Frank Atkinson

“ He lives hard by an Inn, the Black Bear, where incessantly he toils throughout the year in fashioning toys and other gifts, which he lavishly bestows upon the people in his journey around the world on Christmas night—but I fear his real abode is in the hearts of men, and particularly in the hearts of little children. ”

“ When the curtain rises Santa Claus is busy arranging toys in shop window, lighting candles and doing such other stage work as will enliven the scene.
No lines are spoken until Crispin and Maggie come upon the scene, the idea being to portray the various types of folk one would expect to find upon the street—the types can be many or few, fishmongers, washwomen, laborers, children, musicians, teamsters returning from work, street arabs, etc. Some of these enter the shop and buy, others, like Crispin and Maggie, must be content with looking in. ”

“ Maggie: Now, Cris, yer mustn’t run on like that, it isn’t fair—some of these rich folk never had the chances you and me ’ave ’ad—and so I say, clothes, or no clothes, food, or no food, blue-eyed sleepin’, squawkin’ dollies, or no dollies, I’m glad fer the progress some on ’em ’ave made. Perhaps some day they will learn that true Christmas ’appiness begins in well wishing and ends in well doing. Until then we must be content in lookin’ at the things which belong to others, just as we ’ave been doin’ before this winder fer the last ’arf ’our. ”

“ No less true is it in our day than it was of old that oftentimes we entertain angels unaware. Doubtless, you think I am only a beggar, and for that I am very thankful, for thus it is possible for me to reward the kindly spirit you have shown to those less fortunate than yourselves. ”

“ No dialogue need be prepared for Santa, as it is better to let Santa make his own fun in his own way. After the last number the carolers and other members of the cast slip quietly upon the stage and end the play by singing one verse of “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” ”

“ When the curtain rises, the toys are standing rigidly at back of stage. Santa enters with children, whom he seats back to audience at front and center of stage. Santa then proceeds to exhibit the toys, winding them up, marching them to front stage, then to position at front of stage right and left. ”

“ Price per copy.............................$0.25
The Children’s Christmas Dream
By Mary E. Telford
A Christmas play in one act, easily staged, teaching the spirit of giving. Has a splendid missionary climax. Sixteen characters (children) . The scene is laid out in Grandfather’s house where the children are spending their Christmas. While waiting for Santa, the children fall asleep. A fairy summons children from foreign lands who make their appeal to learn more of the Christ Child. ”

“ Immediately following exit of Watchman after his 8 o’clock round, Harold and Ethel enter from left stage—Harold is leading Ethel by the hand. They look around from one side of the street to the other, which at this time is deserted. ”

“ We have with us, Mr. Superintendent, an unexpected guest—a stranger in town, who came here thinking it was a movie show—I’ve been telling our young friend that she will be welcome—but she is reluctant to accept my invitation. ”

“ These characters should enter alternately from right and left stage.
(Enter Crispin.) Note: Boy enters right stage.
(Enter Maggie. After one-half minute girl follows, enters left stage. They both walk slowly up stage to window of the toy shop, keeping as far apart as is possible. Both are interested only in the window display, and for some time neither of them speak.)
Maggie: Hello!
Crispin: (After pause) ’lo!
(Another silence)
Maggie: D’jer live ’ere?
Crispin: Naw.
Maggie: Neither do I. (Pause) . Wot’s yer name?
Crispin: Der gang calls me Cris, but in ’igh sasiety dey calls me Crispin. ”