FIRST PICTURE."They were consulting about it in the nursery." (Page 1 in "The Birds' Christmas Carol.")In this scene the children's belongings are scattered about: small chairs, a cradle, toys, and picture-books. Mr. Bird stands in the center of the platform holding a large doll dressed in infant's robes. Grandma is seated near, and Uncle Jack, Donald, Paul, and Hugh are discussing a name for the baby. The Christmas hymn is heard after the curtains are drawn and before theSECOND PICTURE."A famous physician had visited them." (Page 12.)Mr. and Mrs. Bird and the doctor are seated around a library-table in earnest conference.THIRD PICTURE.Carol's "Circulating Library." (Page 16.)Carol is lying in an easy-chair beside a case filled with books. The description of her room should be carried out on the stage as far as practicable.FOURTH PICTURE."The children took their places." (Page 36.)The nine Ruggles children are seated in a row facing the audience. Mrs. Ruggles stands before them, giving instructions about their behavior at Carol's dinner party. The costumes must be fantastic, following the description in the story—green glass breastpin, the purple necktie, and much-braided hair.FIFTH PICTURE."The feast being over," etc. (Page 35.)Carol's room is shown again. The Ruggles children are seated around Carol, with Mr. Bird and Mrs. Bird and Uncle Jack in the background.SIXTH PICTURE."There stood the brilliantly lighted tree." (Page 55.)The same characters that appeared in the preceding scene are shown in attitudes of delight and astonishment as the second curtain is drawn aside to show the Christmas tree.SEVENTH PICTURE."Softly, Uncle Jack." (Page 63.)The library is shown again. Mr. and Mrs. Bird, Uncle Jack, Donald, Hugh, and Paul are grouped as if listening attentively. At the right of the platform a leaded-window effect is made with a slender wood frame covered with black gauze. Behind this stands a small boy in choir vestments, holding a music book and singing "My Ain Countree" to organ accompaniment.
FIRST PICTURE.
"They were consulting about it in the nursery." (Page 1 in "The Birds' Christmas Carol.")
In this scene the children's belongings are scattered about: small chairs, a cradle, toys, and picture-books. Mr. Bird stands in the center of the platform holding a large doll dressed in infant's robes. Grandma is seated near, and Uncle Jack, Donald, Paul, and Hugh are discussing a name for the baby. The Christmas hymn is heard after the curtains are drawn and before the
SECOND PICTURE.
"A famous physician had visited them." (Page 12.)
Mr. and Mrs. Bird and the doctor are seated around a library-table in earnest conference.
THIRD PICTURE.
Carol's "Circulating Library." (Page 16.)
Carol is lying in an easy-chair beside a case filled with books. The description of her room should be carried out on the stage as far as practicable.
FOURTH PICTURE.
"The children took their places." (Page 36.)
The nine Ruggles children are seated in a row facing the audience. Mrs. Ruggles stands before them, giving instructions about their behavior at Carol's dinner party. The costumes must be fantastic, following the description in the story—green glass breastpin, the purple necktie, and much-braided hair.
FIFTH PICTURE.
"The feast being over," etc. (Page 35.)
Carol's room is shown again. The Ruggles children are seated around Carol, with Mr. Bird and Mrs. Bird and Uncle Jack in the background.
SIXTH PICTURE.
"There stood the brilliantly lighted tree." (Page 55.)
The same characters that appeared in the preceding scene are shown in attitudes of delight and astonishment as the second curtain is drawn aside to show the Christmas tree.
SEVENTH PICTURE.
"Softly, Uncle Jack." (Page 63.)
The library is shown again. Mr. and Mrs. Bird, Uncle Jack, Donald, Hugh, and Paul are grouped as if listening attentively. At the right of the platform a leaded-window effect is made with a slender wood frame covered with black gauze. Behind this stands a small boy in choir vestments, holding a music book and singing "My Ain Countree" to organ accompaniment.
The Brownie Men.
By M. NORA BOYLAN.
(An exercise for four little boys. They wear padded trousers of some cheap brown material and a loose shirt of same material in place of the school jacket. Skull-caps of same material, worn jauntily. Broad white rings about the eyes and charcoal lines upon face to produce resemblance to pictured Brownies. Jolly smiles and capers. Join hands and hop on one foot around tree or leader, before, between, and after verses.)
Winter's Children.
By J.D. MOORE.
(The children should wear some indication of the several characters they impersonate. Most elaborate and beautiful costumes might be used, but the simple device of a placard upon each child's breast bearing the name of his part will answer the purpose.)
Santa Claus.
(Let the first line be given by a small boy as a herald, carrying a trumpet, and dressed in tunic, tights, and velvet cap. The second line it taken up by Santa Claus, in costume of fur, with white beard and hair.)
JULIA C.R. DORR.
Father Christmas's Message.
(This speech may be given at the close of a Christmas entertainment. A white wig and beard, fur coat and gloves are worn, and sleigh-bells are sounded before Father Christmas appears on the platform.)
J.A. ATKINSON.
Mr. St. Nicholas.
By ALICE M. KELLOGG.
(The characters are Old-fashioned Santa Claus, dressed in the traditional costume of fur, white beard, and a Christmas pack; Mr. St. Nicholas, in evening dress with silk hat; Dora, Katie, Maggie, and little Bess; Harry, Charlie, Tom, and John in ordinary school clothes.
The scene opens with a large fireplace arranged at the center of the platform, a dark curtain drawn before the opening to conceal Santa Claus. The accompaniment to "Nancy Lee" is heard, and the eight children march in, carrying their stockings.)
Chorus.—Oh, ring the bells, the merry Christmas bells, Their music all our pleasure tells.(Repeat, singing tra la la whenever necessary to give the rhythm. They pause in groups in center, right, and left; some sit, others stand, and change their positions during the dialogue)Harry: Oh dear, the same old thing again this year, I suppose! "Hang up the baby's stocking, be sure you don't forget."Charlie:Thisbaby's stocking is the biggest bicycle hose I could buy. (Pins it at one side of the chimney.) I don't think old Santa could miss it if he tried.Dora: I made mine to suit the occasion, for I hope Santa Claus will fit a zither into it. (Displays a large, fantastically shaped stocking of striking color, and fastens it beside Charlie's.)Harry: You ought to take a prize, Dora, for designing the most—ahem!—unexpected-looking stocking. Generous sized, too! Here goes my contribution to the chimney. (Hangs up a sock.) It's big enough to hold a coin of gold that will buy me a new bicycle. I don't care for any knick-knacks.Katie: I must confess that I'm rather tired of this old custom of hanging up our stockings on Christmas eve and crawling out of bed in the cold dawn to see what is in them. I wish some one would invent a new way.Maggie: Just what I thought, Katie, last winter, though I never spoke of it. But if you've hung your stocking up, I must have mine there too. (Goes to chimney.)John: Well, I refuse to fall in line this year. I'm tired of the whole plan. It seems absurd for an old chap to come tumbling down the fireplace and load up our stockings.Tom: I agree with you, John! What we want is a new-fashioned Christmas. A real, up-to-date Santa Claus, and no more of this children's nonsense.Bess: Not have Santa Claus any more? Isn't he coming to-night? (Cries.)John: Oh yes, he'll remember you if you're a good little girl and stop crying. Dora, help Bess to fasten up her stocking.(After the stocking is fixed, Bess faces the audience and recites.)
Chorus.—Oh, ring the bells, the merry Christmas bells, Their music all our pleasure tells.(Repeat, singing tra la la whenever necessary to give the rhythm. They pause in groups in center, right, and left; some sit, others stand, and change their positions during the dialogue)
Harry: Oh dear, the same old thing again this year, I suppose! "Hang up the baby's stocking, be sure you don't forget."
Charlie:Thisbaby's stocking is the biggest bicycle hose I could buy. (Pins it at one side of the chimney.) I don't think old Santa could miss it if he tried.
Dora: I made mine to suit the occasion, for I hope Santa Claus will fit a zither into it. (Displays a large, fantastically shaped stocking of striking color, and fastens it beside Charlie's.)
Harry: You ought to take a prize, Dora, for designing the most—ahem!—unexpected-looking stocking. Generous sized, too! Here goes my contribution to the chimney. (Hangs up a sock.) It's big enough to hold a coin of gold that will buy me a new bicycle. I don't care for any knick-knacks.
Katie: I must confess that I'm rather tired of this old custom of hanging up our stockings on Christmas eve and crawling out of bed in the cold dawn to see what is in them. I wish some one would invent a new way.
Maggie: Just what I thought, Katie, last winter, though I never spoke of it. But if you've hung your stocking up, I must have mine there too. (Goes to chimney.)
John: Well, I refuse to fall in line this year. I'm tired of the whole plan. It seems absurd for an old chap to come tumbling down the fireplace and load up our stockings.
Tom: I agree with you, John! What we want is a new-fashioned Christmas. A real, up-to-date Santa Claus, and no more of this children's nonsense.
Bess: Not have Santa Claus any more? Isn't he coming to-night? (Cries.)
John: Oh yes, he'll remember you if you're a good little girl and stop crying. Dora, help Bess to fasten up her stocking.
(After the stocking is fixed, Bess faces the audience and recites.)
Tom: Let Bess have her old-fashioned Santa Claus, but the rest of us vote for something different.Harry: I used to think Santa a pretty jolly old duffer, who made lots of sport for the infants, but I'm ready for a change myself.Dora: Don't count me in to help out your majority; Santa Claus seems to me the kindly spirit of Christmas appearing mysteriously to give us greater pleasure.Katie: Well, I'll side with the boys this time and see if there is any improvement in holiday matters.Charlie: You'll think me a baby to stick to the old style. I won't venture an opinion at all.Tom: Then we are agreed that of Santa Claus we have no need.John: }Kate: } Tis what we all concede.Harry: }Maggie: }(All sing to the tuneof "Maryland, My Maryland.")
Tom: Let Bess have her old-fashioned Santa Claus, but the rest of us vote for something different.
Harry: I used to think Santa a pretty jolly old duffer, who made lots of sport for the infants, but I'm ready for a change myself.
Dora: Don't count me in to help out your majority; Santa Claus seems to me the kindly spirit of Christmas appearing mysteriously to give us greater pleasure.
Katie: Well, I'll side with the boys this time and see if there is any improvement in holiday matters.
Charlie: You'll think me a baby to stick to the old style. I won't venture an opinion at all.
Tom: Then we are agreed that of Santa Claus we have no need.
John: }Kate: } Tis what we all concede.Harry: }Maggie: }
(All sing to the tuneof "Maryland, My Maryland.")
(Electric bell sounds, the door opens, and Mr. St. Nicholas comes on the stage. He bows and takes off his hat.)Mr. St. N.: Good evening, young people! I see you are at your old-time tricks of hanging up your stockings. This won't do. Don't you know it's gone out of fashion? (Goes toward fireplace; the boys rush to protect their property.)John: Who are you, sir? And how dare you interfere with our fun?Mr. St. N.: I am the new, up-to-the-times Santa Claus. My proper name is Mr. St. Nicholas. I am on my rounds to take the names of all the young people who deserve a remembrance at Christmas time. I haven't a moment to lose. My telephones are overburdened with messages, my men are distracted with the work to be done between now and daylight.(Pulls out a book and pencil and prepares to write while he addresses Tom and speaks rapidly without waiting for a reply.) Your name, young man? Your age, birthplace, parents' names? Residence? Attendant at what school? What specific tastes? List of last year's presents. Make haste, time is money.Katie: But Santa—I mean Mr. St. Nicholas—here are our stockings.Mr. St. N.: Christmas stockings! trash and nonsense. They belong to the dark ages.Harry: Pray, how do you bestow your gifts?Mr. St. N.: By district messenger service, of course! Next boy(to Charlie), give me your name, age, birthplace, parents' names, residence, school, specific tastes, last year's presents.Charlie: How did you come here, Mr. St. Nicholas? I heard no sleigh-bells at the door.Mr. St. N. (scornfully): More nonsense to explain. I came down from the north pole in an air-ship of the latest pattern. Come, now, here are these girls waiting to be classified.(To Dora.)Name, age—Dora: I won't be put in statistics, even if it is Christmas and you are the patron saint.Charlie: Nor I. I didn't vote for any improvements. Take them away.John:You seem a trifle ahead of the age, Mr. St. Nicholas, or else we made a great mistake in being discontented with our old-fashioned Christmas.Tom: Allow me to call down your air-ship.(Mr. St. Nicholas is ushered to the door. The others turn back at the sound of sleigh-bells. Santa Claus appears at the fireplace.)Children (greeting him with enthusiasm): JollyoldSaint Nicholas!Santa Claus: Oh! ho! ha! ha! Are you really glad to see such an old-fashioned specimen as I am?John: Indeed we are! We have just shown your usurper the door.Bess(clasping S.C.'s hand): You are the real Santa Claus.Santa Claus: Yes, I am the real Santa Claus, and I cannot get to work until you children are fast asleep. So scurry away as fast as you can, and a merry, merry Christmas when you awake!Children(singing to the tune of "Nancy Lee," end at the end leaving the stage):
(Electric bell sounds, the door opens, and Mr. St. Nicholas comes on the stage. He bows and takes off his hat.)
Mr. St. N.: Good evening, young people! I see you are at your old-time tricks of hanging up your stockings. This won't do. Don't you know it's gone out of fashion? (Goes toward fireplace; the boys rush to protect their property.)
John: Who are you, sir? And how dare you interfere with our fun?
Mr. St. N.: I am the new, up-to-the-times Santa Claus. My proper name is Mr. St. Nicholas. I am on my rounds to take the names of all the young people who deserve a remembrance at Christmas time. I haven't a moment to lose. My telephones are overburdened with messages, my men are distracted with the work to be done between now and daylight.(Pulls out a book and pencil and prepares to write while he addresses Tom and speaks rapidly without waiting for a reply.) Your name, young man? Your age, birthplace, parents' names? Residence? Attendant at what school? What specific tastes? List of last year's presents. Make haste, time is money.
Katie: But Santa—I mean Mr. St. Nicholas—here are our stockings.
Mr. St. N.: Christmas stockings! trash and nonsense. They belong to the dark ages.
Harry: Pray, how do you bestow your gifts?
Mr. St. N.: By district messenger service, of course! Next boy(to Charlie), give me your name, age, birthplace, parents' names, residence, school, specific tastes, last year's presents.
Charlie: How did you come here, Mr. St. Nicholas? I heard no sleigh-bells at the door.
Mr. St. N. (scornfully): More nonsense to explain. I came down from the north pole in an air-ship of the latest pattern. Come, now, here are these girls waiting to be classified.(To Dora.)Name, age—
Dora: I won't be put in statistics, even if it is Christmas and you are the patron saint.
Charlie: Nor I. I didn't vote for any improvements. Take them away.
John:You seem a trifle ahead of the age, Mr. St. Nicholas, or else we made a great mistake in being discontented with our old-fashioned Christmas.
Tom: Allow me to call down your air-ship.
(Mr. St. Nicholas is ushered to the door. The others turn back at the sound of sleigh-bells. Santa Claus appears at the fireplace.)
Children (greeting him with enthusiasm): JollyoldSaint Nicholas!
Santa Claus: Oh! ho! ha! ha! Are you really glad to see such an old-fashioned specimen as I am?
John: Indeed we are! We have just shown your usurper the door.
Bess(clasping S.C.'s hand): You are the real Santa Claus.
Santa Claus: Yes, I am the real Santa Claus, and I cannot get to work until you children are fast asleep. So scurry away as fast as you can, and a merry, merry Christmas when you awake!
Children(singing to the tune of "Nancy Lee," end at the end leaving the stage):
Chorus.—O ring the bells, the merry Christmas bells, Their music all out pleasure tells. (Repeat.)(Santa Claus unpacks his goods, and as he fills the stockings he performs various antics, holds up the objects, and dances about. Any local expressions that will create amusement he can bring in with running commentaries. The piano is heard softly till he is through, and then bursts out loudly as the curtain is drawn.)
Chorus.—O ring the bells, the merry Christmas bells, Their music all out pleasure tells. (Repeat.)
(Santa Claus unpacks his goods, and as he fills the stockings he performs various antics, holds up the objects, and dances about. Any local expressions that will create amusement he can bring in with running commentaries. The piano is heard softly till he is through, and then bursts out loudly as the curtain is drawn.)
Christmas Offerings by Children from Other Lands.
By ELLA M. POWERS.
(DIRECTIONS.—This exercise may be given by six little girls. The platform may be decorated with evergreen trees or boughs, and flags should be used freely. The American girl should be dressed in an American flag and wear a cap of red, white, and blue. The costumes of the others may be as follows:
The Eskimo girl should procure a boy's fur coat, or wrap a fur rug about her and wear a fur cap or hood and fur mittens.
The Indian girl can throw about her a gay-colored blanket, and wear strings of beads about her neck, arms, and head. Her straight dark hair should be parted in the middle, plaited in two braids in the back, and decorated with short pieces of bright ribbons. Moccasins and dark brown stockings may be worn on the feet. Bracelets, earrings, chains, beads, quills, and brooches may be used as ornaments. The hands, arms, and face should be stained. To color the skin get a stick of Hess Grease Paint No. 17. Rub a little vaseline into the skin to be tinted. Then rub a portion of the paint on the palm of the left hand and with the fingers of the right hand transfer it evenly to the skin surface until the required tint is obtained.
The Chinese girl should be dressed brightly with large, square, loose hanging sleeves, a broad sash tied on one side, her hair brushed flat, coiled in the back, with haircomb and pins thrust into the coil. She may have a Japanese parasol and carry a fan.
The African girl may be dressed in red and black, with black hair and red handkerchief over her head and large rings in her ears. Face and hands blackened with burnt cork.
The Arabian girl can wear a tunic or bright shawl draped about her, a turban of a bright silk handkerchief, and wear feathers in her hair. She should be very dark-complexioned.
The American girl enters, takes her seat in the center of the platform, saying:)
American girl:
American girl:
(Eskimo girl enters, bows, comes forward with a fur bag filled with presents, which she passes to the American girl as she mentions them.)
Eskimo girl:
Eskimo girl:
(Eskimo girl offers presents and steps to one side. American girl turns and places presents on the boughs beside her. Enter Indian girl.)
Indian girl:
Indian girl:
(Steps aside. Enter Chinese girl.)
Chinese girl:
Chinese girl:
(Chinese girl bows low and takes a seat on low stool in front of American girl. Enter African girl.)
African girl:
African girl:
(Offers presents, which American girl hangs on the boughs. African girl steps to her left. Enter Arabian girl.)
Arabian girl:
Arabian girl:
(Offers gifts. American girl accepts them, rises, places them on tree; then turns and repeats.)
American girl:
American girl:
(All stand in line and repeat together)
All:
All:
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'ssonJackand herChildrenmay be costumed according to the pictures in any good illustrated copy of "Mother Goose." TheChildren of the Nationsare 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.ThanksgivingandHappy New Year, large girls in white Grecian dresses, flowing sleeves; their children,PeaceandPlenty,Good ResolutionsandHopeare represented by smaller girls in white,Peacecarrying an olive branch.Plentya cornucopia,Good Resolutionsa diary and pen, andHopewearing a wreath of golden stars and carrying a gilt anchor (cut from heavy cardboard);SantaClaus, 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.)
(EnterFather ChristmasandMother 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 fineFor all of our relatives—yours, sir, and mine;—So, though greatly disposed at this season to wanderAfloat 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 payTo 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 bendsTo 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 ClausEarns me more than my share of the children's applause;For wherever he goes with his wonderful packSanta always has some of my books on his back;When from Christmas-eve dreams children's eyelids unlooseOft they find in their stockings my book, "Mother Goose."Father Christmas:Tis true, my dear madam, that I and my sonRespect 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 retainWhen 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 foryou, 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 Idon'tlike 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.
Mother Goose:
Father Christmas (bowing):
Mother Goose:
Father Christmas:
(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):
(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 foryou, 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 Idon'tlike 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.