And we bring to all good children In memory of that time, Some pretty Christmas present, While the joy-bells gayly chime.
_1897_: O children, little children, I soon must pa.s.s 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.
=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 toys, Just call on your small friends, the girls and the boys.
=Christmas Eve.=
(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 shall hear the Master calling.
--_Eugene Field._
=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!
=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.
=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 bells.
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 pa.s.s 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.=
Something new about Christmas?