Ellen M. Willard

“ Oh, Christmis is great, all right, but a mother like my mother—what counts—beats all your Christmises holler. Merry Christmis!
THE BELL SONG. Chorus for Thirteen Children.
They may be all boys, all girls or both together, and there may be as many additional as desired.
SONG. Tune: “Jingle Bells.”
Hear the Christmas bells as they gayly ring.
And our voices join as merrily we sing.
All the world is glad, hearts with joy are light,
For ’tis the best of all the year and Christmas comes tonight. ”

“ Oh, ’tis merry Christmas! Oh, ’tis merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas who’ll be our king!
He’s best of all the year!
(Repeat chorus, they all surround Santa Claus, taking him with them as they march around the stage, half the children on either side. If necessary, sing the chorus a second time to prolong the march. They end by leading Santa Claus to the throne and placing him upon it, and as the children sing the next verse they crown him. The holidays stand half on either side.)
Children—
There’s no other one under all the sun
Brings us such gay hearts and such cheery fun. ”

“ Chorus as before.
CRANBERRY MARCH. For Sixteen Children, Boys or Girls, or Both.
Costume all of scarlet, the boys in blouse waists, and knickerbockers, the girls’ dresses with long or short sleeves as desired. All wear scarlet stockings and slippers and pointed scarlet caps.
SONG. Tune: “The Drum-Major of Schneider’s Band.”
When the Christmas time is here with all its cheer and frolic dear,
Then we come to help the fun at merry Christmas time. [27]
Other things may welcome be, but only we can bring such glee,
Nothing else can fill the place of ripe red cranberries
Christmas! ”

“ Then I had a new woodbox for mother—a jolly nice one—all trimmed with bars of wood and stained; but, no, sir, mother, she needed me for ’bout a hundred and ’leven things, and work at it I couldn’t. And this boat for Bub (shows it) , not half done. And a bob-sled for little Sis—and a photograph frame for Gramma—and—oh, pshaw. I’m just plum disappointed, and that’s the truth. Not a gift done for anybody. (Leans elbows on knees and chin on hands.) If I was a girl I guess I’d cry. (Santa Claus walks in, lays his hand on Boy’s shoulder. Boy jumps up as he looks around.) ”

“ 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. [108] 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. ”

“ ALL THE YEAR ’ROUND. For One Adult or Large Boy and One Small Boy.
Santa Claus must be made to look very short and fat.
Boy enters, sits down, leans elbow on table and his head on his hand.
Boy. Whatever shall I do? Christmas is almost here and not a single thing finished. You see (addressing audience) , when a fellow’s folks have a small purse and a large family there’s no such thing as spending money for us boys. (Gets up, walks back and forth talking, with hands in pockets.) All we earn goes for shoes, I guess. ”

“ Enters with arms full of bundles; begins talking while he puts them down on the table.
Fred. Say! But this Christmas shopping wears on a fellow! How in thunder the girls stand it—shopping the way they do—I can’t see.
If I had all the money in creation it wouldn’t be much better, for a fellow never knows what to get for the other fellow, you see.
There’s Sis, now—big Sis, I mean, of course—the little ones don’t count much. It took me the whole afternoon to think of something for her. She’s got most everything that counts for anything, like skates. ”

“ 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? ”

“ 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?
[102]
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. ”

“ Each boy, with arms held at full length over head, and hands clasped, whirls entirely around, once for each measure, ending with a stamp of right foot on the last word and a quick wheel toward the right of the stage. ”

“ Let the one who sings the verses stand between the other two. If there are more let the leader, who sings, stand before the others, who form a straight line from right to left behind him. All face the audience. During the stanzas they clap gently, keeping time as the leader sings.
At the chorus, while singing, they put their arms across each other’s shoulders, the end ones with outer hands on hips, and take the following steps:
1. Step three steps to the right, hop on right foot, and swing the left foot before the right. ”

“ Randy returns from her purchase of Christmas things, she lays aside her hat and shawl, sits down and takes a clothes-pin or a potato from the basket. If a potato is used, one of the odd-shaped ones with a small, round knob at one end, which can be made to look like the head of the doll, is best. Then out of the table drawer she takes some pieces of bright cloth and dresses the potato, or clothes-pin, for a doll, tying on a skirt with a string, folding a square of cloth for a shawl and pinning it on the shoulders, and folding another piece for a bonnet, and tying it on with a bit of string. ”

“ There really is a Santa Claus spirit, though, which every one can have.
Child. Sing to me, mamma. Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without it.
Mother (taking Child in her lap) . You are rather a big little girl to be rocked, but I’ll try it. (Sings Christmas carol.)
CURTAIN.
In the foregoing it is well to have the one personating “Mother” a large woman in order to make as [57] much contrast as possible between her and “Mary.” As Mary has a good many lines to learn, her part must be taken by one not too young; but with proper dressing the effect of a little girl can be attained. ”

“ 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! ”

“ You’ve got a long way off. You go down that way (pointing) nearly half a mile and you’ll cross it. Good-night. (Comes in and sits down again.) Dear me. That gave me quite a turn. I must be gettin’ silly tonight, but it does seem as if my John was a-comin’—or was near—or somethin’. (Knock at the door, which she opens to receive a telegram, which she reads, then waves it over her head, calling to the children, who run in in their nightgowns.) [79] Oh, hurry! Merry Christmas! Oh, just think! Your father is comin’ tomorrow!
Children (dancing around the chair) . Santa Claus has been here already! ”

“ Stamp with right foot, then with left; hop on left foot, swing right; hop on right foot, swing left.
[36]
This completes the first stanza and chorus. Then, without singing, and in time to the same tune, let the line behind, led by the leader in front, give a dance. The motions are given below, but the time of them must be found as the boys practice.
It is called a “dance,” but in reality is posturing and stepping. Any other motions than those given can be used if desired, the only requirement being that those in the line move in unison. ”

“ Front line kneels on right knee, raises joined hands high on first measure, lower them on second measure, repeat for four measures. Rear line advances one step in such manner that the girls of rear line alternate with those of front line, but behind them. Unclasp hands and each make four hops, first on right, then on left foot, turning as she does so. This completes a revolution. Then take one step to the right on the first beat of the music, bend right knee (thus dipping or curtseying) on the second beat, one step to the left on third beat, bend left knee on fourth beat. ”

“ A prettier drill for small children can scarcely be prepared. Costumes are of simple white, with red ribbons and stockings, and hollyberry wreaths in the hair.
Each carries a wreath of holly and its red berries and a fancy basket filled with bits of paper cut fine to represent snow. The girls enter in time to a lively march, in couples, each carrying her wreath lifted high in the hand toward her mate, and the basket held in the free hand. Enter at left rear. ”

“ Leaders turn toward rear—pass to rear—march diagonally to front at the extreme right and left—back to rear at sides—across back to center—all in the trot which is in double time. Fig. 3. In this figure, and in all of them, let every boy, in following the leader, go to the precise spot that the leader does before turning. ”

“ Just what teachers and musical directors need when they want to brighten up a Christmas exercise, play, or dialogue with an appropriate song. It contains a fine selection of song material for community Christmas tree celebrations, and church, school, lodge, and home programs. Each selection has an easy and practicable accompaniment. The book is carefully edited, and printed on a good quality of paper, well bound to open flat, with pages 7 by 101⁄4 inches, and a stout paper cover handsomely designed in two colors. ”

“ There’s a train of cars for little Sis (indicating packages as he talks) . I think after Christmas I’ll build [10] a track and make some semaphores and switches—and a bridge—and a station-house—all for those cars. ’Course I don’t care for cars, but I think it would be real fun to fix ’em all up for little Sis. And I’ll show her how to run ’em, too. “Dolls,” did you say? Oh, pshaw! She don’t want any more dolls. Cars are lots better. ”

“ 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 [92] 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. ”

“ New Year should be quite a small boy (if children take the parts) in full dress suit. This is not difficult to make and may be of cambric. If an adult takes the part, the costume may be the same, or the traditional figure of Father Time may be followed.
Saint Valentine—Shakesperian costume, tights, trunks, cloak, etc. Carries a mandolin.
Saint Patrick—Knee breeches and long frock coat of gray, battered “plug” hat, green vest and stockings, low shoes with buckles.
Easter—Long white dress with gold cord and tassel around the waist, gold band around the head, hair hanging loosely. ”

“ Ma’y Bell! Quit teasin’ dat baby! Ain’t yer ’shame yerse’f? Yo ’spec’ Sandy Claws gwine brung anyt’ing to a leetle gal what—Abram Lincoln! Git outen dat cupboard! Quick, I say! My lan’! Ef I jes’ kin git er holt er yo’ fer five minutes I’m gwine mek yer dance! Yas sar! Yer better cla’r outen yhar!
Genevieve Blanch! Come yhar an’ wit dese chilluns an’ chuck ’em in baid! I’s plumb wore out, an’ ef dey axes any mo’ ob dere fool questions I gwine ter ex-plode! An’ den whar’ll Chris’mus be at?
[20]
TOO MUCH CHRISTMAS.
Christmas every day! ”

“ Kindling, you know, and bringing in wood for mother—and taking care of the baby sometimes—and keeping little Bud out of mischief—and sometimes—well, you see, I’m the oldest, and the others are too little—sometimes I wash the dishes. ”

“ And I’ve thought how to make a elephant just like the one in the store that Joe’s been begging for. Here’s just the thing. Queer how things grow sometimes. You can work hard and you can’t do no better than nature. ”

“ 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. ”

“ Leastwise it’s all he’ll get, so he’d better like it. There’s Annie, now. She’s allus beggin’ for something pretty, so I got her some beautiful tissue paper to cut out fancy. (Takes paper from basket.) It only cost three cents, and she’ll be just happy. (She begins to put things in stockings. Knock at door. She opens door to a lady.) How do you do, Miss? Have you lost your way? I can show you real easy.
Mrs. Graham. Thank you, but I think this is where I wanted to come. Aren’t you Mrs. Randy, the mother of little Mary and Teddy, and Susie, Annie and Johnny? ”

“ How you s’pose I gwine git ready fer Sandy Claws ter come if you chillun keeps a-hangin’ eroun’?
Doos Sandy Claws bring dem Chris’mus gif’s? Sho he do. Does I put gif’s inter dem stockin’s, too?
Laws! Yo’ jes’ talkin’ foolishness. How Sandy Claws gwine fill yer stockin’s ef dar ain’t no stockin’s dar I like ter know? An’ ain’t I de one dat mends ’em? Co’se I hangs up de stockin’s. Yer kaint ’spect Sandy [19] Claws ter tote a passel ob stockin’s ’roun’ wid him. Don’t he be good ’nuff ter put tings in ’em I lak ter know?
You Pete! Ef yer opens dat ar drawer yer gwine cotch it sho’! ”

“ Fig. 2. The floor behind the frame should be raised two feet in order to bring it well into view of the audience, and of course the frame must correspond. The pictures are arranged between the frame and the screens.
The frame and gauze can be omitted, and the picture presented in the space surrounded by the screens or curtains; but of course the best way is the one indicated.
With all accessories ready, and some previous rehearsals, these tableaux can be easily and rapidly presented.
In front and to one side the Grandma sits in an easy chair. No other accessories. ”