And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

And it came to pass, when the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing that is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known to us.”

And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in the manger.

Then GRANDMOTHER closes the Book.  And now your prayers, says she.

They all kneel down for a few moments, the boys by the bed on the right, the girls by the bed on the left.  Then they rise and climb into the beds.

But SALLY has a question to ask:  May we sing one song, Grandmother, before we go to sleep?

And GRANDMOTHER answers, Well, just one.

Then sitting up in the bed, they sing the dear old song, that is called

THE CAROL OF CHRISTMAS NIGHT

  Holy night! peaceful night! 
  All is dark save the light
  Yonder where they sweet vigil keep
  O’er the Babe, who in silent sleep
  Rests in heavenly peace.

  Silent night! holiest night! 
  Darkness flies; all is light! 
  Shepherds hear the angels sing,
  “Hallelujah!  Hail the King! 
  Christ, the Saviour, is here,
  Jesus, the Saviour, is here.”

When the song is finished, they all lie down.  Grandmother tucks the bed-clothes about their shoulders, and goes out.  Soon they are all asleep.

Then a faint sound of sleigh-bells is heard on the roof.

Then all is quiet for a moment.

And THEN Santa Claus comes down the chimney, and steps out into the room.  Silently he looks at both beds, full of sleeping children, turning his pocket flash light on them, so as to see them better.  He counts the children in each bed.  Then he counts the stockings hanging by the fire-place to be sure they are all there.  Next he fills each of the stockings, taking the toys out of his pack.  Then he takes his empty bag, and, after looking once more at the children, he disappears up the Chimney.

And this is the end of the Play.

* * * * *

Characters And Costumes

MOTHER GOOSE—­The conventional costume; full skirt, peaked hat, cane, spectacles, mits.  It is effective for her to draw her lips tight over her teeth so that her speech is that of a toothless old woman.

JACK FROST—­All in white, decorated with tinsel, tall peaked cap, white gloves.

THE CHIMNEY—­No costume; for he sits inside the chimney throughout.

THE WIND FAIRIES—­Four little boys, all in gray, capes, caps, half-masks, long stockings.