Chapter IV: Part II: Dialogues, Exercises, Musical Pieces and Plays (2)

In stockings by the fireside hung,
Wherever wreaths and toys are strung,
At Christmas time our praise is sung,
Heigh-ho! Heigh-ho! Heigh-ho!
What joy we bring at Christmas tide,
What pleasure scatter far and wide,
We are the Christmas candy bags,
Heigh-ho! Heigh-ho! Heigh-ho!

CHORUS.
We are the Christmas candy bags,
The candy bags, the candy bags,
We are the Christmas candy bags,
Heigh-ho! Heigh-ho! Heigh-ho!

PACKAGES—

_Tune: “Solomon Levi.”_

(_They enter at rear, march across the stage, then turn and march back toward the entrance, but a space forward. This is during the first two lines. When the SKATES sing, all halt and front face during the next two lines._)

ALL—

We are the various Packages that come at Christmas time,
So interesting, so delightful, aren’t we big and prime?

(_All halt, front face. SKATES step forward, bow, hold out their hands to audience and sing._)

We are the Skates for Joe and Jim, for Nell and Polly Ann,
And won’t they shout when we come out?
Just beat us if you can.

ALL—

(_Resume the march as before, turning back to the other side when they reach one side, thus weaving back and forth across the stage, and getting a little nearer the front each time._)

Oh, isn’t it jolly, tra-la-la-la-la-la,
Green wreaths and holly, tra-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la,

(_Halt, GLOVES step forward and sing._)

GLOVES—

And we are the Gloves for Mary, and for Bess and Sister Sue,
We’ll help them dress in tip-top style
And that is what we’ll do.

(_All mark time and continue._)

ALL—

Christmas is a-coming soon and everything’s fine and gay,
Hurrah, then, for the Christmas time, it is the merriest day!

PACKAGE—

(_Steps forward, sings, steps back. Others the same._)

I am a silk dress for Mother, I am rich and dainty, too,

ANOTHER PACKAGE—

And I’m a shawl for Grandma dear, both warm and bright in hue.

ANOTHER PACKAGE—

And I’m some furs for little May, oh won’t she happy be?

ANOTHER PACKAGE—

And I’m the book that Helen wants, she’ll gladly welcome me.

ALL (_resuming the march_)—

Oh, isn’t it jolly. Tra-la-la-la-la-la.
Green wreaths and holly, tra-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.

(_Halt, front face._)

JEWELRY—

And we are the necklaces and pins, the dainty, sparkling rings
Which all the girls are longing for, they love such pretty things.

ALL (_marking time_)—

Christmas is a-coming soon, and everything’s fine and gay,
Hurrah, then, for the Christmas time, it is the jolliest day.

ALL (_repeat and march_)—

Oh, isn’t it jolly. Tra-la-la-la-la-la.
Green wreaths and holly, tra-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la.
For we are the various Packages that come at Christmas time,
So interesting, so delightful, aren’t we big and prime?
Christmas is a-coming soon, and everything’s fine and gay,
Hurrah, then, for the Christmas time, it is the jolliest day.

(_The PACKAGES stand behind the CANDY BAGS._)

TIN SOLDIERS—

_Tune: “Co-ca-che-lunk.”_

(_SOLDIERS are heard behind the scenes marking time. Music soft at first. As it grows louder the marking time grows louder; then they enter, march to the center of the stage and halt in two lines, facing the audience._)

We are coming, for ’tis Christmas, and it’s time that we were here,
For the little boys are waiting
And our duty is most clear.

(_Mark time stiffly and vigorously._)

We are tin soldiers, and we’re marching,
See how we move so straight and grand.
We are tin soldiers, and we’re coming,
Heigh-ho! Can’t you just hear the band?

(_March during the next few lines to front and right of the stage opposite the CANDY BAGS, halt and front face. At the chorus mark time as before._)

See our uniforms so gorgeous
And our gay tin guns that shine,
All the little boys will greet us
As we stand so straight in line.
We are tin soldiers, and we’re marching.
See how we move so straight and grand,
We are tin soldiers, and we’re coming,
Heigh-ho! Can’t you just hear the band?

DOLLS—

(_Enter, stand in the center in two rows, the rag doll and the baby’s knit doll in front, the others behind in couples. When one or more sing they step to the front, and after singing stand in line in front of the TIN SOLDIERS, who move back to give them room._)

_Tune: “The Wearing of the Green.”_

ALL (_sing_)—

We are the dolls who come to little girls on the Christmas tree.
We’re sent by good old Santa, and we’re glad as we can be,
Our little mothers love us well, but we’re not quite sure
Of the fate we’ll meet from children sweet, or the ills we must endure.

RAG DOLL—

I’m the best loved of the dollies;
I’m the old Rag Doll, you see.
There’s no other doll who’s ever
Loved so much as I shall be.

ALL—

Oh, we all are the best-loved dollies;
Little girls will love us well,
And we’ll always be to the Christmas tree
Worth more than tongue can tell.

KNIT DOLL—

I’m going to live with the darling child,
She of the blue, blue eyes.
I love her, but I know she’s sure
To give me much surprise.
But let her pound me, poke my eyes out,
Chew me, pull my hair,
I’ll love her, for she’ll love poor me—
The darling baby fair.

CHEAP DOLL—

I’m the cheapest of the dolls; my home will be both poor and mean,
But my owner’s sure to love me true as if I were a queen.

ALL—

Oh, we all are the best-loved dollies;
Little girls will love us well,
And we’ll always be to the Christmas tree
Worth more than tongue can tell.

FRENCH DOLLS—

We are the most expensive dolls
That can be bought and sold;
Yet Santa sends us, just the same,
For little girls to hold.

ALL—

(_Pointing to the broken dolls who are moving slowly toward the front._)

Who is it coming? What a sight!
It moves us all to tears.

BROKEN DOLLS—

We are the poor dolls who’re played out;
We’ve furnished fun for years.

FRENCH DOLLS—

Oh, it surely is most shocking. Shall we all be treated so?

BROKEN DOLLS—

We are glad we came; we’re loved the same
As all the rest, you know.

ALL—

Oh, we all are the best-loved dollies;
Little girls will love us well,
But we’ll always be to the Christmas tree
Worth more than tongue can tell.

(_The pianist now plays a lively march, and all the toys parade around the stage and off._)

DIRECTIONS.

The CANDY BAGS are four little girls, two dressed in red and two in white. Their dresses are of tarletan or cheesecloth over slips of the same color. They are just wide enough to go over the ordinary dresses and long enough to reach from the neck to an inch or so below the bottom of their skirts. Let all be the same length. The top of the bags (or dresses) are gathered with a ruffle around the children’s necks. Their arms are kept inside of the dresses.

The PACKAGES are ten boys or girls, or both. Their costumes are shaped of cardboard, inside of which the children stand, their legs showing below and their arms coming through at the sides. Holes are cut through the cardboard for them to see and breathe through, and these holes must be located so as to be the inner corners of the eyes, or in the nose of the large faces which must be marked upon the wrappings of the packages. Close fitting sleeves of the same color as the paper wrapping the packages are upon the arms, and the stockings should also match the paper.

The package of skates is covered with brown paper over a cylinder of cardboard, with a twist at the top and tied with a large cord.

The DRESS, also of brown paper, but larger, and in an oblong parcel.

GRANDMA’S shawl, a lighter brown paper, tied with ribbon.

JEWELRY and GLOVES, smaller, one flat, one round, covered with white paper and tied with red ribbon.

The TIN SOLDIERS are six little boys. Trousers long, of shiny blue cambric with yellow stripes at the sides; shiny red jackets, with buttons and bands across the front and on sleeves of yellow. Toy guns. Their cheeks and lips should be very red to imitate the toy soldiers, and they should walk straight and very stiffly, and not turn their head.

The DOLLS are seven little girls.

Two are dressed to imitate French dolls.

One for a rag doll.

One for a cheap doll, imitating it as closely as possible.

One for a knit doll for the baby.

Two for broken dolls. Of these latter have one without an arm (held hidden under the dress) and limping on a crutch, and the other dressed so as to seem to have no head. This can be done by making the dress with its neck above the head of the wearer, thus leaving the doll without a head. Have but one arm, and the dress waist and real arms hidden under a “Mother Hubbard” dress. The clothes must be faded and ragged.

SANTA CLAUS’ GARDEN.

_For Eight Characters._

SANTA CLAUS ⎫ _Adults or Large Boys_
DEENO, _the Gardener_ ⎭
JACKS IN THE BOX _Three Small Boys_
FRENCH DOLLS _Three Small Girls_

DIRECTIONS AT CLOSE.

SANTA. It is a fine day, a very fine day. I’ve been looking all over my toy garden and things are growing very well indeed. The bicycles are all in bloom and the velocipedes are full of buds. (_Inspects the trumpet vines._) These trumpets are about ripe. (_Calls._) Deeno! Hey there, Deeno!

DEENO (_enters, touches hat, says_). Here I am, sir. What is it, sir?

SANTA. I think these trumpets are ripe, Deeno. Have them picked at once. If they get too ripe, you know, they’ve a bad sound to them and then they’re not popular. (_Pulls one, blows it._) There! That has a fine tone to it. Nobody could object to that now, could they, Deeno?

DEENO. No, sir, indeed. I’m sure not, sir.

SANTA. Ah, Deeno, you know a good thing when you hear it. You’re a sly rogue. (_Shakes finger at Deeno._) But, Deeno, I don’t see those skate vines. You surely didn’t forget to plant them.

DEENO. Oh, no, sir. Indeed, sir! I planted ’em twice, sir; but the seed must have been bad, for not one of ’em grew, sir.

SANTA (_much excited_). _What!_ No skates for my boys this Christmas? Whatever shall I do? Why, _Deeno!_ You should have told me before.

DEENO. Oh, sir; it’s all right, sir. I sent to the South Pole by a flying machine man, and spoke for their whole crop of skates, sir, and they got here this morning.

SANTA. Good for you, Deeno! You have taken a load off my mind. You’ve never failed me yet. Let me see some of them.

DEENO. All right, sir. (_Exits. SANTA examines the drum tree._)

SANTA. Doing well. Doing well. They’ll ripen in time for Christmas. Some are most ready now. (_Taps various drum—examines buds—calls._) Hey, Deeno! (_DEENO enters._) Oh! Here you are. (_DEENO has wheelbarrow full of boxes wrapped, and two or three open, showing skates. Hands them to SANTA, who examines them. Then he turns to the drum tree._) Where are all the sticks for these drums?

DEENO. Bless you, sir! They’re growing right along, rows and rows of ’em, sir. And when the wind blows ’em, sir, they act as if they were trying to drum. Yes, sir, they do.

SANTA (_smiling_). They’ll have a chance to drum before long. I’ve selected boys for every pair of them. (_Turns to skates again._) So these are the skates, hey? Pretty fair skates, but not quite up to your work. Hey, Deeno? (_DEENO grins and touches hat._) But I think the boys who get them won’t grumble. (_Takes up a pair of roller skates._) And these are the rollers. Are they all like these?

DEENO. Yes, sir. All alike, sir.

SANTA. That’ll do. Take ’em in to Mrs. Santa Claus, and ask her to see to it that they are properly labeled. She’ll find the list of the boys and girls they’re going to in my desk.

DEENO. Yes, sir. All right, sir. (_Goes off._)

SANTA (_bending down to examine them_). These tea set plants are very slow growing this year. I’ll have them planted earlier next year. Just see how small these dishes are. Those on the east side of the garden are much larger than these. (_Examines plants in pots, opens the buds, one after another, and shows the dolls within._) Oh, here you are, Miss Dolly! You are to go to a dear little girl, so you must hurry up and grow. And you (_to another doll bud_) will go into Annie’s stocking. And you (_to another_) will go to lame Mary. Oh, yes, I think dolls are one of the most satisfactory crops. (_Turns to the FRENCH DOLLS, who are covered by a frame of mosquito netting._) Now these big French dolls are very hard to grow. I see Deeno has them covered. (_Calls._) Deeno! Oh, Deeno!

DEENO (_hurries in_). Yes, sir; I’m coming, sir.

SANTA. Why are you sheltering these dolls again this year? Is it the wind?

DEENO. No, indeed, sir. The wind wouldn’t hurt ’em, sir. It’s the birds, sir.

SANTA. Birds! I never heard of such a thing. Birds injure them when they have grown to that size?

DEENO. Oh, yes, indeed, sir. Why, they spoiled two long-rows of ’em last week, just after I transplanted ’em, sir.

SANTA. How spoil them?

DEENO. Pick their eyes out, sir. That’s how they spoil ’em. Oh, yes, sir.

SANTA. Let’s see them. (_They lift off the netting._) Well, these are beauties, Deeno. They certainly are beauties. Any of ’em talk?

DEENO. This one, sir. (_They wind her up. She says “Papa” and “Mamma.”_)

SANTA. _I_ think these had better be picked.

DEENO. Perhaps so, sir. (_They appear to loosen the doll, lift her from her leaves and set her out in the path. In the same way they set the other two out._)

SANTA. We’ll take those in with us when we go. Better try those balls over there. (_Pointing. DEENO goes to the ball tree and tries several of the balls._)

DEENO. We’ll pick these about next week, sir. They’re green yet.

SANTA. How are these Jacks-in-the-box? Have any of them popped yet?

DEENO. Yes, sir. One or two of ’em, sir. They must be quite ready by now, sir.

SANTA (_opens a box, JACK springs up_). Just see that! (_DEENO opens a second box and SANTA a third. The JACKS pop up._) And here’s another! I always did like a good Jack-in-the-box, and they nearly always make me jump a little. (_To JACK._) Go in there again. (_Shuts cover, opens it again._) Oh, there you are! (_Tries each one two or three times. Leaves them standing._) Well, Deeno, set those dolls out of the way and bring up your wheelbarrow. (_DEENO does so. They put one JACK into the barrow. DEENO wheels him away. SANTA lifts and carries off one of the dolls, the curtain falls._)

DIRECTIONS.

Let the stage be set like the diagram. No. 1 is a trumpet vine, made of branches fastened to the rear wall or curtain, like a vine, with a few tin trumpets, and many to simulate them of cardboard, sticking out on the vines like blossoms.

No. 2 is a tree as large as is feasible, with large buds of green tissue paper, some closed, others parted and showing small drums in the center.

The leaves forming these buds should be a pointed oval in shape, and vary in size as they represent buds or open flowers. The drums hang down from the branches and the petals, when open, hang over and partly cover them. See Fig. 1.

No. 3 is another tree hung with bright-colored balls of tissue paper, representing candies.

Nos. 4 and 5 are clusters of branches arranged to look as if growing, and about three feet high, hung with balls of various kinds and colors.

Nos. 6, 7 and 8 are three little girls who are dressed to represent French dolls. They stand in a row facing the audience. At either end of the row is a frame to support the cheesecloth or mosquito netting which covers them all over, until SANTA is ready for them. Their part, of course, is to stand stiffly, like dolls, not turning their heads, and with their arms held out in front like the small china dolls. One is to say “Papa” and “Mamma” when the signal is given her.

No. 12 is a row of flower pots or boxes, in which appear to be growing the doll plants. These are branches which stand about eighteen inches high, with buds made of tissue paper, like those on the drum trees. These buds conceal as many dolls as can be hung on the plants, some large, some smaller.

No. 13 is a similar row of plants similarly arranged, on which are fastened the various dishes of tea sets.

Nos. 9, 10 and 11 are boxes about two feet high and eighteen inches square (or of the size to accommodate small boys stooping). These boxes have paper leaves around them. The boys should be dressed like Jacks-in-the-box, with frizzly hair, grotesquely painted faces, etc. Their part is to remain hidden in the boxes till SANTA opens them (they should be provided with stools to sit on or they cannot keep still.); then to spring up suddenly and remain standing until shut in again.

COSTUMES.

SANTA CLAUS wears the traditional costume, and DEENO may be short and fat, or tall and very thin. He wears blue overalls and a broad-brimmed hat, and a fringe of white whiskers around his face.

SANTA CLAUS IN MANY LANDS.

_For Twenty Characters—Six Girls, Nine Boys, Four Little Children and One Adult._

AMERICA ⎫
HINDUSTAN ⎪
CHINA ⎪
SCOTLAND ⎪
IRELAND ⎬ _Boys_
RUSSIA ⎪
INDIAN ⎪
PHILIPPINE ⎪
ESQUIMAU ⎭
FRANCE ⎫
GERMANY ⎪
JAPAN ⎪
ENGLAND ⎬ _Girls_
SPAIN ⎪
ITALY ⎭
SANTA CLAUS, _An Adult_.
FOUR LITTLE CHILDREN.

_This is good to introduce a school Christmas tree. At the close of the play let SANTA CLAUS distribute the gifts with the help of the various characters._

_If desired, the number participating can be doubled by having a boy and a girl for each country. Or, the number can be reduced by omitting some of the characters and the lines referring to them. As the stanzas are not of set length they can easily be reduced or combined. Costumes at end of the play._

_AMERICA enters_—

Christmas is coming. How glad I am
That I live where there is an Uncle Sam.
I suppose it is Christmas everywhere,
But for some Christmases I wouldn’t care.
It can’t be jolly in Hindustan,
For there it is never what I would plan.

_HINDUSTAN enters_—

No country is quite so good as mine
Where Buddha and Brahmin rule and shine.
We follow their birthdays all the year,
And many a feast-day comes to cheer.
Is Santa Claus Brahmin? I do not know,
Is Christmas Buddha? Where does it go?

(_To AMERICA._)

Why do you seem to love him so?
And what is Christmas, I’d like to know?

_GERMANY enters_—

Our own is the dearest Fatherland
Of any that there can be.
Kriss Kringle brings toys to all who are good,
With cakes and sweetmeats and all nice food,
And the beautiful Christmas tree.
And always we in dear Germany
Are glad when the Christ-child comes.
He leaves fine gifts and brings much joy
To every good little girl and boy
In all the dear German homes.

_CHINA enters_—

Melican Santa Claus velly big Joss.
Me sabe (_pronounced “sabby”_) him, me likee.
He tellee me allee time bling toys when me good,
Me likee, me be good allee time. Sabe?
My countlee (_country_) we hab plenty big Joss
No same like Melican Santa.
Santa tellee me be good all time, to ev’ly body.
Me sabe him. Me likee.

_FRANCE enters_—

Maybe your wonderful Christmas time
Is not quite alike in every clime,
But here, in beautiful, sunny France
It brings us music and many a dance,

(_Whirls and dances through these two lines._)

With feasting and calling on each dear friend,
With pleasure and jollity without end.

(_Bows, curtseys back to place, throwing kisses._)

_IRELAND enters_—

Ould Scotland has her heather,
An’ England has her rose,
But Ireland has her shamrock green,
The darlin’est thing that grows.
An’ to you now, ould Santy,
We bring the shamrock dear.
It manes good luck to ivery wan,
An’ good luck all the year.
An’ whin ’tis Christmas comin’
Wid all its games an’ toys,
Oh, thin ’tis sure the shamrock land
Is best fur gurruls an’ boys.

_ESKIMO enters_—

It is cold and beautiful where I live,
No place can be quite so good;
But the things I hear about today
I have not quite understood.
But Santa, you say, loves children well,
And I hope he’ll visit me,
For my country lies along his way
When he comes from the Arctic sea.
Come bring my people, Santa dear,
The happy times they tell of here.

_RUSSIA enters_—

Midst the great white snows of our great white land
Live hundreds of boys and girls,
And Christmas time brings us many a joy
As the snow and the storm wind whirls.
No Christmas tree, but a gathering great
Of friends by the warm house fire,
With games and giving,—oh! Christmas time
Is the Russian child’s desire.

_ENGLAND enters_—

Christmas is coming in England dear.
’Tis the gladdest time of all the year;
With the big boar’s head, with the pudding ablaze,
’Tis the merriest one of all our days.
The Waits are singing—the Mummers shout,—
In the great cathedrals the bells ring out.
For rich and poor, for young and old,
The Christmas message is sung and told.
“Peace, peace on earth, good will to men,”
We love to sing it each year again.

_SCOTLAND enters_—

In bonnie Scotland, our own rugged land,
Where moors and mountains are so wild and grand,
We go most soberly to our dear kirk
And hear the sermons—rather serious work
For us it is sometimes—but still we love
To hear the story of the Lord above.
No Christmas tree we have, but quiet giving.
We trust to goodness in our daily living.

IRELAND—(_Speaking to ENGLAND and SCOTLAND as he joins them._)

We’re cousins—the three of us—what do we care
How different—or same—are our countries, they’re fair
To each of us. Isn’t it so? Then hurrah!
Hurrah for ould Christmas, whoever we are!

_SPAIN enters_—

In sunny Spain we celebrate with flowers;
The sweet guitar with music fills the hours.
We do not have a tree; in hall or street
Our gifts are given to the friends we meet.
Christmas is gay for us in sunny Spain,
We’re always glad when gift-time comes again.

_ITALY enters_—

The sun shines fair upon our Italy,
And gives its gold to everything we see.
And when the blessed Christ-child comes each year
We worship him, and beg that he will hear
And bless us as we kneel, and so we know
We shall be happy everywhere we go.
And when again our homes we reach, there, piled,
Are lovely things sent by the holy child.

_JAPAN enters_—

Our holy Buddha has a birthday, too,
A sacred day it is. The children strew
The lovely flowers all along the way,
And chant the legends of that holy day.
All have new robes, and every girl and boy
Wish for their elders greatest peace and joy,
And then receive sweet cakes and cups of tea.
No children anywhere more blest could be.

_PHILIPPINE enters_—

They come to our islands far beyond the seas
And tell us of such lands and tribes as these.
They teach us words like “peace,” “to men good will,”
And show us what it is to drive and kill.
I can’t quite understand the things they say,
It seems to me a very curious way;
But these are children just like me, and so
They have good times in their own lands, I know.
If Santa Claus can make me glad like these,
And bring such ways to us beyond the seas,
I’m ready now to follow—love him, too,—
And then perhaps I’ll know just what is true,
Know what it means to hear now and again
Such words as “love” and “peace, good will to men.”

_INDIAN enters_—

(_Walks slowly to his place, folds arms, looks about him, speaks slowly._)

You speak too many words. All spirits good
Will love all children dwelling in the wood
Or tepees of the land. They take
Great care of all deserving ones, and make
Them wise and great. Your toys we do not need.
Still, if there’s a children’s saint, indeed,
He might at Christmas time to us come round.
The tales these tell (_pointing around_) have quite a pleasant sound.

CHILDREN—

(_Rush in pulling SANTA CLAUS with them, two at each hand. Others may be with them to any desired number._)

SANTA—

In every land the little children dwell,
And all of them are mine; I love them well.
Some call one day each year the Christmas day.
And celebrate with joy. And some lands say
That other days are best; yet every child
Who’s good and kind, with tender hearts and mild
To help another’s pain, or comfort tears,
That child keeps Christmas day all through the years.
All, all are mine. In every land or creed,
Who love to help another’s want or need.

(_CHILDREN dance around SANTA CLAUS singing._)

_Tune: “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.”_

Santa Claus has brought us Christmas,
Santa Claus has brought us Christmas,
Santa Claus has brought us Christmas,
Hurrah for Christmas day!

(_All the characters join hands and skip around SANTA CLAUS, singing together._)

Hurrah for Christmas day!
Hurrah for Christmas day!
Santa Claus has brought us Christmas,
Santa Claus has brought us Christmas,
Santa Claus has brought us Christmas,
Hurrah for Christmas day!

CURTAIN.

DIRECTIONS.

As each character enters and speaks, let him use gestures or actions according to his words. This must be left to the judgment of the one in charge.

COSTUMES.

SANTA CLAUS—Traditional red suit and cap, long whiskers, etc.

FOUR LITTLE CHILDREN—Any pretty dress.

AMERICA—Modern dress.

HINDUSTAN—White robe with loose sleeves. This reaches to the feet. Wide white belt, white turban.

IRELAND—Green stockings, low, buckled shoes, gray knee trousers, white blouse waist, green tie, gray jacket.

ESKIMO—Trousers, jacket and pointed hood of fur. Cotton flannel with the fuzzy side out answers very well.

INDIAN—Moccasins, brown overalls with a pleat laid on the outside of the leg, thus fitting it as close as is convenient. Over this pleat is a fringe of brown leather or tan cotton. Bright blanket over the shoulders. Red band around the head, with feathers standing up in it. Long black hair, painted face.

SCOTLAND—Highland dress; plaid kilt and stockings, low shoes, dark jacket and red or plaid sash over the shoulder; fur pouch in front; Scotch cap.

CHINA—Wide, loose trousers and blouse of dark blue, round cap of blue or black, with red button on top; “pigtail” and slanting eyes.

FRANCE—Fancy pink and blue frilled dress, arms and neck bare, slippers.

PHILIPPINE—Close fitting waist and tights of brown, hands and face brown, woolly wig. Skirt of raffia or grass reaching to the knees. Beads around the neck; carries a spear.

GERMANY—Blue skirt to ankles, white waist, black bodice, Dutch cap with flaps turned back from the face, long flaxen braids.

JAPAN—Gay kimono and sash, hair dressed high with tiny fans stuck in it.

SPAIN—Yellow dress with black bands around it, black bodice, large gay fan, hair dressed with high back comb and large red roses below each ear.

ITALY—Green skirt with bands of bright trimming, white waist and apron, black bodice. Hair in braids with white headdress, which is a band of muslin six or seven inches wide and sixteen to eighteen inches long, one end pinned on top of the head, the other falling behind.

RUSSIA—High, fur-trimmed boots, dark skirt and jacket and cap, all trimmed with fur.

ENGLAND—A fair child with delicate features. Modern dress.

THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS.

_A Sketch._

_For Eight Characters—Four Males, Four Females._

CHARACTERS.

MR. RADCLIFFE _Bachelor of 35, or Thereabouts_
BOB _The Janitor’s Boy_
BILL _Who Brings Home His Suit_
JIMMY _MR. RADCLIFFE as a Boy_
MISS DAYTON _Lady in the Late Twenties_
GRETCHEN _German Maid_
ANNETTE _Washwoman’s Child_
KITTY _MISS DAYTON as a Girl_

SCENE: _Interior of MISS DAYTON’S room. Table with books and sewing upon it, two chairs and a lounge, etc. MISS D. sits reading._

MISS DAYTON (_puts down book, yawns_). Heigh-ho! What a dreary day! Cold as Greenland, and raining as well. If I had _my_ way in the making of the world we never would have had such days as this. (_Knock at door._) Come in.

_Enter GRETCHEN with letters._

GRETCHEN. Some letters, Miss Dayton.

MISS D. Very well, Gretchen. Put them on the table.

GRET. (_picking up scraps, dusting, etc., as she talks_). It vas a nice day, Miss Dayton.

MISS D. _I_ think it is a horrid day, Gretchen.

GRET. Nein, Miss Dayton. It vas by Christmas day. (_Smiles broadly._)

MISS D. What is that to me, Gretchen, or to any sensible person, for that matter?

GRET. (_astonished_). Und you don’d like Christmas, Miss Dayton?

MISS D. Christmas is nothing, Gretchen. Nothing at all. Just a day for silly people to spend money on foolish things, and other people to be bored with their foolishness. You don’t catch me joining in any of it.

GRET. (_aghast_). But it vas _Merry_ Christmas, Miss Dayton.

MISS D. (_snappishly_). “Merry Christmas!” And what have I to be merry about, I’d like to know?

GRET. Don’d you haf a fader, Miss Dayton?

MISS D. Dead, long ago.

GRET. Und a mudder? Und some brudders? (_Puts apron to her eye._) Ach himmel! It makes me cry. I don’d haf ’em so long alretty yet.

MISS D. Oh, for goodness sake, Gretchen! Stop! I haven’t a living soul who cares whether I live or die. And I don’t want to have, if the price of them must be this nonsense about Christmas. If ever there was a heathen custom carried out without cause or reason, this one of Christmas is the one. Don’t talk to me.

GRET. Und you don’d half der Christmas kuchen? Und der ribbons? Und der dinner? Und der Christmas heim-lied? Ach, Miss Dayton! It vas all so dear.

MISS D. (_angrily_). No! I tell you. No! (_After a pause, wearily._) How much you talk.

GRET. (_pitifully_). Some of mein Christmas kuchen comes to you, Miss Dayton, and then you vill not so lonely be.

MISS D. I don’t want it, Gretchen. I don’t want it. Why do you bother me so? (_Takes up book._) Can’t you see I’m reading? Go and have your old Christmas cakes, if you want them; but let me alone. (_Reads._)

GRET. (_backing toward the door and speaking timidly_). Und you don’d _gif_ nottings on Christmas? (_No answer. She goes slowly out, turns at the door, and says._) Tomorrow vas Christmas. (_No answer. Goes out slowly, putting one eye to the crack of the door and looking long at MISS D. before she softly closes it. MISS D. continues reading. Knock at the door._)

MISS D. Come in. (_ANNETTE enters, poorly dressed. Carries a large basket of laundry._) Oh, it’s you, Annette.

ANNETTE. Please, Miss Dayton, here’s yer washin,’ an’ Maw says cud ye be afther payin’ her, ’cos termorrer’s Christmas.

MISS D. Certainly. Here’s your money. (_Pays her._) But surely your mother won’t be so foolish as to spend her money on Christmas nonsense.

ANNETTE (_smiling_). Aw yis, miss. We do be goin’ ter have Christmis to our house—an’ stockin’s hangin’ by the chimbly—an’ candy in ’em, an’ sich. An’ mebby sumpin’ nice—m—m! (_Nods her head and smiles knowingly._)

MISS D. (_sternly_). Now, Annette, that is actually wrong. When a woman has to work as hard as your mother does to support seven children, it’s worse than folly. It’s wicked to buy Christmas presents. As to Santa Claus, there isn’t any such person, as of course you know. I really think I shall make it my business to see your mother myself, and see if I can’t stop such wasteful, useless doings.

ANNETTE (_with a wail_). Aw Miss Dayton! Now, don’t yer be doin’ that! Not have Christmis? Aw! Yer don’ know what fun it be! Not have Christmas! Aw Miss Dayton! Let us be, can’t yer? (_Hides her face in her apron and sobs._)

MISS D. Now, Annette, stop this at once. You are a very silly child, indeed. I’m quite surprised at you. Here’s your money, and when you get home you tell your mother she is not to spend it for Christmas nonsense. Do you hear? (_Resumes her reading._)

ANNETTE (_goes dejectedly to the door, but opens it again after she has gone out, and puts her head in, calls._) Christmis gif! (_No answer—a pause._) Christmis gif, Miss Dayton.

MISS D. Run along, child. No. No Christmas gifts from me. I don’t approve of them at all. (_Resumes the reading of her letter. ANNETTE goes._) Of all things! Here’s a letter from the ladies of the church asking me to help with their Christmas tree for poor children. I think I see myself! It is no better than a bid for pauperism. All nonsense! No indeed! Not I. (_Reads other letter._) And if here isn’t more of the same! Mr. Fletcher wants me to help a poor woman with four children so she can have Christmas. The idea! As if there was nothing to use one’s money for but buying toys and candy and such nonsense. (_Lets letter drop in her lap. Seems to be thinking. Silence._)

CURTAIN.

SCENE II: _Interior of MR. RADCLIFFE’S room. Table, chairs, couch, clothes scattered over the room. MR. R. is sitting reading the paper, his feet on a chair. He puts paper down, yawns, resumes paper._

MR. RADCLIFFE. Jupiter! What a wretched day! Cold and rainy outside and stupid and tiresome inside. (_Knock._) Come in. Oh, it’s you, is it, Bob?

BOB (_briskly_). Yessir. It’s me, sir. Here’s yer mail, sir.

MR. R. Toss ’em over, then. (_Drops paper, takes letters._) Beastly day.

BOB (_picking up MR. R.’S paper from the floor, setting chairs straight, etc._) Oh, no, sir. Fine day, sir. Most Christmas, sir.

MR. R. (_sharply_). What of it, then? What if it is most Christmas?

BOB (_surprised_). W’y, sir! Ev’rybody’s glad w’en Christmas comes.

MR. R. I’m not. Why should I be glad? Tell me that.

BOB. W’y—Mr. Radcliffe! W’y—jes’—’cos—it’s Christmas.

MR. R. (_sitting up suddenly_). And what’s Christmas? Just a chance for some fools to spend other fools’ money. (_Pounds table._) All foolery, I tell you! All foolery!

BOB (_protesting_). Oh, Mr. Radcliffe! No, sir! Leastways not as I ever see. We’re glad at Christmas, sir—and give things, sir, an’ gets ’em—an’ we feels kind to everybody, sir—that’s Christmas, sir.

MR. R. (_pounds table so suddenly BOB jumps_). Don’t contradict me, sir! Do you hear? Don’t contradict me. I said it is all foolery, and it is. (_BOB promptly departs._) And this fellow proves it when he talks as he does. “Get ’em!” Of course. That’s all they want—to “get” things. “Feel kind?” Slush! (_Puts feet on table, takes paper. Knock at door._) Come in. What is it?

(_Small boy, BILL, with very large bundle._)

BILL. Here’s yer suit, sir. From the cleaners.

MR. R. Set it down. (_Resumes reading. BILL puts down the suit and waits. After a moment MR. R. looks over his paper._) Well, what are you waiting for?

BILL. Please, my paw—he says he’d like the pay, ’cos termorrer’s Christmas. An’ here’s the bill. (_Offers it._)

MR. R. (_sarcastically_). I’ll warrant he’d like the pay. And he can have it. But what in thunder does Christmas have to do with it?

BILL (_backing hastily away and putting the bill behind him._) Please—we’re to have a tree; a little, nice tree. An’ paw—he’d like the pay ’cos (_eagerly_) I’m to have a dandy knife, an’ maw’ll have a new dress, an’ a pot o’ posies—and little Sis’ll have a new dress, an’ have candy, too; an’—an’ it’s Christmas; a Christmas tree, sir.

MR. R. Here. Take it and get out. (_BILL goes hastily._) They are all fools together, and a fool and his money belong to the Christmas crowd. (_Boy puts head in and says timidly._)

BILL. Christmas gif’, please. (_Dodges out as MR. R. throws the paper at him._)

MR. R. Thunderation! Are we to be pestered by gifts, too? Not if I know it. (_Lies back in his chair again._) It’s a beastly day. (_Sees letters, opens one._) I forgot these. (_Glances over it._) Here’s another fool. That Phil Warner wants me to come to Christmas dinner. I look like going to a Christmas dinner now, don’t I? (_Sarcastically._) Oh, yes! I’m the kind that’ll go and admire the babies, and let them climb all over me—and see them spoiled with this fol-de-rol about Christmas! No, thanks, old boy. I have an appointment elsewhere. (_Takes up other letter, reads, slams it down._) Is everybody Christmas crazy? Here’s the minister of the church yonder asks me to contribute to their Christmas tree for poor children. Now, that’s a little too much! I may be easy, but I’m not ready for the asylum. (_Puts feet on the table, lies back in his chair, puts handkerchief over his face. Silence._)

CURTAIN.

SCENE III: _When the curtain is drawn again it shows MR. R. seated at front and extreme right of the stage, facing the center, with his feet up and his handkerchief over his face as at close of last scene. At the front and extreme left of the stage, and facing center, is MISS DAYTON, asleep in her chair, as at close of Scene I. Between them, and set back a little from the front, is a space eight feet wide by four or five feet deep, curtained around with gray. For the best effect a gray gauze should be stretched before this space, though it is not a necessity. Another smaller curtain hangs before this space, and is drawn aside for each of the dreams. Here are presented the tableaux representing the dreams of the sleepers. Allow less than a minute to each dream._

DREAM I—A boy and a girl are walking together. They are in outdoor garments, and he is offering her an apple, which she is about to take shyly.

DREAM II—The same children. The boy is pulling a sled on which the girl sits. He is looking back at her, and she is laughing.

DREAM III—The same children. Indoor scene and dress. The boy is bringing in an armful of Christmas greens. The girl holds up to him the wreath of holly and berries she has been making.

DREAM IV—The boy holds a piece of mistletoe over the girl’s head, and is just ready to kiss her, while she laughingly holds the Christmas wreath between them.

OUTER CURTAIN.

SCENE IV: _When the curtain is again drawn, it shows a high screen, or a curtain through the middle of the stage from rear to front. On the right side of this screen from the audience sits MR. RADCLIFFE, asleep as he was during the dream pictures, and on the left side it shows MISS DAYTON, asleep as she was then. Reproduce as much of the original rooms as possible in the space. She rouses, sits up, looks about her with a bewildered air. MR. R. remains asleep._

MISS D. How strange! It must have been a dream, yet it was so real. (_Leans head on hand. Speaks musingly._) I wonder where Jimmy is now. We used to be close chums for a long time. And what romps we used to have at Christmas time. (_Silent a moment._) Why! This is Christmas Eve! Oh! I remember that Gretchen talked about it. Poor Gretchen! I’m afraid I was cross. No, I was rude—just plainly rude—to her because she was glad Christmas was here. Jimmy always used to be so jolly at Christmas, and so kind. I wish Gretchen—(_thinks a moment._) And there’s Annette! I was worse than cross to her. I was unkind. I wish—(_rises_)—well—I’m old and lonely—and I’ve been rude and unkind—but Christmas isn’t over yet, and perhaps I can make it brighter for some of them. I’m going out to get some things for Gretchen and Annette. (_Looks out of the window._) It’s raining still, but what do I care! (_Puts on waterproof cloak and her hat; takes umbrella._) It’s fun to be out in the rain. Jimmy and I used to love to go out in the rain. Oh! I forgot my rubbers. (_Begins to put them on._) How nicely Jimmy used to put mine on for me. My feet were smaller then. (_Looks at her feet and smiles._) What fun we used to have at Christmas! (_Hurries out._)

MR. R. (_rouses, pulls handkerchief from his face, takes feet down, sits up and stares about him, exclaiming_) Why, Kitty! Oh! (_Disappointedly._) It must have been a dream, but it seemed so real. (_Leans elbow on chair arm and head on hand._) Say! But she was a pretty girl! And jolly, too! And didn’t she love Christmas? What larks we used to have! We two—with the Christmas trimmings and the mistletoe. (_Sits up suddenly._) And it’s Christmas time now! What fun! (_Drooping dejectedly._) But that was long, long ago. And I’m growing old, and—I think—I’m crusty and mean as well. Yes, a crusty, mean old bachelor. That’s what I am. How I did act to those boys this morning! Poor little chaps! (_Starts to his feet._) But there’s time to get straight again. It’s Christmas Eve! (_Excitedly._) Hurrah! (_Hurries on his hat and coat, catches up an umbrella._) I’ll make it all right. They shall have their Christmas from me yet! (_Rushes out._)

CURTAIN.

SCENE IV: _MISS D. enters at left, MR. R. at right. Both have umbrellas held in front of them with heads bent down as if walking against a wind, and hurry ahead. They run into each other, start back, lift umbrellas._

MR. R. I beg pardon, Madam. I didn’t see you. I’m out for some Christmas shopping—

MISS D. No apologies needed. I am on the same errand—in memory of many years ago.

MR. R. (_eagerly_). That’s my case, Madam—many years ago—(_stops, lifts hat_). I beg pardon, I forgot myself.

MISS D. (_bowing and starting to go_). Good evening, and a merry Christmas to you.

MR. R. A merry Christmas. (_They pass, then both stop and each looks back at the other. He comes back._) You may think me a little out of balance—but I must ask if you ever knew anyone by the name of Dayton? Kitty Dayton, she used to be when I knew her. Your way of saying “Merry Christmas” made me think of her.

MISS D. That is my name, but (_doubtfully_) you—?

MR. R. (_eagerly_). Did you ever know a boy named Jimmy Radcliffe? Many years ago?

MISS D. Indeed, I did. Jimmy and I were good friends.

MR. R. I’m Jimmy! Aren’t we good friends still! (_Dropping umbrella, she doing the same, he grasps both her hands._) Oh, Kitty! I mean—Miss Dayton! I’ve never forgotten you, and today I dreamed I was Jimmy and you were Kitty again, and we were having our Christmas larks together.

MISS D. (_eagerly_). So did I.

MR. R. And I had been beastly to some poor little chaps, and was going out to set myself straight, if I could, and play Santa Claus.

MISS D. (_laughing_). Oh, Jimmy! You’re the same boy still. I’ve been lonely and cross, too, and I was coming out to try and redeem myself.

MR. R. (_picking up her umbrella, closing it and putting it under his arm; tucking her hand also under his arm and taking his own umbrella._) Now, this is real “comfy.” We’ll go together. It’s like old times. This is “merry Christmas!” What a lark! (_They go out._)

CURTAIN.

THE END.

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of Old; Away in a Manger; Brightest and Best of the Sons of the
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O Little Town of Bethlehem; O Sanctissima!; O Verdant Pine!;
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