A cocoanut from the palm,
And dates to eat, so very sweet,
All from our African farm.
(Offers presents, which American girl hangs on the boughs.
African girl steps to her left. Enter Arabian girl.)
_Arabian girl_:
I'm a little Arabian girl,
I live in a desert land,
In tents on the plain so hot and dry,
And I play on the burning sand;
Here is a pretty pearl I've brought,
And an ostrich's egg so rare;
An Arab pony you should have
And a cloak of camel's hair.
I never hear about Christmas,
And don't know what you mean,
But hope you will accept these gifts,
And this ostrich feather green.
(Offers gifts. American girl accepts them, rises, places them
on tree; then turns and repeats.)
_American girl_:
And I'm a happy American girl,
How thankful I should be,
That Christmas is so bright a day
And means so much to me.
I thank you, friends, for all these gifts,
Of presents I've my share;
And _you_ show _your_ good-will to men
With generous gifts so rare.
(All stand in line and repeat together)
_All_: Our countries all are glorious lands,
So great, so rich, so rare;
Our people all are glorious bands;
So true, so good, so fair.
Whatever country we are from,
Whatever life we lead,
We'll do our best; be good and true.
And do some noble deed.
* * * * *
=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 hang carelessly 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 (bowing):_
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 them,--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 he 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 Mother 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
semi-circle behind Father Christmas and Mother Goose.)
SONG OF ALL NATIONS.
(Air--: "Upidee," page 68, Franklin Sq. Coll No. 1.)
Dear Father Christmas, you we greet,
Tra la la, tra la la,
And Mother Goose, his friend so meet,
Tra la la, la la.
From every nation on the earth
We hail you both with Christmas mirth.
_Chorus_.--Merry, merry Christmas, all.
Christmas gay, happy day!
Merry, merry Christmas, all!
Merry Christmas day!
(Pointing to Mother Goose and Father Christmas.)
"The Children's Friends" their name is known,
Tra la la, tra la la;
Oh, long may they that title own,
Tra la la, la la.
Wherever in the whole wide world
The flag of childhood is unfurled.--_Cho_.
(Taking places.)
Above our two most loving friends,
Tra la la, tra la la,
The banner of each nation bends,
Tra la la, la la.
Hurrah for Father Christmas dear!
And also Mother Goose we'll cheer!--_Cho_.
(Enter Thanksgiving, carrying a basket of fruit, and
accompanied by her children, Peace and Plenty.)
_Father Christmas_: Why, here's my dear niece Thanksgiving, with her
two fine youngsters, Peace and Plenty! Thanksgiving, my dear, permit
me to present you to Mother Goose, her son Jack, and all the rest
of her family. _(Mutual recognitions.}_ Also, to the Children of All
Nations. _(Bows.)_
_Thanksgiving_:
With Peace and with Plenty, my children, I bring
To good Father Christmas our small offering.
_(Presents basket.)_
_Peace and Plenty (together):_
Long live Father Christmas and Mother Goose, too!
Their fame is world-wide, and their friends not a few.
(Thanksgiving, Peace, and Plenty now take places near Father
Christmas, while Happy New Year enters, carrying a bunch
of keys. She is accompanied by two children, Hope and Good
Resolutions.)
_Father Christmas (rising to greet her_): My dear daughter Happy New
Year, we are glad to see you, with Hope and Good Resolutions looking
so bright and well. Permit me to introduce my guests. _(Mutual
recognitions.)_
_Happy New Year_:
With Good Resolutions quite close to my side,
And sweet little Hope with me whate'er betide,
I bring Father Christmas the bright golden keys
That will open my door '98 with ease.
_Hope and Good Resolutions (together)_: Good cheer, Mother Goose!
Father Christmas, good cheer! We wish each and all of you happy New
Year!
(Happy New Year and her children group themselves next to
Thanksgiving. Enter Santa Claus, bustling about and shaking
hands with everybody while speaking.)
_Santa Claus_:
What ho, Father Christmas! What ho, Mother Goose!
At last from my Christmas-eve duties I'm loose.
Not a stocking from north pole to south but I've filled,
Books, candies, and toys by each mantlepiece spilled.
My pack is quite empty, my reindeer done out,
But on Christmas morning there'll be such a shout
From the east to the west, from the south to the north,
When their gifts from their stockings the children pull forth,
That it's worth all my trouble--that hearty good cheer,
"Hurrah! In the night Santa Claus has been here!"
But, folks, I am hungry, I freely confess,
So on to the dining-room now I will press.
Roast turkey and cranberry sauce and mince pie
Are there on the table, I saw passing by.
_Father Christmas_:
Now Santa has come, let the banquet be shared
That for our reunion I've ordered prepared.
To the dining-room we will adjourn, Mother Goose;
_(Takes her arm)_
Come, all the rest, follow--I'll take no excuse.
Santa Claus, lead Thanksgiving; Jack, Happy New Year;
Away now, my friends, to our good Christmas cheer!
(All go out, two by two, singing the following stanza to the
air of "Upidee.")
_All together_:
Come to the Christmas feast so gay,
Tra la la, tra la la;
Good Father Christmas leads the way,
Tra la la, la la.
Come, children, he'll "take no excuse;"
Come, follow him and Mother Goose.
Merry, merry Christmas, all!
Christmas gay, happy day!
Merry, merry Christmas, all,
Merry Christmas day.
* * * * *
=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 centre of the platform.
The casement is thrown open and half a dozen children's heads
appear. There is a clapping of hands till the second verse is
begun by the waits. At the last line the children throw out
pennies and candies wrapped in paper. The singers scramble for
them, and then give the third verse of the carol. The fourth
verse may be sung as the boys move away and disappear in the
distance. As a preliminary to this little performance a few
words may be said about the old English custom of the waits
coming to sing under the windows on Christmas eve.)
* * * * *
=On This Happy Birthday.=
By Mrs. CHARLOTTE B. MERRITT. Mrs. SARAH L. WARNER.
[Illustration: sheet music]
1.
On this happy Birthday
Of our Saviour King,
Come, dear little children,
Sweetly let us sing
Of the Christ Child;
Of the Christ Child,
We will glad-ly sing.
2.
Bethlehem's star is shining,
Ho-ly is its ray,
To the world proclaiming
Christ was born to-day.
Of the Christ Child,
Of the Christ Child,
We will glad-ly sing.
3.
Wise men came to worship,
Wise men from a-far,
Guided by the glo-ry
Of that ho-ly star.
Of the Christ Child,
Of the Christ Child,
We will glad-ly sing.
4.
Now He reigns forever.
Loving you and me;
Joyful, let as praise Him
Round our Christmas tree.
To the Christ Child,
To the Christ Child,
We our tribute bring.
* * * * *
=A Christmas Party.=
By LIZZIE M. HADLEY.
(CHARACTERS: _1897_, a bent and feeble old man with skull-cap
and white beard, leaning on a cane. The number 1897 across his
forehead or breast. _South Wind_, a slender brunette in veil,
mantle, and cape of green cheese cloth, cape belted down in
the back. As she enters she flourishes her arms to throw
out veil and cape. _Messenger_, in lettered uniform. Four
_Heralds_, uniformed somewhat like messenger. Nine _Fairies_,
very small girls. Coronets of silver paper. Flowing robes
of cheese cloth with angel sleeves worn over clothing
sufficiently warm for the season. Colors to present the plants
whose leaves they carry. Silver belts, shoe-buckles, and
necklaces. Leaves cut from green paper, and letters from gilt.
_Kriss Kringle, Santa Claus, St. Nicholas, Knight Rupert_,
and _Babousca_ in appropriate costumes. Nine _Children_, in
ordinary clothes. _North Wind, East Wind_, and _West Wind_ in
costumes similar to _South Wind_, but varying in color,--white
for north, blue for east, and red for west. The Winds stand
behind St. Nicholas and keep up a restless blowing; that is,
a fluttering and ballooning of capes and veils by flourishing
arms.)
_1897_: 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.
_1897_: 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.
_1897_: Well, well, just tell the storm clouds
To send us rain or snow.
_(Snowflakes 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_)
_1897_: 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.
[Illustration: CHRISTMAS]
_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 1897._)
_1897_: Here's thanks, my little people,
For this your posy sweet;
Your loving thought has surely
Made my happiness complete.
(_Enter Kriss Kringle, Santa Claus, Prince Rupert_, and _Babousca._)
Why here is old Kriss Kringle;
And Santa's coming, too;
Knight Rupert and Babousca,
I welcome both of you.
And from the frozen Northland,
I see a-riding down
The cheery old St. Nicholas,
Clad in his friar's gown.
[Illustration]
(_Enter St. Nicholas._)
(_Enter children, singing. They march around the stage, and finally
stop in front of 1897 and the others._)
See how the children, so happy and gay,
Come marching together this glad Christmas day.
_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.
_1897_: Oh, children, little children,
You're welcome here alway;
I'm glad to see you coming
To keep our Christmas day.
(_Bells outside._)
Oh, children, little children,
Why do the joy-bells chime?
(_Singing heard outside. The following words, to the tune of "Ring, Ye
Happy Christmas Bells."_)
Carol, O ye children all,
With no thought of sadness;
Welcome in the Christmas time
With your songs of gladness.
_Chorus_--Sing, O sing,
Bells all ring,
Let us now be merry,
Let us welcome Christmas day
With our songs so cheery.
_1897_: Hark, how the winds are blowing,
What music do they bring.
_Children_: You hear the little children
Their Christmas carols sing.
_1897_: O children, little children,
What light is that afar?
_Children_: 'Tis shining from the heavens,
A glorious Christmas star.
_1897_: 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.