The Project Gutenberg eBook ofChristmas Entertainments

The Project Gutenberg eBook ofChristmas EntertainmentsThis ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.Title: Christmas EntertainmentsAuthor: Alice Maude KelloggRelease date: July 21, 2004 [eBook #12974]Most recently updated: December 15, 2020Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Leah Moser and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENTS ***

This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online atwww.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.

Title: Christmas EntertainmentsAuthor: Alice Maude KelloggRelease date: July 21, 2004 [eBook #12974]Most recently updated: December 15, 2020Language: EnglishCredits: Produced by Leah Moser and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.

Title: Christmas Entertainments

Author: Alice Maude Kellogg

Release date: July 21, 2004 [eBook #12974]Most recently updated: December 15, 2020

Language: English

Credits: Produced by Leah Moser and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team.

*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENTS ***

CONTAININGFANCY DRILLS, ACROSTICS, MOTION SONGS, TABLEAUX, SHORT PLAYS, RECITATIONS IN COSTUMEFOR CHILDREN OF FIVE TO FIFTEEN YEARS

NEW SONGS TO OLD TUNES:Time for Santa ClausM. Nora BoylanSanta Claus is ComingMaud L. BettsOld Santa ClausM. Nora BoylanFANCY DRILLS:A Christmas-bell DrillElla M. PowersThe Snow BrigadeMarian LoderChristmas StockingsA.S. WebberACROSTICS:Christmas ChildrenM. Nora BoylanSanta ClausW.S.C.CharityJay BeeMerry ChristmasM.D. SterlingMOTION SONGS:A Christmas LullabyDance of the SnowflakesAlice E. AllenLittle SnowflakesElla M. PowersChristmas StoriesLettie SterlingTABLEAUX:Christmas PicturesRECITATIONS IN COSTUME:The Brownie MenM. Nora BoylanWinter's ChildrenJ.D. MooreSanta ClausJulia C.R. DorrFather Christmas' MessageJ.A. AtkinsonSHORT PLAYS:Mr. St. NicholasAlice M. KelloggChristmas Offerings by ChildrenElla M. Powersfrom Other LandsA Christmas ReunionM.D. SterlingChristmas WaitsKatherine WestA Christmas PartyLizzie M. HadleyRECITATIONS FOR THE PRIMARY GRADE:Santa's HelpersM. Nora BoylanChristmas EveEugene FieldSanta Claus's VisitSusie M. BestTo Santa ClausJennie D. MooreWhat I Should LikeJennie D. MooreA Gentle ReminderAlice W. RollinsChristmas TimeM.N.B.Christmas WishesC. PhillipsChristmas MornM.N.B.My Christmas SecretsS.C. PeabodyKriss KringleSusie M. BestA MessageElla M. PowersThe MousieM.N.B.A Letter from Santa ClausWilliam HowardThe Christmas We LikeElla M. PowersSaint NickM.N.B.Merry, Merry ChristmasCarine L. RoseChristmas QuestionsWolstan DixeyA CatastropheSusie M. BestRECITATIONS FOR THE GRAMMAR GRADE:A Christmas GiftMabel L. PrayA Christmas ThoughtLucy LarcomThe Merry Christmas EveCharles KingsleyThe Christmas StockingCharles H. PearsonChristmas HymnEugene FieldBells Across the SnowF.R. HavergalChristmas EveFrank E. BrownThe Little Christmas TreeSusan CoolidgeThe Russian Santa ClausLizzie M. HadleyA Christmas GardenA Christmas CarolJ.R. LowellThe Power of ChristmasPeace on EarthS.T. ColeridgeThe Christmas TreeOld English ChristmasesHolly and IvyEugene FieldHoliday ChimesChristmas DollsElizabeth J. RookRed PepperA. Constance SmedleyA Game of LettersElizabeth J. RookUnder the Christmas TreeArthur Guiterman

A large proportion of the material in this collection was contributed toThe School Journal. It is distinguished from other selections by the author's name following directly after the title.

Time for Santa Claus.

By M. NORA BOYLAN.

(To be sung to the tune of "Ta-ra-ra, boom-de-ay.")

Santa Claus is Coming.

By MAUD L. BETTS.

(To be sung to the tune of "Marching thro Georgia.")

Old Santa Claus.

By M. NORA BOYLAN.

(To be sung to the tune of "Yankee Doodle." The verses may be given by a single voice, with the chorus by the school, or selected voices on the platform.)

A Christmas-bell Drill.

By ELLA M. POWERS.

(This drill may be given by eight little girls provided with wands. At the top of each wand are tacked three streamers of red, white, and blue ribbon or cambric. At the end of each streamer a little tinkling bell is sewed. The children sing, and wave wands in time to the music. The words may be sung to the tune of "Lightly Row.")

(Between first and second verses, all march singing same tune to "Tra la la."â€”"Tra la la," wands waving, up, down, right, left, up, down, right left, throughout. Resume places and sing second verse.)

(All march out, singing, and waving wands.)

The Snow Brigade.

By MARIAN LODER.

(A winter drill for a dozen boysâ€”in overcoats, earcaps, bright-colored mufflers, mittens, etc. Each carries a big snow-shovel. The stage should be spread with sheets and loose cotton to represent snow. Boys come marching in single file, shovels over shoulder, singing to the tune, "See the Farmer in the Field.")

Christmas Stockings.

By A.S. WEBBER.

(Six small girls and boys are needed for speaking, and any even number of larger girls for singing. A boy leads each division of the march, immediately followed by those who speak.

An equal number enter from opposite sides as far back as possible, pass in front to sides, back half-way, form two lines across front, having the six who speak in front (alternating boy and girl), and the larger pupils back of them sing as they enter and until they are placed the chorus of "Birdies' Ball," beginning "Tra la la la la." When in position all sing the following two verses, air, "Birdies' Ball." When chorus is reached, let them keep time by resting weight on right foot on first count, and at same time swinging left foot over right, touch toe to floor, dipping body slightly on third count, foot back in place on first count of next measure. Rest weight on left foot and swing right foot over left, touching right toe on third count, foot back in place on first count of next measure, etc.)

(A girl comes one step forward, bows, and speaks.)

(Pupil steps back in place and all sing the chorus, keeping time as before.)

(Steps back, and chorus is repeated as before.)

(Chorus repeated as before.)

(When the chorus is partly sung, the leaders of the march lead to opposite sides, others fall in line forward, pass in front to rear along sides, pass at rear end to seats. Continue to repeat the chorus till all are seated.)

Christmas Children.

By M. NORA BOYLAN.

(An acrostic for the primary grade. Each child wears a large gilt star around his neck. As he begins to speak, he turns it over, showing his letter on the reverse side.)

Santa Claus.

By W.S.C.

(A letter exercise for ten very small children. Let each child present placard bearing the letter as he recites his line. At the close, all shut their eyes and screw them up very tight.)

Charity.

By JAY BEE.

(Seven little girls daintily dressed carry a bell in the right hand, with the initial on it which begins her line. The bells are rung lightly during the speaking)

Merry Christmas.

By M.D. STERLING.

(Seven boys and seven girls with good voices and some sprightliness of manner are required. Each carries a wand, to the upper end of which is fastened an evergreen wreath surrounding a large, gilt letter. Ranged in order the letters will spell the word "Merry Christmas." The verse for each is sung to the air, "Buy a Broom." The children enter only one at a time, using a polka step, boys and girls alternately. While singing they take steps and wave wand in time to music. At third line of each stanza the boys bow and the girls make a courtesy, right and left. The chorus at the end of each verse is sung by the entire school. The boy with letter M comes in first, sings, and takes position on platform. He is followed by the girl with E. So continue until the line of children is complete.)

(Leave a space in the line of children between the last letter of "Merry" and the first of "Christmas.")

(The following verses are to be sung by the school to the air, "Wait for the Wagon." During the singing of the first stanza and chorus, the fourteen boys and girls divide off into couples and march around, elevating and lowering the wands in time to music. During the second stanza they form two opposite lines, with wands crossed overhead, couples marching under the arches formed and back again to places. Third stanza, the opposite lines pass forward and back, cross to other side, partners passing each other, then back once more, and turn partners into place in a line forming "Merry Christmas" again.)

A Christmas Lullaby.

(The children are seated in little rocking-chairs, each holding a doll dressed in a long white gown. They rock slowly in time to the music. At first 1. "hushaby" they raise forefinger of right hand, as if to insure silence.2. Kiss dolls.3. Very softly.4. Lay dolls in small cradles, standing near.5. At "hush" raise forefinger of right hand warningly.6. Very softly.7. Rock cradles slowly in time to music, children kneeling on floor.8. Turn toward audience.9. Very softly.The words are adapted to the music of the familiar hymn. "Silent Night.")

Dance of the Snowflakes.

By ALICE E. ALLEN.

(The words of this motion song are adapted to the chorus of "Dream Faces." The children should be dressed in white gowns, white stockings and slippers, and wear caps made of white tissue paper, trimmed with silver stars.1. Raise both hands, look up.2. Move hand slowly back and forth, with floating motion.3. Lower hands, and motion as if swaying cradle.4. Drop head slowly to one side, close eyes as if sleeping.5. While pianist plays last half of song slowly, children take hold of corners of skirts, and with waltz step dance from side to side, still with sleepy look and motion.6. Stand erect, with eyes wide open.7. Use forefinger of right hand as if enforcing command.8. Raise both hands above head, and lower them slowly, with fluttering motion.9. Drop heads, sing very slowly.10. Shake heads sadly.11. Look down as if searching for flowers.12. While pianist plays as in 5 children repeat 5 very slowly, still looking down.13. Music much faster and brighter. Children look up over right shoulder, as if afraid of being caught.14. Whir round and round.15. Bend to right, and then to left.16. Fall lightly to floor.17. Spring up with hands upraised.18. Drop hands, smile.19 All clasp hands, raise them high above heads, and dance lightly backward and forward.20. Hold position 19; dance as in 5, only more rapidly.21. Dejected position, head bent down. Music very slow and sad.22. Raise and lower right hand slowly.23. Repeat with left.24. Music strong and faster. Children raise on tip-toe of right foot, reach forward with motion as looking in window above them on their right.25. Motion with forefinger of right hand as if counting stockings.26. With skirts distended dance as in 20, smiling.27. Right hand raised to ear, as if listening.28. Shade eyes with right hand and look expectant.29. Step forward, both hands extended as if in greeting, smiling.30. Throw kiss to audience.31. Pianist repeats all of song; children dance as in 26, singing verse beginning "Bright stars are gleaming," and at last "Merry Christmas" throw kiss to audience.)

Little Snowflakes.

By ELLA M. POWERS.

(Six primary children may sing these words to the tune, "Tiny Little Snowflakes" in "Golden Robin," with the following finger-play.a. Hands waving up and down, fingers moving rapidly.b. Imitate the waving with hands and heads to right and left.c. Quickly shake head and hands.d. One sweep of hand across the desk.e. Right hand raised as high as head, fist closed.f. Abruptly bring fist down on desk.g. Similar to (a).h. Hands clasped and eyes upturned as if gazing with admiration at the tree.)

Christmas Stories.

By LETTIE STERLING.

(These stories may be said and done in concert, or each little child may give one verse by himself.a. Hands held straight up so tips of fingers point toward ceiling.b. Touch palm of hand with thumb, bring it back quickly.c, d, e, f. Repeatbwith 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th fingers.g. Double the hand up.h. Place the doubled-up hand on the back of the other.i. Lift thumb and hold it up.j. Lift 1st finger.k. Lift 2d finger.l. Lift 3d finger.m. Lift 4th finger.n. Hold hands in a listless way, with tips of fingers pointing toward floor for two first lines, and let the fingers gently swing. Near the close of the verse make the fingers still and rigid and hold them close together.o. Have hands doubled up and held so that the child's eyes can look down upon the palm or the hand and see the nails of the four fingersâ€”thumb out of sight.p. Let fingers fly up quicklyq. Hold left hand as ina. Use the index finger of the right hand as a match, scratching it on the palm of the left hand and lighting the tips of each finger as if the fingers were candles.r. Make a circle of a thumb and index finger of the right hand and slip it on and off each finger on the left hand.s. Bunch fingers of left hand together so they can all touch the tips of the thumb and form an opening for the window.t. Bring the fingers of the right hand near and let them be boys and girls peeping in.u. Double up hands, but instead of having thumb inside, let it stand straight up to be a tower.v. Snap the fingers of one hand, then of the other.w. Point far away with index finger.x. Point toward an imaginary star.y. Hold up the three middle fingers.)

Christmas Pictures.

(This set of pictures is suggested by Mrs. Kate Douglas Wiggin's story of "The Birds' Christmas Carol," published by Houghton, Mifflin & Company, Boston, Mass. Each picture should be preceded by descriptions from the book; these are indicated by the number of the page in the volume.

DIRECTIONS.â€”A good reader must be chosen, who can bring out the light and shade in the storyâ€”one who can make the listeners feel the pathos of Carol's brief, helpful existence and the contrasting homely humor of "the Ruggleses in the rear." A reading-desk and lamp must stand below the platform, and the audience-room be left in darkness. The reader will give the signal for the opening and closing of the curtains, pausing long enough for a full recognition of the scene. As a repetition of a tableau is often more successful than its initial effort, the performers should be on the alert, prepared to give a second view.

The characters in the story call for six young people to represent Mr. Bird, Mrs. Bird, the Grandmother, Physician, Mrs. Ruggles, and Uncle Jack, and fourteen children to take the parts of Donald, Hugh, Paul, Carol, Sarah Maud, Peoria, Cornelius, Elly, Kitty, Peter, Clem, Larry, Susan, and the boy singer.

The first hymn, "Carol, Brothers, Carol," is to be sung behind the curtains, just before they are drawn for the second picture. A harp, violin, and triangle would assist the piano in making an orchestral effect. A solo voice supplies the closing air, "My Ain Countree." The piano may be played very softly whenever the reader pauses and the tableaux are shown.

It is important that the arrangements for each scene be made in absolute quietness, with systematic forethought, else the attention of the listeners will be distracted from the reading.

If a Christmas tree for the entire school is to close the entertainment, it should be in readiness at the rear of the platform, concealed by a curtain. In the sixth picture the tree appears, to illustrate the story, and remains lighted through the evening.)

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