This is a modern-English version of The Night Before Christmas and Other Popular Stories For Children, originally written by Various.
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and grammar—to ensure clarity for contemporary readers, while preserving the original spirit and nuance. If
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THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
AND OTHER POPULAR STORIES FOR CHILDREN
HANDSOMELY ILLUSTRATED
COPYRIGHT. 1903, BY W. B. CONKEY COMPANY
CHICAGO
W. B. CONKEY COMPANY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Night Before Christmas.
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house,
'Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
Not a creature was moving, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
The stockings were carefully hung by the chimney,
In the hope that St. Nicholas soon would be there.
In the hope that St. Nicholas would be there soon.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
The kids were all cozy and snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
While visions of sweet treats danced in their heads.
And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
And mom in her scarf, and I in my hat,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap;
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap;
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
When I was out on the lawn, there came such a noise,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
I jumped out of bed to see what was wrong.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
Tore open the curtains and pushed up the window.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
The moon on the surface of the freshly fallen snow
Gave the lustre of midday to objects below—
Gave the brightness of midday to things below—
When what to my wondering eyes should appear
When what catches my surprised eyes should show up
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.
But a small sleigh and eight little reindeer.
With a little old driver so lively and quick,
With a cheerful, fast elderly driver,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
I realized right away it had to be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
More quickly than eagles, his horses arrived,
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name—
And he whistled and shouted and called them by name—
"Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer! Now, Vixen!
"Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer! Now, Prancer! Now, Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Dunder and Blixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! On, Dunder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall!
To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall!
Now, dash away! Dash away! Dash away! All!"
Now, hurry up! Hurry up! Hurry up! Everyone!"
As dry leaves before the wild hurricane fly,
As dry leaves blow before the fierce hurricane,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
When they face an obstacle, rise to the challenge,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew
So up to the rooftop the horses flew
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas, too.
With the sleigh packed with toys, and Santa Claus, too.
And then in a twinkling I heard on the roof
And then suddenly I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each tiny hoof.
The playful prancing and stomping of each small hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
As I imagined it in my mind and turned around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
Down the chimney, Santa Claus came with a leap.
He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot,
He was dressed in fur from head to toe,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
And his clothes were all covered in ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
A pile of toys he had tossed on his back,
And he looked like a pedlar just opening his pack.
And he looked like a street vendor just unpacking his goods.
His eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!
His eyes—how they sparkled! His dimples, how cheerful!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry;
His droll little mouth was drawn up in a bow,
His funny little mouth was shaped like a bow,
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.
And the beard on his chin was as white as snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
The stump of a pipe he clenched tightly in his teeth,
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.
And the smoke wrapped around his head like a crown.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
He was chubby and plump, a truly cheerful old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.
And I couldn't help but laugh when I saw him.
A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head,
A wink of his eye and a turn of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
Soon made it clear that I had nothing to fear.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
He didn’t say a word, but went right to his work,
And filled all the stockings—then turned with a jerk,
And stuffed all the stockings—then turned quickly,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And placing his finger beside his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.
And with a nod, he climbed up the chimney.
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
He jumped into his sleigh and whistled to his team,
And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle;
And away they all flew, like the fluff of a thistle;
But I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight,
But I heard him shout before he drove out of sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!"
"Merry Christmas to everyone, and goodnight to all!"
The Night After Christmas
'Twas the night after Christmas, and all through the house
'Twas the night after Christmas, and all through the house
Not a creature was stirring—excepting a mouse.
Not a creature was stirring—except for a mouse.
The stockings were flung in haste over the chair,
The stockings were tossed quickly over the chair,
For hopes of St. Nicholas were no longer there.
For hopes of St. Nicholas were no longer present.
The children were restlessly tossing in bed,
The kids were tossing and turning in bed,
For the pie and the candy were heavy as lead;
For the pie and the candy were as heavy as lead;
While mamma in her kerchief, and I in my gown,
While mom in her scarf, and I in my dress,
Had just made up our minds that we would not lie down,
Had just decided that we would not lie down,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
When I stepped out onto the lawn, there was such a commotion,
I sprang from my chair to see what was the matter.
I jumped up from my chair to see what was going on.
Away to the window I went with a dash,
Away to the window I went quickly,
Flung open the shutter, and threw up the sash.
Flung open the shutter and raised the window.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
The moon shining on the fresh snow,
Gave the lustre of noon-day to objects below.
Gave the brightness of midday to things below.
When what to my long anxious eyes should appear
When what to my eager eyes should appear
But a horse and a sleigh, both old-fashioned and queer;
But a horse and a sleigh, both outdated and strange;
With a little old driver, so solemn and slow,
With a little old driver, serious and slow,
I knew at a glance it must be Dr Brough.
I knew right away it had to be Dr. Brough.
I drew in my head, and was turning around,
I imagined it in my mind and started to turn around,
When upstairs came the Doctor, with scarcely a sound,
When the Doctor came upstairs, it was almost silent,
He wore a thick overcoat, made long ago,
He wore a heavy overcoat, made long ago,
And the beard on his chin was white with the snow.
And the beard on his chin was white like snow.
He spoke a few words, and went straight to his work;
He said a few words and went straight to his work;
He felt all the pulses,—then turned with a jerk,
He felt all the pulses, then suddenly turned.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And resting his finger against his nose,
With a nod of his head to the chimney he goes:—
With a nod of his head towards the chimney, he goes:—
"A spoonful of oil, ma'am, if you have it handy;
"A spoonful of oil, ma'am, if you have it ready;"
No nuts and no raisins, no pies and no candy.
No nuts, no raisins, no pies, and no candy.
These tender young stomachs cannot well digest
These sensitive young stomachs can't really digest
All the sweets that they get; toys and books are the best.
All the treats they get; toys and books are the best.
But I know my advice will not find many friends,
But I know my advice won't be popular,
For the custom of Christmas the other way tends.
For the tradition of Christmas goes the other way.
The fathers and mothers, and Santa Claus, too,
The parents, and Santa Claus, too,
Are exceedingly blind. Well, a good-night to you!"
Are really clueless. Well, good night to you!"
And I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight:
And I heard him shout as he disappeared from view:
These feastings and candies make Doctors' bills right!"
These feasts and sweets really drive up the doctors' bills!
SANTA CLAUS DOES NOT FORGET.
Bertie was a very good boy. He was kind, obedient, truthful, and unselfish. He had, however, one great fault,—he always forgot.
Bertie was a really good kid. He was kind, obedient, honest, and selfless. He did, however, have one major flaw—he always forgot.
No matter how important the errand, his answer always was, "I forgot." When he was sent with a note to the dress-maker his mother would find the note in his pocket at night. If he was sent to the store in a great hurry, to get something for tea, he would return late, without the article, but with his usual answer.
No matter how important the task was, his answer was always, "I forgot." When he was sent with a note to the dressmaker, his mother would find the note in his pocket at night. If he was sent to the store in a huge rush to grab something for tea, he would come back late, without the item, but with his usual response.
His father and mother talked the matter over, and decided that something must be done to make the little boy remember.
His dad and mom discussed the issue and agreed that they needed to do something to help the little boy remember.
Christmas was near, and Bertie was busy making out a list of things which Santa Claus was to bring him.
Christmas was coming up, and Bertie was busy writing a list of things he wanted Santa Claus to bring him.
"Santa Claus may forget some of those things," said his mother.
"Santa Claus might forget some of those things," said his mother.
Christmas morning came, and Bertie was up at dawn to see what was in his stocking. His mother kept away from him as long as she could, for she knew what Santa Claus had done.
Christmas morning arrived, and Bertie woke up at dawn to check what was in his stocking. His mom stayed away from him for as long as possible because she knew what Santa Claus had done.
Finally she heard him coming with slow steps to her room. Slowly he opened the door and came towards her. He held in his hand a list very much longer than the one he had made out. He put it in his mother's hand, while tears of disappointment fell from his eyes.
Finally, she heard him approaching her room with slow steps. He slowly opened the door and walked towards her. He held a list that was much longer than the one he had originally made. He placed it in his mother's hand, tears of disappointment streaming down his face.
"See what Santa Claus left for me; but I think he might have given me one thing besides."
"Look at what Santa Claus left for me; but I think he might have given me one more thing."
His mother opened the roll. It was a list of all the errands Bertie had been asked to do for six months. At the end of all was written, in staring capitals, "I FORGOT."
His mom opened the roll. It was a list of all the errands Bertie had been asked to do for six months. At the end of it all was written, in bold capitals, "I FORGOT."
Bertie wept for an hour. Then his mother told him they were all going to grandpa's. For the first time he would see a Christmas-tree. Perhaps something might be growing there for him.
Bertie cried for an hour. Then his mom told him they were all going to grandpa's. For the first time, he would see a Christmas tree. Maybe there would be something waiting there for him.
It was very strange to Bertie, but on grandpa's tree he found everything he had written on his list. Was he cured of his bad habit? Not all at once; but when his mother saw that he was particularly heedless she would say, "Remember, Santa Claus does not forget."
It was really weird for Bertie, but on Grandpa's tree he found everything he had written on his list. Was he cured of his bad habit? Not right away; but whenever his mom noticed that he was being especially careless, she would say, "Remember, Santa Claus doesn’t forget."
THE FAIRY CHRISTMAS.
It was Christmas Day, and Toddy and Tita were alone. Papa and mamma had gone out West to see their big boy who was ill. They had promised to be home for Christmas, but a big snow had blocked the railroad track, and nurse was afraid the train would be [pg 24] delayed until the day after Christmas. What a dull Christmas for two little girls, all alone in the great city house, with only the servants! They felt so lonely that nurse let them play in the big drawing-room instead of in the nursery, so they arranged all the chairs in a row, and pretended it was a snowed-up train. Tita was the conductor, and Toddy was the passengers. Just as they were in the midst of it, they heard music in the [pg 25] street, and, running to the window, they saw a little boy outside, singing and beating a tambourine.
It was Christmas Day, and Toddy and Tita were all alone. Mom and Dad had gone out West to visit their older brother who was sick. They promised to be back for Christmas, but a heavy snow had blocked the train tracks, and the nurse was worried the train would be [pg 24] delayed until the day after Christmas. What a boring Christmas for two little girls stuck in the big house in the city with only the staff! They felt so lonely that the nurse let them play in the large drawing-room instead of in the nursery, so they lined up all the chairs in a row and pretended it was a snowed-in train. Tita was the conductor, and Toddy was the passenger. Just as they were getting into it, they heard music in the [pg 25] street, and when they ran to the window, they saw a little boy outside, singing and playing a tambourine.
"Why," said Tita, "his feet are all bare!"
"Why," said Tita, "his feet are totally bare!"
"Dess he hanged up bofe stockin's an' his shoes, too," said Toddy.
“Then he hung up both stockings and his shoes, too,” said Toddy.
"Let's open the window and ask him."
"Let’s open the window and ask him."
But the great window was too high to reach, so they took papa's cane and pushed it tip. The little boy smiled, but they could not hear what he said, so they told him to come in, and ran to open the big front door. He was a little frightened at first, but the carpet felt warm to his poor bare feet.
But the big window was too high to reach, so they grabbed dad's cane and pushed it up. The little boy smiled, but they couldn't hear what he said, so they told him to come inside and ran to open the big front door. He was a little scared at first, but the carpet felt warm against his poor bare feet.
He told them that his name was Guido, and that he had come from Italy, which is a much warmer country than ours, and that he was very poor, so poor that he had no shoes, and had to go singing from house to house for a few pennies to get some dinner. And he was so hungry.
He told them his name was Guido and that he had come from Italy, which is a much warmer country than theirs. He explained that he was very poor, so poor that he had no shoes, and had to go singing from house to house for a few pennies to get some dinner. And he was so hungry.
"Poor little boy!" said Tita. "Our mamma is away, and we're having a pretty sad Christmas, but we'll try to make it nice for you."
"Poor little boy!" said Tita. "Our mom is away, and we're having a pretty sad Christmas, but we'll try to make it nice for you."
So they played games, and Guido sang to them. Then the folding doors rolled back, and there was the dining-room and the table all set, and Thomas, the black waiter, smiling, just as if it had been a big dinner party instead of two very little girls. Nurse said: "Well, I never!" when she saw Guido, but she felt so sorry for the lonely little girls that she let him come to the table. And such a dinner as he ate! He had never had one like it before. "It is a fairy tale," he said.
So they played games, and Guido sang to them. Then the folding doors opened, and there was the dining room with the table all set, and Thomas, the Black waiter, smiling, just as if it were a big dinner party instead of two very little girls. Nurse said, "Well, I never!" when she saw Guido, but she felt so sorry for the lonely little girls that she let him join them at the table. And what a dinner he had! He had never experienced anything like it before. "It’s like a fairy tale," he said.
Just as dessert came on, the door opened and in rushed mamma and papa; the train had gotten in, after all. They were so glad to see their darlings happy instead of moping that they gave them each some extra kisses. You may be sure little Guido never went hungry and barefoot after that. Long afterward he would say: "That was a fairy Christmas!"
Just as dessert was served, the door swung open and in burst Mom and Dad; the train had arrived after all. They were thrilled to see their kids happy instead of sulking, so they each gave them some extra kisses. You can bet little Guido never went hungry or barefoot after that. Much later, he would say, "That was a magical Christmas!"
That night, after Tita had said her prayers, she said:
That night, after Tita finished her prayers, she said:
"Mamma, I know something. Whenever you feel sad and lonely, if you will just find somebody sadder and lonelier than yourself and cheer them up, it will make you all right."
"Mom, I know something. Whenever you're feeling sad and lonely, if you just find someone who's sadder and lonelier than you and cheer them up, it will make you feel better."
And I think that that was the very best kind of a Christmas lesson of love. Don't you?
And I think that was the best kind of Christmas lesson about love. Don’t you?
THE BALL GAME.
Did you ever know a boy
Did you ever know a boy
Make believe he had a toy?
Pretend he had a toy?
That's the way
That's how it is
Babies play;
Babies are playing;
Babies who are young and small
Babies who are young and small
Make believe they play at ball!
Pretend they are playing ball!
CHRISTMAS DAY.
"Boys," said Mrs. Howard one morning, looking up from a letter she was reading, "I have had a letter from your grandmamma. She writes that she is returning to England shortly."
"Boys," said Mrs. Howard one morning, looking up from a letter she was reading, "I got a letter from your grandma. She says she's coming back to England soon."
The boys went on with their breakfast without showing any great amount of interest in this piece of news, for they had never seen their grandmother, and therefore could not very well be expected to show any affection for her.
The boys continued their breakfast without displaying much interest in this news since they had never met their grandmother and, as a result, couldn't be expected to feel any affection for her.
Now Mrs. Howard, the mother of two of the boys and aunt to the third little fellow, was a widow and very poor, and often found it a hard task to provide for her "three boys," as she called them, for, having adopted her little orphan nephew, she always treated him as her own son. She had sometimes thought it strange that old Mrs. Howard should not have offered to provide for Leslie herself but she had never done so, and at last Mrs. Howard had ceased to expect it. But now, right at the end of her letter, Grandmamma Howard wrote:—
Now Mrs. Howard, the mother of two of the boys and aunt to the third little guy, was a widow and very poor. It was often tough for her to take care of her "three boys," as she called them. Having adopted her little orphan nephew, she always treated him like her own son. Sometimes, she thought it was odd that old Mrs. Howard never offered to take care of Leslie herself, but she never did, and eventually, Mrs. Howard stopped expecting it. But now, right at the end of her letter, Grandmamma Howard wrote:—
"I have been thinking that perhaps it would come a little hard on you to support not only your own two boys, but poor Alice's son, and so, on my return to England, I propose, if you are willing, to adopt one of them, for I am a lonely old woman and shall be glad of a young face about me again."
"I've been thinking that it might be tough for you to take care of not only your own two boys, but also poor Alice's son. So, when I get back to England, I suggest, if you're okay with it, that I adopt one of them. I'm a lonely old woman, and I would love to have a young face around me again."
After thinking the matter over, Mrs. Howard decided she would say nothing about their grandmother's intention to the boys, as she thought that it was just possible she might change her mind again.
After considering the situation, Mrs. Howard decided not to mention their grandmother's plans to the boys, as she felt there was a chance she might change her mind again.
Time passed on, and winter set in, and full of the delights of skating, the boys forgot all about the expected arrival of their grandmother.
Time went by, and winter arrived, and with the joy of skating, the boys completely forgot about the expected visit from their grandmother.
During the Christmas holidays the boys one morning started off to Broome Meadow for a good day's skating on the pond there. They carried their dinner with them, and were told to be sure and be home before dark.
During the Christmas holidays, the boys set off one morning to Broome Meadow for a fun day of skating on the pond there. They packed their lunch and were told to make sure they got home before dark.
As they ran along the frosty road they came suddenly upon a poor old woman, so suddenly that Leslie ran right up against her before he could stop himself. The old woman grumbled about "lazy, selfish [pg 28] boys, only thinking of their own pleasure, and not caring what happened to a poor old woman!"
But Leslie stopped at once and apologized, in his polite little way, for his carelessness.
But Leslie immediately stopped and apologized, in his polite little way, for his carelessness.
"I am sorry," he said. "I hope I did not hurt you; and you have such heavy parcels to carry too. Won't you let me help you?"
"I am sorry," he said. "I hope I didn't hurt you, and you have such heavy bags to carry too. Can I help you?"
"Oh! come on, Leslie," said his cousins; "we shall never get to the pond at this rate!"
"Oh, come on, Leslie," said his cousins, "we're never going to make it to the pond at this rate!"
"Yes, go on," said the old woman sharply; "your skating is of a great deal more importance than an old woman, eh?"
"Yeah, go ahead," the old woman said sharply; "your skating is way more important than an old woman, right?"
But Leslie's only answer was to take the parcels and trudge merrily along beside his companion.
But Leslie's only response was to grab the parcels and happily walk alongside his friend.
On the way to her cottage the old woman asked him all sorts of questions about himself and his cousins, and then, having reached her cottage, dismissed him with scarcely a "thank you" for the trouble he had taken. But Leslie did not take it much to heart.
On the way to her cottage, the old woman asked him a bunch of questions about himself and his cousins. When they arrived at her cottage, she hardly said "thank you" for the trouble he had gone to. But Leslie didn't let it bother him too much.
He raced along, trying his hardest to overtake his cousins before they reached the pond, and was soon skimming about with the rest of them.
He sprinted ahead, doing his best to catch up to his cousins before they got to the pond, and soon he was gliding around with the others.
Squire Leaholme, in whose grounds the boys were skating, afterwards came down to the pond to watch the fun, and, being a kind-hearted old gentleman, offered to give a prize of a new pair of skates to the boy who should win the greatest number of races.
Squire Leaholme, whose land the boys were skating on, later came down to the pond to watch them have fun. Being a kind-hearted old gentleman, he offered to give a prize of a new pair of skates to the boy who won the most races.
As it was getting late, it was arranged that the racing should come off on the following day, and the Squire invited all the boys who took part in it, to come up to his house to a substantial tea, after the fun was over.
As it was getting late, it was decided that the race would take place the next day, and the Squire invited all the boys participating to come over to his house for a hearty tea after the fun was done.
How delighted Leslie was, for he was a first-rate skater, and he did so want a new pair of skates!
How happy Leslie was, because he was an excellent skater, and he really wanted a new pair of skates!
But the Squire's skates were not to be won by him, for on the following day as he and his cousins were on their way to the pond, they came across the queer old woman whom they had met on the previous day.
But the Squire's skates weren't going to be his, because the next day, as he and his cousins were heading to the pond, they ran into the strange old woman they had met the day before.
She was sitting on the ground, and seemed to be in great pain. The boys stopped to ask what ailed her, and she told them that she had slipped and twisted her foot, and was afraid that her ankle was sprained, for she could not bear to put it to the ground.
She was sitting on the ground and looked like she was in a lot of pain. The boys stopped to ask her what was wrong, and she said that she had slipped and twisted her foot, and was worried that her ankle was sprained because she couldn't put any weight on it.
"You musn't sit here in the cold," said Leslie; "come, try and get up, and I will help you home."
"You shouldn't sit here in the cold," said Leslie; "come on, try to get up, and I'll help you get home."
"Oh! Leslie," cried both his cousins, "don't go. You will be late for the races, and lose your chance of the prize."
"Oh! Leslie," both his cousins exclaimed, "don't go. You'll be late for the races and miss your chance at the prize."
Poor Leslie! He turned first red, then white, and then said, in a husky tone of voice—
Poor Leslie! He first turned red, then white, and then said, in a hoarse voice—
"Never mind—you go on without me."
"Don't worry about me—just go ahead without me."
"You're a good laddie," said the old woman. "Will you be very sorry to miss the fun?"
"You're a good boy," said the old woman. "Will you be really sorry to miss the fun?"
Leslie muttered something about not minding much, and then the brave little fellow set himself to help the poor old woman home, as gently and tenderly as he could.
Leslie mumbled something about not caring much, and then the brave little guy started helping the poor old woman home, as gently and kindly as he could.
She would not let him come in with her, but told him to run off as quickly as he could, and perhaps after all, he would not be too late for the skating. But Leslie could not bear to leave her alone and in pain, so he decided to run home and fetch his Aunt.
She wouldn't let him come in with her, but told him to leave as fast as he could, and maybe he'd still make it to the skating. But Leslie couldn't stand the thought of leaving her alone and hurting, so he decided to run home and get his Aunt.
When Mrs. Howard arrived at the cottage, you can think how surprised she was to find that Leslie's "poor old woman" was none other than Grandmamma Howard herself, who wishing to find out the real characters of her grandsons, had chosen to come in this disguise to the little village where they lived.
When Mrs. Howard arrived at the cottage, you can imagine how surprised she was to find that Leslie's "poor old woman" was actually Grandmamma Howard herself, who, wanting to discover the true nature of her grandsons, had decided to come in this disguise to the little village where they lived.
You will easily guess which of the three boys Grandmamma chose to be her little companion. And oh! what a lovely Grandmamma she was, as not only Leslie, but his cousins too, found out. She always seemed to know exactly what a boy wanted, and still better, to give it to him.
You can easily figure out which of the three boys Grandma picked to be her little buddy. And wow! What a wonderful Grandma she was, as both Leslie and his cousins discovered. She always seemed to know exactly what a boy wanted and, even better, how to give it to him.
Walter and Stanley often felt terribly ashamed of the selfish manner in which they had behaved, and wished they were more like Leslie.
Walter and Stanley often felt really ashamed of how selfishly they had acted, and wished they were more like Leslie.
But Grandmamma told them that it was "never too late to mend," and they took her advice, and I am quite sure that at the present moment if they were to meet a poor old woman in distress by the roadside, they would not pass her by, as they once did Grandmamma Howard.
But Grandma told them that it was "never too late to change," and they took her advice. I’m pretty sure that if they were to come across a poor old woman in trouble on the side of the road now, they wouldn't ignore her like they once did Grandma Howard.
THE DOLLS' CHRISTMAS PARTY.
It was the week before Christmas, and the dolls In the toy-shop played together all night. The biggest one was from Paris.
It was the week before Christmas, and the dolls in the toy shop played together all night. The largest one was from Paris.
One night she said, "We ought to have a party before Santa Claus carries us away to the little girls. I can dance, and I will show you how."
One night she said, "We should throw a party before Santa Claus takes us away to the little girls. I can dance, and I'll show you how."
"I can dance myself if you will pull the string," said a "Jim Crow" doll.
"I can dance myself if you pull the string," said a "Jim Crow" doll.
"What shall we have for supper?" piped a little boy-doll in a Jersey suit. He was always thinking about eating.
"What are we having for dinner?" asked a little boy doll dressed in a Jersey suit. He always had food on his mind.
"Oh, dear," cried the French lady, "I don't know what we shall do for supper!"
"Oh no," exclaimed the French woman, "I have no idea what we’re going to have for dinner!"
"I can get the supper," added a big rag doll. The other dolls had never liked her very well, but they thanked her now. She had taken lessons at a cooking-school, and knew how to make cake and candy. She gave French names to everything she made, and this made it taste better. Old Mother Hubbard was there, and she said the rag doll did not know how to cook anything.
"I can make dinner," said a large rag doll. The other dolls had never been too fond of her, but they thanked her now. She had taken classes at a cooking school and knew how to make cake and candy. She gave French names to everything she made, and it made it taste better. Old Mother Hubbard was there, and she said the rag doll didn't know how to cook anything.
They danced in one of the great shop-windows. They opened a toy piano, and a singing-doll played "Comin' through the Rye," The dolls did not find that a good tune to dance by; but the lady did not know any other, although she was the most costly doll in the shop. Then they wound up a music-box, and danced by that. This did very well for some tunes; but they had to walk around when it played "Hail Columbia," and wait for something else.
They danced in one of the big store windows. They opened a toy piano, and a singing doll played "Comin' Through the Rye." The dolls didn't think it was a good song to dance to, but the lady didn't know any other, even though she was the most expensive doll in the store. Then they wound up a music box and danced to that. It worked for some songs, but they had to walk around when it played "Hail Columbia" and wait for something else.
The "Jim Crow" doll had to dance by himself, for he could do nothing but a "break-down." He would not dance at all unless some one pulled his string. A toy monkey did this; but he would not stop when the dancer was tired.
The "Jim Crow" doll had to dance by himself, because he could only do a "break-down." He wouldn't dance at all unless someone pulled his string. A toy monkey did this, but it wouldn’t stop even when the dancer was tired.
They had supper on one of the counters. The rag doll placed some boxes for tables. The supper was of candy, for there was nothing in the shop to eat but sugar hearts and eggs. The dolls like candy better than anything else, and the supper was splendid. Patsy McQuirk said he could not eat candy. He wanted to know what kind of a supper it was without any potatoes. He got very angry, put his hands into his pockets, and smoked his pipe. It was very uncivil for him to do so in company. The smoke made the little ladies sick, and they all tried to climb into a [pg 34] "horn of plenty" to get out of the way.
They had dinner on one of the counters. The rag doll set up some boxes as tables. The dinner was all candy, since there was nothing in the shop to eat except sugar hearts and eggs. The dolls liked candy more than anything else, and the dinner was amazing. Patsy McQuirk said he couldn't eat candy. He wanted to know what kind of a dinner it was without any potatoes. He got really upset, shoved his hands in his pockets, and smoked his pipe. It was quite rude for him to do that in company. The smoke made the little ladies feel sick, and they all tried to climb into a [pg 34] "horn of plenty" to get away from it.
Mother Hubbard and the two black waiters tried to sing "I love Little Pussy;" but the tall one in a brigand hat opened his mouth wide, that the small dollies were afraid they might fall into it. The clown raised both arms in wonder, and Jack in the Box sprang up as high as me could to look down into the fellow's throat.
Mother Hubbard and the two black waiters tried to sing "I love Little Pussy;" but the tall one in a brigand hat opened his mouth wide, making the small dolls worried they might fall in. The clown raised both arms in amazement, and Jack in the Box jumped as high as he could to peek into the guy's throat.
All the baby-dolls in caps and long dresses had been put to bed. They woke up when the others were at supper, and began to cry. The big doll brought them some candy, and that kept them quiet for some time.
All the baby dolls in caps and long dresses had been put to bed. They woke up when the others were having dinner and started to cry. The big doll brought them some candy, and that kept them quiet for a while.
The next morning a little girl found the toy piano open. She was sure the dolls had been playing on it. The [pg 35] grown-up people thought it had been left open the night before; but they do not understand dolls as well as little people do.
The next morning, a little girl discovered the toy piano open. She was convinced the dolls had been playing with it. The [pg 35] adults believed it had been left open the night before, but they don't understand dolls as well as kids do.
GRANDMA'S CHRISTMAS GIFTS.
Grandma Burns sat knitting busily in the sun one bright morning the week before Christmas. The snow lay deep, and the hard crust glistened like silver. All at once she heard little sighs of grief outside her door. When she opened it there sat Peter and Jimmy Rice, two very poor little boys, with their faces in their hands; and they were crying.
Grandma Burns sat knitting happily in the sun one bright morning the week before Christmas. The snow was deep, and the hard crust sparkled like silver. Suddenly, she heard little sighs of sadness outside her door. When she opened it, she found Peter and Jimmy Rice, two very poor little boys, with their faces in their hands; and they were crying.
"My patience!" cried grandma. "What can be the matter with two bright little boys this sunny morning?"
"My patience!" Grandma exclaimed. "What could be wrong with two bright little boys on such a sunny morning?"
"We don't have no good times," sighed little Peter.
"We don't have any good times," sighed little Peter.
"We can't slide. We haven't any sleds," whimpered Jimmy.
"We can't slide. We don’t have any sleds," whined Jimmy.
"Why, of course boys can't have a good time without sleds," said grandma, cheerily. "Let us look about and see if we can't find something." And grandma's cap-border bobbed behind barrels and boxes in the shed and all among the cobwebs in the garret; but nothing could be found suitable.
"Of course boys can't have fun without sleds," said grandma, cheerfully. "Let's see if we can find something." And grandma's cap bobbed behind barrels and boxes in the shed and all among the cobwebs in the attic; but nothing suitable could be found.
"Hum! I do believe this would do for little Pete;" and the dear old lady drew a large, pressed-tin pan off the top shelf in the pantry. A long, smooth butter-tray was found for Jimmy. Grandma shook her cap-border with laughter to see them skim over the hard crust [pg 36] in their queer sleds. And the boys shouted and swung their hands as they flew past the window.
"Hum! I think this will be perfect for little Pete," the sweet old lady said as she took a big, pressed-tin pan down from the top shelf in the pantry. She found a long, smooth butter tray for Jimmy. Grandma chuckled as she watched them glide over the hard crust [pg 36] in their funny sleds. The boys cheered and waved their arms as they zoomed past the window.
"I do expect they'll wear 'em about through," murmured grandma; "but boys must slide,—that's certain."
"I do expect they'll wear them out," grandma murmured; "but boys have to slide—that's for sure."
And the pan was scoured as bright as a new silver dollar and the red paint was all gone off the wooden tray when Peter and Jimmy brought their sleds back.
And the pan was scrubbed as shiny as a new silver dollar and the red paint was completely worn off the wooden tray when Peter and Jimmy brought their sleds back.
Grandma knitted faster than ever all that day, and her face was bright with smiles. She was planning something. She went to see Job Easter that night. He promised to make two small sleds for the pair of socks she was knitting.
Grandma knitted faster than ever all day, and her face was lit up with smiles. She was up to something. That night, she went to see Job Easter. He promised to make two small sleds for the pair of socks she was knitting.
When the sleds were finished she dyed them red and drew a yellow horse upon each one. Grandma called them horses, but no one would have suspected it. Then the night before Christmas she drew on her great socks over her shoes to keep her from slipping, put on her hood and cloak, and dragged the little sleds over to Peter and Timmy's house.
When the sleds were done, she dyed them red and painted a yellow horse on each one. Grandma called them horses, but no one would have guessed it. Then, the night before Christmas, she pulled on her big socks over her shoes to prevent slipping, put on her hood and cloak, and dragged the little sleds over to Peter and Timmy's house.
She hitched them to the door-latch, and went home laughing all the way.
She hooked them to the door latch and laughed all the way home.
MAMA'S HAPPY CHRISTMAS.
It had seemed to the little Wendell children that they would have a very sad Christmas. Mama had been very ill, and papa had been so anxious about mama that he could not think of anything else.
It seemed to the little Wendell kids that they would have a very sad Christmas. Mom had been really sick, and Dad had been so worried about her that he couldn't focus on anything else.
When Christmas Day came, however, mama was so much better that she could lie on the lounge. The children all brought their stockings into her room to open them.
When Christmas Day arrived, though, Mom was feeling so much better that she could lie on the couch. The kids all brought their stockings into her room to open them.
"You children all seem as happy as if you had had your usual Christmas tree," said mama, as they sat around her.
"You all look as happy as if you had your usual Christmas tree," said mom, as they sat around her.
"Why, I never had such a happy Christmas before," said sweet little Agnes. "And it's just because you are well again."
"Why, I never had such a happy Christmas before," said sweet little Agnes. "And it's just because you're well again."
"Now I think you must all run out for the rest of the day," said the nurse, "because your mama wants to see you all again this evening."
"Now I think you all need to go out for the rest of the day," said the nurse, "because your mom wants to see you all again this evening."
"I wish we could get up something expressly for mama's amusement," said Agnes, when they had gone into the nursery.
"I wish we could put together something just for mom's enjoyment," said Agnes, when they had gone into the nursery.
"How would you like to have some tableaux in here?" asked their French governess, Miss Marcelle.
"How would you like to have some pictures in here?" asked their French governess, Miss Marcelle.
"Oh, yes," they all cried, "it would be fun, mama loves tableaux."
"Oh, yes," they all shouted, "it would be fun, Mom loves tableaux."
So all day long they were busy arranging five tableaux for the evening. The tableaux were to be in the room which had folding-doors opening into Mrs. Wendell's sitting-room.
So all day long they were busy setting up five tableaux for the evening. The tableaux were to be in the room that had folding doors leading into Mrs. Wendell's sitting room.
At the proper time Miss Marcelle stepped outside the
folding-doors and made a pretty little speech. She said that
some young ladies and a [pg 39]
[pg 40] young gentleman had asked
permission to show some tableaux to Mrs. Wendell if she
would like to see them. Mrs. Wendell replied that she would
be charmed.
At the right moment, Miss Marcelle stepped out through the folding doors and gave a lovely little speech. She mentioned that some young ladies and a [pg 39]
[pg 40] young man had requested permission to show some tableaux to Mrs. Wendell if she was interested in seeing them. Mrs. Wendell responded that she would be delighted.
Miss Marcelle had arranged everything so nicely, and Celeste, the French maid, helped so much with the dressing, that the pictures all went off without a single mistake.
Miss Marcelle had everything organized perfectly, and Celeste, the French maid, was a huge help with the dressing, so the photos turned out without a single flaw.
Mama was delighted. She said she must kiss those dear young ladies, and that delightful young man who had given her such a charming surprise.
Mama was thrilled. She said she had to kiss those lovely young ladies and that wonderful young man who had given her such a delightful surprise.
So all the children came in rosy and smiling.
So all the kids came in looking cheerful and beaming.
"Why, didn't you know us?" asked the little Lord Admiral.
"Why, didn't you know us?" asked the little Lord Admiral.
"I know this," said mama, "I am like Agnes; I never had such a happy Christmas before."
"I know this," said mom, "I'm just like Agnes; I never had such a happy Christmas before."
THE CHRISTMAS CAROL OF THE BIRDS.
Do you know, when we are having such good times at Christmas, what sweet music they have in Norway, that cold country across the sea? One day in the year the simple peasants who live there make the birds very happy, so that they sing, of their own free-will, a glad, joyous carol on Christmas morning.
Do you know, when we're having such a great time at Christmas, what beautiful music they have in Norway, that chilly country across the sea? One day each year, the simple farmers who live there make the birds very happy, so that they sing, of their own free will, a cheerful, joyful carol on Christmas morning.
And this is why they sing on that morning more than on any other. After the birds have found shelter from the north wind [pg 43] on Christmas-eve, and the night is still and bright with stars, or even if the storm be ever so severe, the good people bring out sheaves of corn and wheat from their storehouses. Tying them on slender poles, they raise them from every spire, barn, gatepost, and gable; then, when the Christmas sun rises over the hills, every spire and gable bursts forth into joyous song.
And that's why they sing that morning more than on any other. After the birds have found shelter from the north wind [pg 43] on Christmas Eve, and the night is still and bright with stars, or even if the storm is really bad, the kind-hearted people take out bundles of corn and wheat from their storerooms. Tying them to slender poles, they raise them from every spire, barn, gatepost, and gable; then, when the Christmas sun rises over the hills, every spire and gable bursts into joyous song.
You can well believe that these songs of the birds make the people of Norway very happy. They echo, with all their hearts, their living, grateful anthem, "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, good-will to men!"
You can definitely believe that these bird songs make the people of Norway very happy. They wholeheartedly echo their living, grateful anthem, "Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace, goodwill to men!"
A TURKEY FOR ONE.
Lura's Uncle Roy is in Japan. He used to take Christmas dinner at Lura's home. Now he could only write her papa to say a box of gifts had been sent, and one was for his little girl.
Lura's Uncle Roy is in Japan. He used to have Christmas dinner at Lura's house. Now he can only write her dad to say that a box of gifts has been sent, and one is for his little girl.
The little girl clapped her hands, crying, "Oh, mamma! don't you think it is the chain and locket dear uncle said he would sometime give me?"
The little girl clapped her hands, crying, "Oh, Mom! Don't you think it's the chain and locket my dear uncle said he would someday give me?"
"No," replied her papa, reading on. "Your uncle says it is a turkey for one."
"No," her dad replied, continuing to read. "Your uncle says it’s a turkey for one."
"But we do not need turkeys from Japan," remarked the little daughter, soberly.
"But we don't need turkeys from Japan," the little daughter said seriously.
But her mamma folded the letter and said nothing.
But her mom folded the letter and said nothing.
On Christmas eve the box, which had just arrived, was opened, and every one in the house was made glad with a present. Lura's was a papier-mache turkey, nearly as large as the one brought home at the same time by the market-boy.
On Christmas Eve, the box that had just arrived was opened, and everyone in the house was filled with joy by a gift. Lura's gift was a paper-mache turkey, almost as big as the one the market boy brought home at the same time.
Next morning, while the fowl in the kitchen was being roasted, Lura placed hers before a window and watched people admire it as they passed. All its imitation feathers, and even more its red wattles, seemed to wish every man and woman, boy and girl, a Merry Christmas.
Next morning, while the chicken in the kitchen was being roasted, Lura put hers by a window and watched people admire it as they walked by. Its fake feathers, and especially its red wattles, seemed to wish every man, woman, boy, and girl a Merry Christmas.
Lura had not spoken of the jewelry since her uncle's letter was read. It is not nice for one who receives a gift to wish it was different. Lura was not that kind of a child.
Lura hadn't mentioned the jewelry since her uncle's letter was read. It's not considerate for someone who receives a gift to wish it were different. Lura wasn't that kind of child.
"Mine is what Uncle Roy calls a turkey for one," laughed Lura. She turned in her chair towards where her bird had been strutting on the window-sill, and added, in surprise, "Why, what has become of him?"
"Mine is what Uncle Roy calls a turkey for one," laughed Lura. She turned in her chair towards where her bird had been strutting on the windowsill and added, in surprise, "Why, what happened to him?"
At that moment the servant brought in a huge platter. When room had been made for it on the table it was set down in front of Lura's papa, and on the dish was her turkey.
At that moment, the servant brought in a large platter. Once there was space for it on the table, it was placed in front of Lura's dad, and on the dish was her turkey.
"Oh, what fun!" gayly exclaimed the child. "Did uncle tell you to pretend to serve it?"
"Oh, this is so much fun!" the child exclaimed happily. "Did Uncle ask you to pretend to serve it?"
"I have not finished what he directs me to do," her papa said, with a flourish of the carving-knife.
"I haven't completed what he asked me to do," her dad said, waving the carving knife.
"But, papa—oh, please!" Her hand was on his arm. "You would not spoil my beautiful bird from Japan!
"But, Dad—oh, please!" Her hand was on his arm. "You wouldn't ruin my beautiful bird from Japan!
It was a turkey for one,—for only Uncle Roy's niece. But all the family shared the amusement.
It was a turkey for one—only for Uncle Roy's niece. But the whole family enjoyed the fun.
LITTLE CHRISTMAS CAROLLERS.
We are a band of carollers,
We are a group of carolers,
We march through frost and snow,
We walk through frost and snow,
But care not for the weather
But don't worry about the weather.
As on our way we go.
As we continue on our way.
At every hall or cottage
At every house or cottage
That stands upon our way,
That blocks our path,
We stop to give the people
We stop to give the people
Best wishes for the day.
Best wishes for the day.
We pray a merry Christmas,
We wish you a merry Christmas,
Made bright by Christmas cheer,
Brightened by Christmas cheer,
With peace, and hope, and gladness
With peace, hope, and joy
And all they may hold dear.
And everything they could treasure.
And for all those that happen
And for everyone involved
To pass us on our way
To pass us on our way
We have a smile, and wish them
We have a smile and wish them
A merry Christmas-day.
A Merry Christmas Day.
WHAT HAPPENED CHRISTMAS EVE.
t was Christmas Eve and the frost fairies were busy getting ready for Christmas Day. First of all they spread the loveliest white snow carpet over the rough, bare ground; then they hung the bushes and trees with icicles that flashed like diamonds in the moonlight. Later on, they planned to draw beautiful frost pictures on the window panes, to surprise the little children in the morning.
It was Christmas Eve, and the frost fairies were hard at work preparing for Christmas Day. First, they laid down a beautiful white blanket of snow over the rough, bare ground; then they decorated the bushes and trees with icicles that sparkled like diamonds in the moonlight. Later, they planned to create beautiful frost designs on the window panes to surprise the little children in the morning.
The stars shone brightly and the moon sent floods of light in every nook and corner. How could any one think of sleeping when there was such a glory outside!
The stars twinkled brightly, and the moon poured light into every nook and corner. How could anyone think about sleeping when there was such beauty outside!
Jessie and Fred had gone to bed very early so they might be the first to shout "Merry Christmas!" but their eyes would not stay shut.
Jessie and Fred had gone to bed really early so they could be the first to shout "Merry Christmas!" but their eyes just wouldn't stay closed.
"Oh dear! it must be 'most morning," said Fred; "let us creep softly down stairs and maybe we'll catch Santa Claus before he rides off."
"Oh no! It must be almost morning," said Fred; "let's sneak quietly down the stairs and maybe we'll catch Santa Claus before he leaves."
Hand in hand they tiptoed to the dining-room and peeped out the big window;—surely, surely, that was something climbing up the roof of cousin Nellie's house; it must be old Santa. Fred gave a chuckle of delight; to be sure the reindeer were very queer looking objects, and the sleigh such a funny shape, but the children were satisfied.
Hand in hand, they quietly walked to the dining room and looked out the big window; surely, that was something climbing up the roof of cousin Nellie's house—it had to be Santa. Fred let out a happy chuckle; the reindeer looked really odd, and the sleigh was such a silly shape, but the kids were totally happy.
The old fir tree, whose high branches almost touched the roof, knew all about those shadows, but it was so old no one could ever understand a word of the many tales it told.
The old fir tree, with its high branches almost brushing the roof, knew all about those shadows, but it was so old that no one could ever understand a word of the many stories it shared.
"There's something scratching on the door," whispered Jessie; but it was only a mouse, who had sniffed the delightful odors of the Christmas goodies and was trying his best to find a way into the pantry and test them with his sharp teeth.
"There's something scratching at the door," whispered Jessie; but it was just a mouse, who had caught a whiff of the delicious Christmas treats and was doing its best to find a way into the pantry to nibble on them with its sharp teeth.
"Come," said Jessie, "we'll turn to icicles if we stay here much, longer"; so up-stairs they quickly scampered.
"Come on," said Jessie, "we'll turn into icicles if we stay here much longer"; so they quickly ran upstairs.
Papa had been to town on an errand, so it was quite late when he came home. As he was hunting in his pockets for his key, he heard a pitiful cry, and looking down he saw a big, white cat carrying a tiny kitten in her mouth.
Papa had been to town on an errand, so it was pretty late when he got home. While he was searching his pockets for his key, he heard a sad cry, and looking down, he saw a big white cat carrying a tiny kitten in her mouth.
"Poor thing," said papa, "you shall come inside till morning."
"Poor thing," said Dad, "you can come inside until morning."
Santa Claus had been there with the nicest wagon for Fred and a warm, seal-skin cap that lay right in the middle of it. When papa left the room, puss and her kitty were curled up comfortably on the rug singing their sleepy song.
Santa Claus had been there with the coolest wagon for Fred and a warm, seal-skin cap that sat right in the middle of it. When Dad left the room, the cat and her kitten were curled up comfortably on the rug, singing their sleepy song.
The sun was shining brightly in the dining-room window when Jessie and Fred made their appearance; then Fred just laughed with delight, for right in the crown of his new cap lay the cutest white kitten, with big, blue eyes and wee pink nose, while standins close by as if to guard her darling from danger, was good old mother puss.
The sun was shining brightly in the dining room window when Jessie and Fred arrived; Fred couldn't help but laugh with joy because right in the center of his new cap was the cutest white kitten, with big blue eyes and a tiny pink nose. Standing close by, as if to protect her little one from harm, was good old mother cat.
"I never had a live Christmas present before," said Fred, "now I know Santa Claus read the letter I threw up the chimney because I told him to bring me a kitten and here it is."
"I've never had a live Christmas gift before," said Fred, "now I know Santa Claus read the letter I tossed up the chimney because I asked him to bring me a kitten, and here it is."
Papa smiled and looked at mamma, and then everybody said "Merry Christmas" at once.
Papa smiled and looked at Mom, and then everyone said, "Merry Christmas!" all at once.
SUSY'S CHRISTMAS PRESENT.
"Tell us a story, nursie; please do", begged two little golden-haired girls, as they snuggled on the soft rug before the fire. "Did you ever have just what you wished for at Christmas, when you were a little girl?"
"Tell us a story, nurse; please do," begged two little golden-haired girls as they snuggled on the soft rug in front of the fire. "Did you ever get exactly what you wished for at Christmas when you were a little girl?"
"Yes, I did once. I was the oldest, and had two brothers and three little sisters. We did not have a beautiful home like this. We lived in a little cottage. It was pretty, though, in the summer time, when the roses and pinks were in bloom. My father was dead, and mother worked for the rich people around the village. There was plenty to do about holiday times.
"Yeah, I did once. I was the oldest, and I had two brothers and three little sisters. We didn't have a nice home like this one. We lived in a small cottage. It was pretty, though, in the summer when the roses and pink flowers were blooming. My father had passed away, and my mother worked for the wealthy people in the village. There was a lot to do during the holidays."
"It was the day before Christmas. Mother was at the house of a very rich and kind lady. She was going to have a grand party in the evening.
"It was the day before Christmas. Mom was at the home of a very wealthy and generous woman. She was going to have a big party that evening."
"Mother told me, when she went away, to mind the children, and perhaps I might have a nice Christmas present. I knew we should have plenty of candy and cake, and other nice things, from Mrs. Reid's. We often had pretty clothes, too, that Mamie and Robbie Reid had outgrown.
"Mom told me, when she left, to take care of the kids, and maybe I would get a nice Christmas gift. I knew we would have lots of candy and cake, and other good treats from Mrs. Reid's. We often got nice clothes, too, that Mamie and Robbie Reid had outgrown."
"I had been wishing for a muff; but I knew Mother could not afford to buy me one. It was hard enough even to get shoes for us all. I thought I should have to be satisfied with mittens.
"I had been hoping for a muff, but I knew Mom couldn't afford to buy me one. It was tough enough just to get shoes for all of us. I figured I'd have to settle for mittens."
"It was quite dark, and we all sat around the fire. I had rocked Tilly to sleep and put her to bed. Willie and Joe were playing cat's-cradle. The rest of us were making believe we were rich and could have all we wanted for Christmas.
"It was pretty dark, and we all gathered around the fire. I had rocked Tilly to sleep and tucked her in. Willie and Joe were playing cat's-cradle. The rest of us were pretending we were rich and could have everything we wanted for Christmas."
"All at once there was a heavy step on the porch, and a knock at the door. I opened it, with Margie and Amy clinging to my dress. A boy shoved a big box into the room and shouted, 'A merry Christmas to you!' He then ran out at the gate.
"Suddenly, there was a loud step on the porch, followed by a knock on the door. I opened it, with Margie and Amy holding onto my dress. A boy pushed a large box into the room and yelled, 'Merry Christmas to you!' Then he ran out through the gate."
"The box had all our names on the cover, and the children were wild to see what was inside.
"The box had all our names on the front, and the kids were eager to see what was inside."
"'Wait till mother comes,' I said; and pretty soon we heard her at the gate, She seemed surprised, and said Santa Claus had remembered us early.
"'Wait till Mom gets here,' I said; and before long we heard her at the gate. She seemed surprised and said Santa Claus had remembered us early.
"Mother advised us to go to bed and wait until morning to see our presents. It was pretty hard; but we had some oranges and candy, and I put the boys to bed. Margie and I wondered and guessed what was in the box; but at last we fell asleep.
"Mom told us to go to bed and wait until morning to see our presents. It was pretty tough, but we had some oranges and candy, so I got the boys to bed. Margie and I kept wondering and guessing what was in the box, but eventually, we fell asleep."
"You may be sure we were up early in the morning. There were dolls and toys for the little ones, with hoods and mittens, and for me a lovely squirrel muff, lined with blue, with a soft little boa for my neck. I was a happy girl that Christmas, I can tell you.
You can bet we were up early in the morning. There were dolls and toys for the little ones, with hoods and mittens, and for me a beautiful squirrel muff, lined with blue, along with a soft little boa for my neck. I was a happy girl that Christmas, I can tell you.
"And now, my dears, you must go to bed, or Santa Claus will not be able to find your stockings."
"And now, my dear ones, you need to go to bed, or Santa Claus won't be able to find your stockings."
"Oh! I hope I shall have what I want to-morrow!" said Gracie.
"Oh! I hope I get what I want tomorrow!" said Gracie.
"And I, too," echoed Helen. "And your story was very nice, nursie."
"And I, too," Helen echoed. "And your story was really nice, nurse."
"Good-night, and call us early in the morning."
"Good night, and call us first thing in the morning."
SANTA CLAUS'S LETTER.
Christmas was coming. Jamie and Ted had already begun to write long letters to Santa Claus. But one thing was rather queer: both boys asked him for the same things.
Christmas was approaching. Jamie and Ted had already started writing lengthy letters to Santa Claus. But there was something quite strange: both boys asked him for the same things.
Each little letter ended with,—"Just like Brother's."
Each little letter ended with, —"Just like Brother's."
They agreed to ask for only one sled. They would rather ride together. Now was not this very sweet and loving?
They decided to ask for just one sled. They preferred to ride together. Isn't that really sweet and loving?
One night, after they had gone to bed, Jamie said, "Ted, if Santa Claus brings us skates, Jim can teach us how to use them."
One night, after they had gone to bed, Jamie said, "Ted, if Santa brings us skates, Jim can teach us how to use them."
"Oh, yes; and if we get fur mittens it will be such fun to make a fort."
"Oh, definitely! And if we get fur mittens, it'll be so much fun to build a fort."
"And a snow-man," Jamie answered.
"And a snowman," Jamie replied.
Ted went oh: "I'll always ride the sled down a hill, and you can ride it up."
Ted said, "I'll always ride the sled downhill, and you can ride it uphill."
"I guess you won't," Jamie said, speaking loudly.
"I guess you won't," Jamie said, raising his voice.
"Why not?" Ted asked.
"Why not?" Ted asked.
"Because it'll be as much my sled as yours."
"Because it'll be just as much my sled as it is yours."
"Yes, of course," Ted replied; "but I chose it first."
"Sure," Ted replied, "but I picked it first."
"You are a selfish boy!" said Jamie.
"You’re a selfish kid!" said Jamie.
"Well, then, so are you!"
"Well, then, so are you!"
"I don't care. I won't sleep with you. I'll ask mamma if I can't have the first pick; I'm the biggest," roared Jamie, bounding out of bed.
"I don't care. I'm not sleeping with you. I'll ask Mom if I can have the first pick; I'm the biggest," yelled Jamie, jumping out of bed.
"You're a big, cross cry baby," Ted shouted, jumping out after his brother.
"You're such a big, whiny crybaby," Ted shouted, leaping out after his brother.
Away ran Jamie to mamma, with Ted at his heels. Both were angry. Both talked at once.
Away ran Jamie to Mom, with Ted right behind him. Both were angry. Both talked at the same time.
Mamma was grieved. Her dear little boys had never been so unkind to each other before. She kissed their hot faces and stroked their pretty hair. She told them how their naughty words hurt her. She showed them how displeased God was to see two little brothers quarrel.
Mamma was upset. Her dear little boys had never been so unkind to each other before. She kissed their warm faces and stroked their beautiful hair. She told them how their mean words hurt her. She showed them how unhappy God was to see two little brothers fight.
That night they went to sleep in each other's arms, full of love and forgiveness.
That night, they fell asleep in each other's arms, filled with love and forgiveness.
Christmas morning came at last. Very early the boys crept out of bed, just to "feel" their stockings.
Christmas morning finally arrived. The boys woke up very early and quietly got out of bed just to check their stockings.
Papa heard them, and, remembering that he was once a boy lighted the gas.
Papa heard them and, remembering that he was once a boy, turned on the gas.
Each little red stocking was full from toe to top. Boxes and [pg 57] paper parcels were piled around them. Such shouting! Such a good time! It seemed as if all their letters had been answered.
Each little red stocking was packed from toe to top. Boxes and [pg 57] wrapped parcels were stacked around them. What a noise! What a great time! It felt like all their letters had been responded to.
Suddenly Jamie cried, "O Ted, here's a letter!"
Suddenly Jamie shouted, "Oh Ted, there's a letter!"
They put their little heads together, and with papa's help spelled this out:—
They put their heads together, and with Dad's help spelled this out:—
"My dear Boys,—No sled this year. It quarrelled so I was afraid to bring it. I dropped it off the load about a week ago. Get ready for it next year. Merry Christmas! SANTA CLAUS."
"Dear Boys, — There’s no sled this year. It caused so much trouble that I decided not to bring it. I left it behind about a week ago. Get ready for it next year. Merry Christmas! SANTA CLAUS."
A RAGGED CHRISTMAS FEAST.
On Christmas day there is a great feast in Dublin. This, you know, is the chief city of Ireland. The feast is made for the children. There are in that city a great many little ones who are very [pg 58] very poor. There are kind people there, also, who look after these poor children. They have what they call "ragged schools," where many of them are taught to read, and to sew, and other useful things.
On Christmas Day, there’s a big feast in Dublin. This is the main city of Ireland. The feast is meant for the kids. There are many little ones in that city who are very [pg 58] very poor. Fortunately, there are kind people who take care of these children. They have what's called "ragged schools," where many of them learn to read, sew, and other practical skills.
Dr. Nelaton is a famous minister in Dublin, and every year he, with other good people, gets up this great feast for the children. About eight hundred of them came last year. Some of these were only half-clad, and all were very ragged. They were seated at long, narrow tables, which were covered with a white cloth, The children from the ragged schools wore aprons in bright colors, to hide their rags. Each school had a color of its own. These aprons were only lent them for the day, and the children felt very fine in them. But there were two long rows without any aprons. These were little ones who had been picked up along the streets. Each ragged scholar had permission to bring all the children he could find. And, oh, how ragged and dirty these two rows were!
Dr. Nelaton is a well-known minister in Dublin, and each year he and some other kind people organize a big feast for the kids. About eight hundred of them attended last year. Some of them were only partially dressed, and all looked very shabby. They sat at long, narrow tables covered with a white cloth. The kids from the ragged schools wore bright-colored aprons to cover their worn clothes, with each school having its own color. These aprons were only lent to them for the day, and the kids felt really good wearing them. But there were two long rows of kids without any aprons. These were little ones who had been picked up off the streets. Each ragged scholar was allowed to bring as many children as they could find. And, oh, how ragged and dirty those two rows were!
But they brightened up, just like the children with aprons, when they saw the feast. A huge mug of steaming tea and an immense bun to each child! Rarely did they have such a treat as this. And how they did eat! Each child had all he wanted. It would have done you good to see their poor, pinched faces beam with delight. [pg 59] During the meal a large throng of orphan children in the gallery sung some sweet songs. Then, after the feast, there were small gifts, and little speeches and prayers, and more songs. The little ragged ones seemed like new beings in this atmosphere of love. Such a glad day as that Christmas was a rare event in their sad lives. Children who live in happy homes know little about the sufferings of the poor. Perhaps, if they knew more, such little ones would try harder, by gifts and kind acts, to carry sunshine to sorrowful hearts.
But they lit up, just like the kids in aprons, when they saw the feast. Each child got a huge mug of steaming tea and a giant bun! It was rare for them to enjoy such a treat. And they ate with gusto! Each child got as much as they wanted. It would have warmed your heart to see their once-sad faces brighten with joy. [pg 59] During the meal, a large group of orphan kids in the gallery sang sweet songs. Then, after the feast, there were small gifts, little speeches and prayers, and more songs. The little ragged ones seemed transformed in this atmosphere of love. A joyful day like that Christmas was a rare event in their difficult lives. Kids who grow up in happy homes know little about the struggles of the poor. Maybe if they knew more, those kids would try harder, through gifts and kind acts, to bring some light to sorrowful hearts.
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