R= A na CEP, (PRT ae A Midsummer Jolly St. Nicholastown, PUSSY AND THE | | Visit From ‘Santa Claus ithey could never find out who it was) played a joke on Santa Claus and tore off all the leaves of the calendar up 10 Dec. 22, which, ax you know, is only three days before Christmas, It was and the weather was very hot. but according to his ealendar and had never found it wrong. believed time must have slipped by him without his realizing it. He had been rather taking his time in the workshop and had scarcely half enough toys to go around, so he was much worried bow to give presents to all his children. A fairy heard him talking to himse!f about his troubles and had a splendid fdea. She hurried into the woods nnd told the other fairies and all the beasts birds and bugs about Santa Claus ble, asking their help in the mat- don't see how we can help much.” a little bear cub. “We can't make toys.” “No,” said the fairy, “but you can be toys. My plan is for us to offer to take the places of the toys that Santa QOlaus needs. We fairies can be dolls. for there are lots of dolls’ dresses in Banta’s workshop, 1 know." “Splendid!” Santa said. “Just hop aboard my sleigh, which is hitched id the front yard, and we'll be off.” So the animals and fairies and every- thing else hopped into Santa's great sleigh, and he, climbing to the seat. elucked to his reindeer and bade them and trou ter. “uy sald « BPREAD THEIR WINGS AND FLEW OFF. fly over the ground. But they could not move the sleigh, for there was no | snow on the ground. Santa Claus did not know what to do, but the fairy de- clared that she could fix that difficulty. She blew a little whistle, and hun- dreds of white wild geese came fiying from the sky. She told them what was the matter, and the geese, catch: ing the end of a long rope in their | beaks, spread their wings and were off with the sleigh and its preciovs load, bearing it as lightly as a feather. | so that it hardly touched the ground. By morning Santa visited all the towns and left presents everywhere | He hadn't a single thing left in his sleigh and thought that he had done a very good night's work. The chil dren when they awoke in the mornin: and found the presents wondered where they could have come from Some of the little bears had curd: around their necks, ‘bears, who kept their claws curved in so that they wouldn't scratch, were | the most delightful things. The chi! dren were very fond of the gifts. The gnomes made splendid clow dolls, and some of the fairies were par | poe pretty doilies. The birds ir | cages sang sweetly, the beetic drilled like armies of real soldiers. and the field mice spun on their heads and skipped over each other's tail to the amusement of their small owners. In a few days, however, the childre:. began to tire even of these wonderfu' toys, and the forest people sal’ time to return to their ow: 2 = Hk g j g | § ; giv te i really midsummer. | Santa Claus, who | had always gone which read "a | Merry Christmas.” The children were ! surprised, but joyously began to play | with their strange toys. The little baby | Where Old Santa Claus Lives NCLE BOB,” said Nan as she and Ned took their places, one on each arm of ! the big rocking chair, in | which, as usual, during the children’s | hour, he was seated before the bilaz- | Ing log fire, “you promised you would ' take us to St Nicholastown some time.” “That's so!" exclaimed Ned. we're all aboard now. Let's start | | Toot, toot! Clang-a-lang-a-lang! Next | | station” — | | “Hold on.” said their uncle. “I'm the | | conductor of this excursion myself. The first station is eso | | “And | i Then we come to Perhaps. Here we follow the ! banks of Goose creek, which, as you know, wan- | ders everywhere to get to Noplace, and the first thing | city which 1s! NOW. old St. Nick himself, “Ah! This is the office of the Wish- | master. He takes the place of a post- | master with us, and a busy man he is | too. This is about how he talks to | himself as he records the wishes as | they come over the wishophone: | “A sled for Billy, skates for Joe; CHRISTMAS TURKEY beauty. goras. Although ROM the moment the kitten knew anything he was aware he wus a His father and moth- | er were lovely, long haired An- <0 good looking. he was a very spoil ed and ill man- nered kitten. His mother had fool 'A SANTA CLAUS FROM THE SEA stared about them. A biz wave had landed them high and dry on a sandy island. “All shipwrecks are horrid,” said Jack. “But 1 think I can find some thing to eat, and if you are coll why, you and Top sy can lle down and let me cover you with warm sand, and then AN and Jack and little black Topsy rubbed their eyes and ishliye said in his about. hearing that “Now, goodby.” with his looks said Jack. “I'm he could do as he liked. going to look for One day, when the kitten was about food.” And he three months old, a telegram came to It said. “Send little Angora to Miss Nellie Dale. the house where he lived. - Fifth avenue, New York.” The butler came in with a box, put the unsuspecting kitten in and nailed down the lid. What followed is too confusing to you know — why, | tell. There was much rattling over here we are at rough streets, much jolting over the gates of the | tracks, much shrieking of enginex. much bumping against boxes. At just named after good | it was over. The box was carried into | & warm, softly lighted room. A child's voice was heard exclaiming: “For me: Why, 1 wonder what it can be. A tiny mew soon told her, and in a few minutes the kitten was out of its prison and tightly snuggled in the arms of a little girl. A saucer of milk was soon lapped up, and pussy's life A wish that Christmas will bring us snow: | in his new home began. A poor woman wishes it won't be cold; | Dick wants a suit for a soldier bold: Dolls for a million or more of girls i With go-to-sleep eyes and flaxen curls; | Billions of boxes of candies and such; | Bodks 13, Feeneh, English, Spanish and | And every known language under the sun; Wagons and pistols, watches that run. “But here's old St. Nick himself. Listen to him. But I forgot that while | he understands all languages he speaks | only Fantasmia, so I'll have to trans- | late. He says: “ ‘Hello, chicks! So you've come to | see your dear old friend, have you? Glad of it! Make yourself at home. | Yes, we're busy, very busy, indeed. but | | never too busy to be polite. We have | every kind of factory in the world here. | | and all rushed with wishes. I tell you ' | it keeps us busy sort'ng them. Why. if we filled every ordi r just as it came | the world would be a funny place | Just think of it! Here's a little picka- | ' ninny wishes to be painted white, an- | other boy wishes he was a man, apd ' | a man wishes he was a boy, and a girl ' wishes she was a boy, and so on, but | | we got a funny wish during the dull . season last summer. A little boy | | whose mamma would not let him go | in swimming every day wished he | would be turned into a fish so he could | go swimming all the time. Ha, ha, ba! ' That reminds me of the saying in | Mother Goose: “+“If wishes were horses, beggars | would ride.” And a charming lady | Mother Goose is. The dear soul writes | me every now and then, and I'm gind | to hear from her. [I'll read you her | last letter. It says: | * ‘Dear old Santa Claus, I hope you're well As for me, I'm feeling wellish, | With only food and drink enough | To give to life a relish. I'm somewhat bothered, though, at times And more than I care to tell, i For Little Boy Blue and Little Bopeep i Don't do their duty well, { i i | | And Jia Johnny Green and big John out Will quarrel about the cat, WHlS So Thite Blind Mice eat up the f Helped by Jack's big rat. The Little Roast Pig is pretty well, And Jack and Jill are better. | I cannot write about all the folks; | *Twould make too long a letter. i | And now 1 must stop and put on the pot | Of porridge for the Man mm the Moon. i i i i i ! ' i i i | Give my love to all good children i | Wherever they may be found, | And tell them I always think of them ‘When Christmas comes | With best wishes, ! “MOTHER GOOSE." | “ ‘Good, dear old Mother Goose! She : | certainly has her hands full, but | | was talking about present factories and such things. i Look around you. | Take that candy | factory, for in- ; stance. It's built cracking sound you hear is from th: cracker factory. Ha, ha, ha! We erack crackers and jokes here too! ” “But,” interrupted Nan. “now tell u- | Nellle named her new pet Blizzard | because he was white and soft like drifted snow, Blizzard thought this name all right, but did not for an instant mean to an- He stole everything he could ! get. He broke an expensive vase be- he would play tag with himself the parlor mantel. He climbed up handsome new curtains at the hall ws with the result that they soon like streamers. He cried all the people were eating, wanting wea! other things not good for kittens the night before Christmas. servants were busy preparing: big dinner tomorrow, the relatives were invited, and the cook, knew that the only f | way to have her dinner on time was to things ready for it the day before had just got the big turkey ou! picked it clean of pinfeathers put it in the pantry while she grat d with which to stuff it. Company came in, and Dinah did no her turkey filled as she had hoped went to bed, setting her alarm fo: | ught the family to the kitch all armed and expecting to see u They found Dinah in a faim floor of the pantry, and besid. the big turkey. On lookin: hearing Dinah faintly whi cat,” all eyes turned to look cat. No one could locate him smothered mew sounded from grazFERIfee ~ IF Hiking E Dinah locked Blizzard in the laun until he should thoroughly repent Another turkey bad to be prepared. “Will you ever do such a naughty marched off like a man, with his hands in his pock ets. “Topsy,” said Nan after he had gone, “do yon know It is the day before Christmas and we won't get a single present tomorrow But Topsy was not despondent “What's de mattah wid Marse Sant: Claus?’ she demanded. “Ain’ he com in’ to dis islan’? Dat's whut I ask.” “Why, Topsy,” explained little Nan patiently, “how could he? His rein deer couldn't cross the water.” “Let him come in a boat, den. Dat's whut I say. Let him come in a boat.’ said Topsy fiercely. “Oh,” said Nan, “but 1 am afraid he can't.” Suddenly Topsy sat up and pointed a skinny black finger toward the sea. “It's a boat.” she said, “a little boat. and it's coming here.” Nearer and nearer came the little boat, and presently Topsy shrieked: “It's Marse Santa Claus. Miss Nannie. it's Marse Santa Claus, and he's com: in’ straight to dis yer islan’. Didn't | tole yer? Didn't I tole yer he'd come” The man in the boat had a nice white beard. He had on a red sweater wore a soft hat pulled well down ears. As he climbed out of boat they saw that he was ver) and fat and had a jolly red face When he had pulled the boat up our water he leaned over and picked a great bag and slung it over his truly is Santa,” said Nan breath. “and he is coming straight to us. | am going to run righ and meet him.” behind her, and when she reached old man she slipped her hand into confidingly. “I'm awfully glad you came, Santu.’ said. "We were so frightened and lonely, and maybe you can tell us wh: to do.” The old man stood still and stared ni her. Then he chuckled. “Well, well!” he said. you come from?" Just then Jack came running down the beach. “It's Santa Claus,” called Nan as soon as he was within hearing. But Jack was older than Topsy nnd Nan, and he had his doubts. “Are you really Santa Claus?” he asked gravely The old man winked. ** 't 1 look like him?" he said. “Yes,” said Jack, “you do.” “Ain't 1 got a pack on my back?" he “Where dill : “Yes,” said Jack, “but it looks like potatoes and not toys.” Then the old man leaned down and | whispered in his ear: “That's jes’ wha! it is, but if them why, let ‘em think it. It won't hurt anybody. will it? “No,” said Jack, “it won't.” “Well, then,” said he out loud, “that being de- cided, we will go and have din- ner.” “Dinner?” said Jack, in surprise. “Why, where do me,” said the man, and they trotted gayly after him. Away among the sand hills the; came suddenly upon a little house Within was a glowing fire, and a grea’ pot was bubbling on the stove, and each of the little folks had a hot bow. of soup and a big piece of bread, an when they had finished their eyes drooped. “Now hang up your stockings,” said their host, “and go to bed.” How the old sailor found things 1 fill those stockings was a wonder. Bu: there was a quaint sandalwood fan fo Nan, a pair of Chinese shoes for Jac! and a Japanese doll for Topsy. Then he filled up the corners with beautifu! shells and with Nttle boxes of dried fruit and such things as sailors pick up in many voyages. . Such a jolly Christmas morning as i was! The children were delighted with their gifts, and afterward Sant rowed them over to the mainland ard put them on the road for home. TROTTED GAYLY AFTER HIM. | | | I'll go and look Away she sped, her golden curls fly ‘How Little Jack (Guessed | | before Christmas, i | (TY PUY was the after | | YL } - noon b Sn, " ] . i of big, feathery snowflakes. Jack and Mary stond at the watching them, and Baby Jane sat on the floor. “See how pret- ty they are!” cried Jack, clap- ping his hands. “They're just like fairies going to a Christmas party.” Mary clapped her hands, too, and Baby Jane thumped her rattle on the | floor and crowed. But Mrs. Brown ! looked out of the window rather anx- lously. | | { i snow seemed to come thicker and faster every minute. “How do you s'pose Santa Claus can get here in such a storm?’ asked Jack. at which Mary's face clouded. Perhaps this thought was troubling Mrs. Brown. She didn't answer for more than a minute, not until Jack spoke again. “Pooh 'n’ nonsense!” he said. “This isn’t much of a snow. I could go in it myself well's not.” “Could you, dear?” asked his mother quickly. “I'm afraid it's a chance if papa gets home before tomorrow, the wood road will be so blocked, and 1 want some things from the store to: night. Do you suppose you can go with your sled, Jackie?” “Why. yes!” cried Jack, delighted enough, and In a very few minutes he was ready to start. “Give this note to Mr. Simpkin..~ said his mother, “and then you won't have anything to remember. And be eareful, dear, and hurry home as fast as you can.” Mr. Simpkins’ eyes twinkled when he read that note. “Il can't attend to you right away.” he said to Jack, “and I wish you'd jus: TT ¥ JACK STRUGGLED ON. run over to the house with a line to Mrs. Simpkins for me.” “Yes, sir,” answered Ted. Mr. Simpkins had the bundles tucked away in the sled box and covered with thick brown paper, that the snow couldn't get through, when Jack came back. “Hard night for Santa Claus to get around,” he said, pinching the boy's red cheek. “Do you suppose you'll see him at your house?” “I hope he'll come,” answered Jack polisely. “but I don't guess I'll see him. “I saw him once,” Mr. Simpkins said soberly, “when he was a little boy. about your size. He looked a great deal like you too.” When he got home mother had a time the snow kept falling. and the wind blew until the ho set on a hill there is no saying might have happened. Jack felt a good deal troubled. He told his mother what Mr. Simpkins had said about Santa Claus when she was tuck fng him into bed for the night. “I'm 'fraid he can't get here,” said pe, “and then Mary will be so disap pointed.” But his mother laughed, stooping down for the good night kiss. “Don’t worry, dear,” she said. “Santa Claus won't mind this little storm.” And, sure enough, wien morning came the three little stockings hanging beside the chimney were stuffed as full as they could hold. “So Santa Claus did come,” said Mrs. Reo. laughing at the children’s an- Jack looked thoughtful a minute. eyes danced. He put his lips close to his mother’s ear. “I do b'lieve I know what Mr. Simp: he said, “but I shan’t tell little been what | A Christmas Secret AAR TIRE and! the alr was full! window | The store was a mile away, and the | use fairly shook. If it had THE DIAMOND WEDDING. | Come, sit close by my side, my darling. Sit up very close tonight; Let me clasp your tremulous fingers | In mine, as tremulous quite, Lay your silvery head on my bosom, As you did when "twas shining gold; Somehow I know no difference, Though they say we are very old. | "Tis seventy-five years to night, wife, Since we knelt at the altar low, And the fair young minister of God (He died long years ago) Pronounced us one that Christmas eve, How short they seem to me, The years-and yet I'm ninety-seven, And you are ninety-three. That night I placed on your finger A band of purest gold; And to night I see it shining On the withered hand I hold. How it lightens up the memories That o'er my vision come First of all is the merry children That once made glad our home. There was Bennie. our darling Bennie, Our first-born pledge of bliss- As beautiful a boy as ever Felt a mother’s loving kiss. "Twas hard as we watched him fading Like a flow’ret day by day, To feel that He Who had lent him Was calling him away. My heart it grew very bitter, ! As I bowed beneath the stroke; | And yours, though you said so little, I knew it was well nigh broke. We made him a grave neath the daisies— There are five there now instead of one— And we've learned when our Father chastens» To say, “Thy will be done.” Then came Lillie and Allie, twin cherubs, Just spared from the courts of heaven To comfort our hearts for a moment— God took them as soon as He'd given. Then Katie, our gentle Katie, We thought her fair. With her pure eyes soft and tender, And her curls of golden hair. Like a queen she looked at her bridal (I thought it were you instead.) But her ashen lips kissed her first-born, And mother and child were dead. We said that of all our number We had two, our pride and stay— ‘Two noble boys, Fred and Harry— But God thought the other way. Far away on the plains of Shiloh, Fred sleeps in an unknown grave; With his ship and noble sailors, Harry sank beneath the wave. “Ju sit closer, darling, closer, Let me clasp your hand in mine; Alone we commenced life’s journey, Alone we are left behind. “Tis dark, the lamp should be lighted, And your hand has grown so cold. Has the fire gone out? How I shiver! But then, we are very old. Hush! [I hear sweet strains of music, Perhaps the guests have come; No, "tis the children's voices, I know them every one. On that Christmas eve they found them, But they never knew their children Had been their wedding guests With her head upon his bosom That had never ceased to love, They held their diamond wedding In the mansion house above. — Anonymous. PAD AND PENCIL GAMES. Always a Pleasant Pastime For Yule- tide Time. Pencil and pad games always form a pleasant pastime as the children sit in frent of the Christmas fire. The chil- i dren should nll be provided with fresh- | ly sharpened pencils and fresh paper | pads. A basket of evergreen sprays or any variety of Christmas greens is used for the first writing game. There may be sprigs of holly and mistletoe, ivy, ! fir, spruce, hemlock, the many kinds i of pine including ground pine and ar- ! bor vitae. all of which are to be found | somewhere and somehow at Christmas time. Each child selects one spray of green from the basket, writes down | the name as he guesses it, and passes | 1t to his neighbor by the fire, This is | continued until the supply of greens is | exhausted and the basket is empty. | The children. during the game should | not ask each other the names of the { greens. At the end the slips are col- lected and mother decides which child has won the prize by handing in the | nearest correct list of tree and shrub i i | | | | | names, | Another pencil and pad game is that of the Christmas cakes. A number of sheets of paper are prepared before the game begins, with the following ques- | Sousa written on. The answers, hoe cake, sponge cake, fruit cake, etc, are | left blank on the papers and are filled | in by the children. | What kind of Christmas cake would | be made by a Farmer? Hoe cake. A diver? Sponge cake. A little curly haired girl? Ribbon cake. A huckster? Fruit Little Juck Horner? Plum cake. There are many other Christmas cakes which may be added, and the paper with the longest list of correct answers wins a prize. The game may be varied by using the names of candy instead of cake, as follows: ar’ What kind of Christmas candy would |
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers