents On The World Wide Web:

Ornamental Penmanship Links & Lessons

Charming and fascinating are the graceful and harmonious curves produced, when, wielded by some trained and skillful hand, the pen becomes an instrument of beauty. As by the power of speech, men may pass from the common tone of conversation up to the melodious strains of music, or may soar in flights of oratory into the sublime, until the multitude is entranced; so the capabilities of the pen are not limited to the common uses of life, but may take on forms of beauty in elegant outlines of bird, or landscape, or graceful swan or bounding stag.

From The Book of Ornamental Alphabets.

Ornamental writing is not a practical art, and has no connection whatever with the practical business of life. It is in the realm of poetry. The imagery of graceful outlines must first be seen by a poetic imagination. While the great masses may acquire a good style of plain, practical penmanship, few have the necessary conception of mind, combined with the skill and dexterity of hand to become successful ornamental penmen.

The ornamental pages which follow are given, not as models for imitation or practice by the learner, but merely to show the possibilities of the pen in the hand of a master, and as a fitting closing to this, our chapter on penmanship.

From "Monograms and
Ciphers" by Turbayne.

To any one who may have an artistic quality of mind, and delights in beautiful lines and harmonious curves, these pages of ornamental penmanship will serve as models for practice and imitation, and every attempt at such an exercise as the one on this, or the following pages, will give greater strength and freedom of movement, and better command of the pen, so that it will conduce to an easy, flowing and elegant style of plain business writing, while affording a most pleasant and profitable employment in the cultivation of the taste.

Various beautiful designs or pictures may be made with the pen, in the hands of one that possesses the skill of a penman and the eye of an artist.

Cursive Practice Sheets: Practice Your Penmanship: For young students
Visit The Grimm Scriptorium for High School and Adult Leveled Lessons
For related art lessons for elementary students see the Alphabet Index

More Exceptional Collections of Ornamental Letters:

Master Penman Michael Sull demonstrates Spencerian and Ornamental Penmanship

Ornamental Penmanship Art Lessons:

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Christmas Holiday Index

Vintage Christmas bulletin board.

Christmas, the most important festival of the Christian Church, observed annually on December 25, in memory of the birth of Christ. The time when the festival was first observed is not known with certainty; but it is spoken of in the beginning of the third century by Clement of Alexandria, and in the latter part of the fourth century Chrysostom speaks of it as of great antiquity. As to the day on which it was celebrated, there was long considerable diversity, but by the time of Chrysostom the "Western Church had fixed on December 25, though no certain knowledge of the day of Christ's birth existed; and the Eastern Church, which had favored January 6, gradually adopted the same date. The existence of heathen festivals celebrated on or about this day doubtless accounted in large measure for its selection; and Brumalia, a Roman festival held at the winter solstice, when the sun is, as it were, born anew, has often been mentioned as having a strong bearing on the question.
In the Roman Catholic, Greek, Anglican and Lutheran churches, there has long since been a special religious service for Christmas day; and, contrary to the general rule, a Roman Catholic priest can celebrate three masses on this day. In homes in all Christian countries, Christmas is a day of household festivities, family reunions and joy for the children. The widespread practice of presenting gifts at Christmas time has probably some connection with the gifts presented to the Child Jesus by the three Wise Men. Today many towns and cities have adopted the custom of setting up community Christmas trees in centrally located places, and decorating central business areas with additional festive decorations.

Christmas Crafts and Fun Activities: (plus grade level suggestions)

Star Templates for Your Classroom
Paper Chain Wreath Craft - 4th grade and up
Cut Simple 3-D Christmas Trees - 4th grade and up
Snow Baby Gift Tags - for coloring
Craft a Paper Snowman Wreath - 3rd and 4th grade
Christmas Tree Border or Chain
An easy paper Christmas light garland craft... - 2nd and 3rd grade
Color a Christmas Poem Book
A Peppermint Christmas Tree Tutorial - 5th grade and up...
Patterns for Penguins - kindergarten, 1rst, 2nd and 3rd grade
Craft Santa's Workshop Game
A "Hands On" Christmas Wreath Craft - kindergarten, 1rst, 2nd and 3rd grade
Draw Christmas things using a grid... - 5th grade and up
DIY a Christmas Toy Soldier Candy Container - 4th grade and up
Draw Santa Step-by-Step - 1rst, 2nd and 3rd
Make a Christmas Card Window to Hang - 3rd grade and up
Make a Frosty Ice Skate Paper Wreath - 1rst, 2nd, and 3rd and up

Short Stories, Poems Etc...

Christmas School Performances/Pageants: Approximately 100 years ago, Christmas plays and performances in American schools were quite common. Today these are rare, although sometimes still practiced in community theater, private schools and early learning centers. The performances were intended to be short and easily memorized by young students and every grade level was expected to participate.(Approx. 10 to 15 minutes long for older students, 5 minutes for early grades) It was very common also for the stage settings to be elaborately decorated and for mothers and grandmothers to spend hour after hour sewing extravagant costumes for their little performers. As you can imagine, such occasions did provide perfect photo and video opportunities for parents!

I will include some historic records of these little shows under this category. Much of the staging, I'm afraid, must be reinvented by enthusiastic drama/music teachers in order to perform them now. All of these five to fifteen minute performances are in the public domain and so they may be used freely by teachers everywhere if they should so choose. I think that dance instructors and children's community theater instructors might find them useful in designing some delightful modern interpretations.

Time for Santa Claus by M. Nora Boylan
Santa Claus is Coming By Maud L. Betts
Old Santa Claus By M. Nora Boylan
A Christmas-bell Drill by Ella M. Powers
The Snow Brigade by Marian Loder
Christmas Stockings by A. S. Webber
Christmas Children by M. Nora Boylan
Santa Claus by W. S. C.
Charity by Jay Bee
Merry Christmas by M. D. Sterling
A Christmas Lullaby
Dance of the Snowflakes by Alice E. Allen
Little Snowflakes by Ella M. Powers
Christmas Stories By Lettie Sterling
The Brownie Men by M. Nora Boylan
Winter's Children By J. D. Moore
Santa Claus
Mr. St. Nicholas
A Christmas Reunion by M. D. Sterling
Christmas Waits by Katherine West
A Christmas Party by Lizzie M. Hadley

Christmas Recitations for The Primary/Grammar Grades: A recitation in a general sense is the act of reciting from memory, or a formal reading of verse or other writing before an audience. In academia, recitation is a presentation made by a student to demonstrate knowledge of a subject or to provide instruction to others. In earlier scholastic history, American students were often expected to participate in some form of recitation for a grade, often this took place during some holiday performance. The most common time of year for a recitation was during a patriotic holiday, like Washington's birthday. However, I will include some popular winter holiday selections for recitation below.

Father Christmas's Message by J. A. Atkinson
When Santa Claus Comes
Christmas Eve by Eugene Field
How Santa Claus Looks
Santa's Helpers by M. Nora Boylan
The Eyes of the Christmas Tree
Santa Claus's Visit by Susie M. Best
A Christmas Stocking
To Santa Claus by Jennie D. Moore
A Christmas Quiz
What I Should Like by Jennie D. Moore
Christmas Greeting
A Gentle Reminder by Alice W. Rollins
A Christmas Sound
Christmas Time by M. N. B.
What Santa Calls Him...
Christmas Wishes by C. Phillips
A Christmas Telephone
Christmas Morn by M. N. B.
A Touch of Christmas
My Christmas Secrets by S. C. Peabody
A Christmas Sleepy-Head
Kriss Kringle by Susie M. Best
Stitch in Time
A Message by Ella M. Powers
My Christmas Wish
The Mousie by M. N. B.
A Christmas Wish
A Letter from Santa Claus by William Howard
Best of All
The Christmas We Like by Ella M. Powers
The Christmas Pines
Saint Nick by M. N. B.
A Christmas Song
Merry, Merry Christmas by Carine L. Rose
A Christmas Jingle
Christmas Questions by Wolstan Dixey
Jimmie's Letter To Santa
A Catastrophe by Susie M. Best
His Letter
A Christmas Gift by Mabel L. Pray
A Christmas Secret
A Christmas Thought by Lucy Larcom
Christmas In The Heart
The Merry Christmas Eve by Charles Kingsley
The Toys He Doesn't Like
The Christmas Stocking by Charles H. Pearson
The Turkey's Lament
Christmas Hymn by Eugene Field
Around The Christmas Lamp
Bells Across The Snow by F. R. Havergal
A Christmas Gift
Christmas Eve by Frank E. Brown
If You're Good
The Little Christmas Tree by Susan Coolidge
Shoe Or Stocking?
Sing A Song of Christmas by Edith Virginia Bradt
A Christmas Wish!
The Russian Santa Claus Lizzie M. Hadley
A Christmas Garden
A Christmas Carol by J. R. Lowell
The Power of Christmas
Peace on Earth S. T. Coleridge
The Christmas Tree
The Christmas Peace
A Christmas Wish for Children Everywhere
Old English Christmases
Gifts For The King
Santa Claus's Scout by Eunice Ward
On Christmas Day by Dickens
3 Good Cheers for December!

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 ‚Äî 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.