_First pupil_: One true thing I have to say, Clap your hands now, for you may.

It's very happy, very dear, This Christmas day will soon be here; But children learn to understand, That loyal heart and loving hand, Can pray, "Oh, Saviour, so divine, Make our lives so much like thine."

_Second pupil_: Yes, far away that Christmas night, A star above the Christ shone bright, And led the shepherds from afar To seek that bright and glorious star.

_Third pupil_: The shepherds came with presents rare And knelt with tender love and care, Before that child so sweet and true, And loved Him as we all should do; And that grand song we hear again, "Peace on earth--good will to men."

=The Mousie.=

By M.N.B.

(A very small primary boy may recite these lines.)

A mousie got into a great Christmas pie, Two little boys heard him, and then they did cry, "O mousie! O mousie! come quickly away!

That pie is not for you, 'tis for our Christmas day."

=A Letter from Santa Claus.=

By WILLIAM HOWARD.

(A little girl is seated with her slate and pencil. A postman's whistle is heard, and she exclaims, "There is the letter-man!" She runs to the door and returns with a large envelope, made of white wrapping-paper sealed with red wax, which she tears open, announces it is written by Santa Claus to the pupils of the school, and then reads it aloud. In the last verse the names of the children present are to be subst.i.tuted for the printed ones.)

Merry Christmas! little children, From my home so far away Send I loving Christmas greetings To you on your holiday.

You may watch and wait till midnight, Looking at the falling snow, But be sure you won't discover When I come or when I go.

For I come when all is silent, Not a breath will then be heard, And I softly through the chimney Enter, saying not a word.

Quickly to the stockings step I, And I place in every one Something for the Christmas frolic, Something for the Christmas fun.

Hark! my reindeer out the window, Prance and shake a warning note; Santa Claus will speed away then, Wrapping close his cap and coat.

Your surprise, when comes the morning, Gladness which your bright eyes tell, Grateful, merry, happy children, Pleases Santa Claus full well.

Willie, Alice, Harry, Mary, Christmas greetings now I send.

Cora, Freddie, Sadie, Johnnie, Don't forget Santa Claus, your friend.

=The Christmas We Like.=

By ELLA M. POWERS.

(A recitation for two primary children.)

_First pupil:_ Just a little stocking, Very small indeed.

Hang it by the chimney, Santa Claus will heed.

Then on Christmas morning I will run and see All the lovely presents He has left for me.

_Second pupil:_ I never think that Christmas Is quite so full of joy, Unless I find a poor child And give her a nice toy.

For don't you know at Christmas We must be happy then, And love to do for others As Christ did to all men.

=Saint Nick.=

By M.N.B.

(For the youngest pupil to recite.)

When cold the winds blow, And comes the white snow, Then look out for good Saint Nick.

He comes in a sleigh From miles, miles away, And vanishes very quick.

=Merry, Merry Christmas.=

(Over the platform against the wall hang the words "Merry, Merry Christmas." They may be simply made of dark-colored pasteboard twelve inches high, or the cardboard may be covered with red berries and evergreen. The five children who recite in turn point to the words whenever they speak them.)

_First child:_ Oh! "merry, merry Christmas,"

Blithely let us sing, And "merry, merry Christmas,"

Let the church-bells ring.

Lo! the little stranger, Smiling in the manger Is the King of Kings.

_Second child:_ Oh! "merry, merry Christmas,"

Weave in fragrant green, And "merry, merry Christmas,"

In holly-berries' sheen.

Opened heaven's portals, That by favored mortals Angels might be seen.

_Third child:_: Oh! "merry, merry Christmas,"

Carol bright and gay, For "merry, merry Christmas"

Is the Children's day; Morning stars revealing Shepherds humbly kneeling Where the Christ child lay.

_Fourth child:_ Oh! "merry, merry Christmas,"

Day of sacred mirth; Oh! "merry, merry Christmas,"

Sing the Saviour's birth.

Christ, the high and holy, Once so meek and lowly, Came from heaven to earth.