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Time for Santa Claus.

By M. NORA BOYLAN.

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

Now's the time for Santa Claus; Christmas comes with loud huzzas. Hark! the bells! Oh, hear them ring! Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling. Cho.—Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling, Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling, Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling, Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling. See his prancing reindeer brave, Hear him tell them to behave— Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donder, Blitzen.—Chorus. Yes, hurrah for Santa Claus! Blow the trumpets, shout huzzas! We'll be happy while we sing— Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling.—Chorus.

Santa Claus is Coming.

By MAUD L. BETTS.

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

Santa Claus is coming—we shall welcome him with glee; He'll hang a gift for every one upon the Christmas-tree; He'll not forget a single child. How happy we shall be; For Santa Claus is coming. Chorus— Hurrah! hurrah! for Christmas time is near; Hurrah! hurrah! the time to all so dear; We all shall hang our stockings up when Christmas eve is here. For Santa Claus is coming. But we must remember all that we must do our part; Christmas is the time of times, to give with all our heart We must always share our joys with those who have no part, When Santa Claus is coming.

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.)

Old Santa Claus is a jolly man Who brings us lots of toys, sir; And none are happier Christmas time Than little girls and boys, sir. Have you not seen our Santa Claus, With hair so snowy white, sir? Just hang your stocking Christmas eve,— He'll come that very night, sir. And if you watch, perhaps you'll see This friend in furs hid deep, sir. But I have never seen him once— I'm always fast asleep, sir. Chorus—Santa Claus is jolly, sir; Santa Claus is kind, sir; Santa Claus on Christmas eve Comes riding on the wind, sir.

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.")

Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, Happy bells of Christmas time; Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, Christ the Lord is born. Christ is born, our Saviour dear, Joyous words we love to hear; Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, Christ the Lord is born.

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

Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, Happy bells of Christmas time; Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, Glory be to God. Let us carol sweetly then, Peace on earth, good will to men; Sweetly chime, sweetly chime, Christ the Lord is born.

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

The Snow Brigade.

By MARIAN LODER.

(A winter drill for a dozen boys—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.")

I. We are the jolly Snow Brigade, With our trusty shovels we make a raid. And lustily we'll give you aid On a frosty winter's morning. Chorus.—He! he! ha! ha! ha! He! he! ha! ha! ha! He! he! ha! ha! ha! Ho! ho! ho! II. (Beginning to shovel cotton.) We'll shovel your walk for fifteen cents, We'll pile the snow against the fence, We'll show you we are boys of sense On a frosty winter's morning.—Cho. III. (Rubbing noses.) Jiminy crack! our noses are cold! Oh! Jack Frost is bad and bold! (Working harder than ever.) But little care we for the winter cold, On a clear and frosty morning.—Cho. IV. (Pointing to work.) Look at that; now what do you say? (Holding out hands to audience) Now, if you please, we'll take our pay. Our work is done, it's time for play, On a frosty winter's morning.—Cho.

(Begin snowballing with the cotton, throwing balls into audience and at each other.)

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.)

Santa Claus on Christmas eve, Means to give a gift to all, Each a stocking we will hang, Stockings big and stockings small. Chorus.—Tra la la la, etc. Santa Claus on Christmas eve Comes with reindeer swift as air, Early all must be in bed, Leaving only stockings there. Chorus.—Tra la la la, etc.

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

I mean to hang on Christmas eve A stocking of this size (measures), Because I want a doll so big, That sleeps and shuts its eyes. To crowd it in a stocking small Would surely not be wise.

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

2d Pupil.—My stocking is the one I'll hang, I know 'twill hold quite well, About a hundred marbles more Than's owned by Tommy Bell. Of course I want some candy, too, But the marbles are what tell.

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

3d Pupil.—I mean to beg a stocking small Of little sister Clare, Because I want some things so small They'll scarce be found e'en there. I want a ring that has a stone, And a pretty pin to wear.

(Chorus repeated as before.)

4th Pupil.—I've measured all the stockings round, And think I'll hang up two, Because I want a pair of skates,— One stocking will not do. Of course I want some sweets and things To last the whole week through. Chorus, etc. 5th Pupil.—My mamma's stocking I will hang, 'Twill so much better hold A tea-set for my dolly dear, All painted round with gold; And dishes can't be squeezed, you know, That's what I've oft been told. Chorus, etc. 6th Pupil.—And I don't know just what to do, Because I want, you see, A hobby-horse that is so high,— Now tell me, can it be, Are stockings ever made so big That one can hold all of me? Chorus, etc. All sing.—All we children love to hang Stockings o'er the fireplace, Wondering how our gifts can come Nice and clean from such a place. Chorus.—Tra la la la, etc. Santa Claus is loved by all Folks who are as big as we, And for long before he comes We can only sing for glee. Chorus.—Tra la la la, etc

(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.)

All: Happy children here we stand. Bringing words of love; For on this glad Christmas day Christ came from above.

First child:	C is for the Christ Who came
	To this lowly earth.
Second child:	H is for the harps that rang
	At our Saviour's birth.
Third child:	R is for the ringing bells,
	Telling Christmas-tide.
Fourth child:	I is for the crystal ice
	Where we go to slide.
Fifth child:	S is for the schoolboy's sled
	When he coasting goes.
Sixth child:	T is for poor Tommy Jones—
	Jack Frost bit his nose.
Seventh child:	M is for the merry part
	Of this Christmas day,
Eighth child:	A is for the apple pies
	Grandma put away.
Ninth child:	S is for old Santa Claus,
	Coming here to-night.
	Hope he'll wait till nearly morn,
	So it will be light.

All: Yes, we're happy children nine, And to each we're true, Three cheers for jolly Santa Claus, A happy day to you.

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.)

S stands for stockings we hang up so high. A is for all we get if we don't cry. N is for nobody he will pass by. T is for to-morrow, the day we eat pie. A stands for at last old Santa is nigh. C for the children who love him so well. L for the little girl, his name she can spell. A stands for apples so rosy and red. U is for us as we wait for his sled. S stands for Santa Claus, who comes in the night when we are tucked up in bed with our eyes closed so 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)

First child:	Cheerily ring the Christmas bells!
Second child:	How joyfully their jingling tells
Third child:	All peace and kindness on the earth,
Fourth child:	Ringing out, singing out, laughing with mirth!
Fifth child:	In every home is joy profound,
Sixth child:	The echo of this merry sound.
Seventh child:	Yet Charity must remembered be
	And that is why we have this tree.

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.)

First boy: M stands for merry—oh' let us be merry; M stands for merry—right merry am I. (Bowing.) With a bow to the right, sir, and a bow to the left, sir, Come, now, and be merry, all sadness defy. Chorus (by school, to the refrain of "Buy a Broom").— Christmas dear now draws near, With song and with evergreen welcome it here. First girl: E stands for evergreen, beautiful evergreen, E stands for evergreen, never to fade. (Courtesying.) With a courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir, Bring evergreen garlands for Christmas time made.—Cho. Second boy: R stands for rollicking—come, then, be rollicking; R stands for rollicking—fun's in the air! With a bow to the right, sir, and a bow to the left, sir, In Christmas-day rollicking take now a share.—Cho. Second girl: R stands for rally, a grand Christmas rally, R stands for rally, where Christmas trees grow! With a courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir, We rally where Santa is likely to go.—Cho. Third boy: Y stands for youthful—rejoice, now, all youthful; Y stands for youthful—quite youthful am I. With a bow to the right, sir, and a bow to the left, sir, The youthful make merry when Christmas is nigh.—Cho.

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

Third girl: C stands for Christmas—bright Christmas, merry Christmas; C stands for Christmas—the best of the year. With a courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir, Make merry at Christmas with good Christmas cheer.—Cho. Fourth boy: H stands for happy—at Christmas be happy! H stands for happy—right happy am I. With a bow to the right sir, and a bow to the left, sir, If you would be happy some Christmas gifts buy—Cho. Fourth girl: R stands for ready—for Christmas be ready; R stands for ready—are you ready yet? With a courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir. To make ready for Christmas, oh! never forget.—Cho. Fifth boy: I stands for icy—for winter so icy; I stands for icy, when Kris drives along. With a bow to the right, sir, and a bow to the left, sir, Though icy the weather we'll give him a song.—Cho. Fifth girl: S stands for Santa—the children's own Santa; S stands for Santa, the jolly old dear. With a courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir, For Santy to fill we hang stockings each year.—Cho. Sixth boy: T stands for thoughtful—of all friends be thoughtful; T stands for thoughtful—your presents prepare. With a bow to the right, sir, and a bow to the left, sir, And be thoughtful those poorer than you have a share.—Cho. Sixth girl: M stands for magic—for Christmas-night magic; M stands for magic filling stockings and tree. With a courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir, Who does this fine magic, can any agree?—Cho. Seventh boy: A stands for all of us, old and young, all of us; A stands for all of us looking for Kris. With a bow to the right, sir, and a bow to the left, sir. And all of us hope that not one will he miss.—Cho. Seventh girl: S stands for smiling—on Christmas morn smiling; S stands for smiling—all smiling I'll be. With a courtesy to right, sir, and a courtesy to left, sir, All smiling, yes, smiling, when presents I see.—Cho.

(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.)

Oh, Christmas, merry Christmas! Thy call we must obey, And carry fadeless garlands In honor of the day. Chorus (to be sung after each verse).— All hail, merry Christmas! Hail, merry Christmas! All hail, merry Christmas, The evergreen day. Oh, Christmas, merry Christmas! With laughter, song, and play, How gayly pass the hours Of that dear, happy day.—Chorus. Oh, Christmas, merry Christmas! Quite old, but never gray, Like thy own joys, unfading, The wreath we bring to-day.—Chorus.

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.")

Hushaby, hushaby, (1) Christmas stars are in the sky; Sweet the bells of Christmas eve,— Babies, each a kiss receive,—(2) Hushaby, good-night, Hushaby, good-night! (3) Lullaby, lullaby, Babies in their cradles lie; (4) Every one in white is gowned, Hush, make not a single sound! (5) Lullaby, good-night, Lullaby, good-night! (6) Rockaby, rockaby, Christmas-tide draweth nigh; (7) Quiet now the tiny feet, Babies sleep so still and sweet,— Sweetest dreams, good-night, (8) Sweetest dreams, good-night! (9)

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.)

We lived in cloudland, (1) Floating here and there (2) Over the mountains And the valleys fair. Winds swayed our cradles, (3) Then we fell asleep, (4) While far above us Stars their watch did keep. (5) "Wake," cried the North Wind, (6) "You to earth must go." (7) Down we fell fluttering (8) Butterflies of snow. Silently and slowly (9) Through the winter hours, Falling so sadly, (10) Hiding grass and flowers, (11-12) Then the wind caught us, (13) Whirled us round and round, (14) Dashed us and drove us, (15) Piled us on the ground (16) Flying up in frolic, (17) Always glad and gay, (18) Dancing and drifting (19) All the stormy day. (20) Now our play is over, (21) Now the day is done, Falling so sadly, (22) Sadly one by one. (23) Peeping in the windows (24) Where the fires glow, See the children's stockings (25) Hanging in a row. (26) Hark, in the distance (27) Hear the merry bells! Santa Claus is coming, (28) Sweet their music tells! Go we now to greet him, (29) Listen as we call,— Glad merry Christmas, Merry Christmas all! (30) Bright stars are gleaming, (31) Christmas cometh soon. Joy bells are ringing, All in merry tune. We are Christmas snowflakes, Singing as we fall,— Glad, merry Christmas, Merry Christmas all!

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.)

We are little snowflakes, (a) Falling gently down, On the fields and mountains In the busy town. Now the waving (b) spruce trees Shaking (c) gently say, Brush away this light snow, (d) It's nearly Christmas day. Then a man comes gayly With his axe so bright, (e) He chops down the spruce tree (f) Early one fair night. Then on Christmas morning Children dance to see, (g) Many lovely presents On that stately tree. (h)

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. Repeat b with 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 fingers—thumb out of sight. p. Let fingers fly up quickly q. Hold left hand as in a. 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.)

Chimneys standing in a row, (a) Down each one will Santa go. He goes down one, comes back alive, (b) And then tries two, (c) three, (d) four, (e) and five. (f) Santa has a wondrous pack, (g) This he carries on his back; (h) From it he takes candies, (i) drums, (j) Dolls, (k) books, (l) trumpets, (m) when he comes. Near the chimney stockings swing, What to them will Santa bring? All of them I'm sure he'll fill, Make them round and stiff and still. (n) Morning kisses curly heads Lying snugly in their beds, (o) O how quickly they hop out, (p) Seizing stockings with a shout! On the hemlock and the pine, Light the candles, make them shine; (q) String the rows of corn so white (r) 'Mong the gifts and tinsels bright. Storemen's windows all look gay, 'Cause it's near to Christmas day. (s) Come and look in, girls and boys, (t) Get a peep at Christmas joys. In high towers out of sight Great bells ring with all their might; (u) Hear one, then another chime, (v) Telling it is Christmas time. In the distance, look afar, (w) With their eyes upon the star, (x) Come on camels wise men three, (y) They the Christmas King shall see.

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.—A good reader must be chosen, who can bring out the light and shade in the story—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.)