pair of shoes, another a new dress or a pair of mittens. The fact that these come at Christmas time gives added value to even the simplest articles. An orange or an apple coming from the magic tree tastes sweeter than any other, and Christmas shoes or cap are enjoyed as such until they are worn out.
In some homes and schools the story is made impressive by means of a Christmas chandelier. A large wooden ring is constructed and covered with gilt paper. In this twenty-eight small candles are set. The first Sunday of Advent the chandelier is suspended from the ceiling, the room is darkened, one candle is lighted, and the first prophecy of Christ's coming is read from the Old Testament. The next day two candles are lighted and the second prophecy is read. Each day following one more candle is lighted until on Christmas eve the whole twenty-eight candles are lighted, thus telling the story of the prophecies fulfilled.
Christmas day is the time most enjoyed by the children, but the festivities continue for several days, lasting until New Year's or perhaps even until Twelfth Night.
At five o'clock Christmas morning all must be at church for the early service. In some parts of the country each person carries a Christmas candle to be placed on the edge of the pew in front, the candles furnishing all the light for the church. As the people go home, the trees in the houses are lighted and the shades are raised so that the Christmas cheer penetrates the darkness.
A CHRISTMAS GIFT.
ELLA M. POWERS.
This short dialogue may be given by two pupils, a boy and a girl. The girl should have an old doll in her arms, the boy should carry an old drum with the head broken.
Girl—
This doll, Kris Kringle brought last year.
Gone is one eye, her hair, her ear;
And now some new ones he must bring.
The kind that walk and talk and sing.
Boy—
Here is a drum I had last year,
You see it sounds now very queer;
I left it out once in the rain,
I've begged for other new drums in vain.
Girl— (Seating herself at a table.)
Let's write a letter to Santa Claus,
Telling him what to bring, because
It must be hard to bring, you see.
The very things we want; Dear me!
(Girl reaching for paper, ink, and pen, writes. Presently she reads:)
"I'll have a hundred wax dolls when you come.
And please bring a nice, rich sounding drum;
Bring hundreds of books and games, a store,
And a thousand candies and lots more."
The letter is done and now we'll away
And mail it to him right off today.
Boy—
I guess he'll think 'tis very shocking,
To expect so much in one small stocking.
