(Puts his pack on the threshold.)
Children—
Thank you Mr. Santa Claus,
Yon are welcome here.
Please step in a moment, sir,
And pass the time of year.
We are only boys and girls
Keeping Christmas Day,
And we're always glad whene'er
We see you come this way.
Santa Claus—
Nay, I must not wait for you,
I have far to go.
Over Afric's burning sands,
Russia's steppes of snow.
With my reindeer, like a bird,
Through the air I fly.
Time is up—now little folks,
I am off—good bye.
(Goes away singing while the bells ring, until the sound is lost in the distance.)
Tune:—"The Spanish Cavalier."
Oh, farewell, farewell!
I can no longer stay
For I must away o'er the snow, dears;
The short winter's day
Will soon speed away.
Remember and be true where you go, dears.
(Children join hands and dance around, reciting:)
Old Santa Claus has gone
To other lands afar.
But O, he's left such loads of toys.
Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah!
(Knock at the door; enter child, bearing a Christmas tree.) Child—
Here's a little Christmas tree.
All with toys 'tis laden.
Pretty gifts old Santa Claus
Brought for each wee maiden.
Boys—
(Beginning to cry.)
For the girls, O, dear! O, dear!
Where then, are our toys?
Teacher—
Don't you fear, good Santa Claus
Won't forget the boys.
Just outside, I'm sure I see.
Trumpet, fife, and drum,
Hoops and marbles, skates and sleds,
Each one will have some.
(Enter children ringing small bells.)
We are little Chirstmas bells.
Don't you hear us ringing?
(Enter Carol singers.)
Carol Singers—
We are merry Christmas Waits.
You shall hear us sing.
(They sing "Beautiful Christmas Time.")
