Mary Mapes Dodge

Name: Our American Holidays - Christmas
Author: Mary Mapes Dodge

Our American Holidays - Christmas (1949)

Summary

“Our American Holidays - Christmas”, published in 1949, is a work by Mary Mapes Dodge. It explores elements such as Nicholas, thrift and grandfather.

Quotes from Our American Holidays - Christmas (Mary Mapes Dodge)

Mary Mapes Dodge, Our American Holidays - Christmas (1949)

“ Diedrich, I trust, will be a polite, manly boy for the future; and Mayken will endeavor to shine as a student. Let her remember, too, that economy and thrift are needed in the foundation of a worthy and generous life. Little Katy has been cruel to the cat more than once. St. Nicholas can hear the cat cry when its tail is pulled. I will forgive her, if she will remember from this hour that the smallest dumb creatures have feeling, and must not be abused."
As Katy burst into a frightened cry, the saint graciously remained silent until she was soothed. ”

[↩︎]

Source: Wikisource

Mary Mapes Dodge, Our American Holidays - Christmas (1949)

“ The other children, each holding a pretty willow basket, formed at once in a ring, and moved slowly around the little fellow, lifting their eyes meanwhile; for the saint to whom they were about to address themselves was yet in mysterious quarters.
Mevrouw commenced playing softly upon the piano; soon the voices rose,—gentle, youthful voices, rendered all the sweeter for their tremor,—
"Welcome, friend! St. Nicholas, welcome!
Bring no rod for us to-night!
While our voices bid thee welcome,
Every heart with joy is light. ”

[↩︎]

Source: Wikisource

Mary Mapes Dodge, Our American Holidays - Christmas (1949)

“ It was well that the boys hastened to their abodes on that bright winter evening; for, in less than an hour afterwards, the saint made his appearance in half the homes of Holland. He visited the king's palace, and in the self-same moment appeared in Annie Bouman's comfortable home. Probably one of our silver half-dollars would have purchased all that his saintship left at the peasant Bouman's. But a half-dollar's worth will sometimes do for the poor what hundreds of dollars may fail to do for the rich: it makes them happy and grateful, fills them with new peace and love. ”

[↩︎]

Source: Wikisource

Mary Mapes Dodge, Our American Holidays - Christmas (1949)

“ Oh, the nearness of the Christ Child,
When, for a sacred space,
He nestles in our very homes—
Light of the human race!
We know him and we love him,
No man to us need prove him—
Yet who hath seen his face? ”

[↩︎]

Source: Wikisource

Mary Mapes Dodge, Our American Holidays - Christmas (1949)

“ Nicholas to be a saint of his word.
Every shoe was filled to overflowing; and beside each stood a many-colored pile. The table was heavy with its load of presents,—candies, toys, trinkets, books and other articles. Every one had gifts, from grandfather down to the baby. ”

[↩︎]

Source: Wikisource

Mary Mapes Dodge, Our American Holidays - Christmas (1949)

“ Nicholas Eve that their young people become half wild with joy and expectation. To some of them it is a sorry time; for the saint is very candid, and, if any of them have been bad during the past year, he is quite sure to tell them so. ”

[↩︎]

Source: Wikisource

Mary Mapes Dodge, Our American Holidays - Christmas (1949)

“ I give thee credit for excelling in manly sport and exercise; though I must not unduly countenance thy boat-racing, since it leaves thee too little time for thy proper studies.
"Lucretia and Hilda shall have a blessed sleep to-night. The consciousness of kindness to the poor, devotion in their souls, and cheerful, hearty obedience to household rule, will render them happy. ”

[↩︎]

Source: Wikisource

Mary Mapes Dodge, Our American Holidays - Christmas (1949)

“ Goodness, industry, benevolence and thrift have prevailed in your midst. Therefore, my blessing upon you; and may the New Year find all treading the paths of obedience, wisdom and love! To-morrow you shall find more substantial proofs that I have been in your home. Farewell!"
With these words came a great shower of sugar-plums upon a linen sheet spread out in front of the doors. A general scramble followed. The children fairly tumbled over each other in their eagerness to fill their baskets. Mevrouw cautiously held the baby down upon the sheet till the chubby little fists were filled. ”

Mary Mapes Dodge

Summary

Quotes from Our American Holidays - Christmas (Mary Mapes Dodge)

Common terms

Similar works

Get perspective with Kwize: daily news enlightened by great literature