A Little Box of Christmas

A Little Box of Christmas

SNOWMEN welcome BOOKS new york â?„ san francisco

CONTENTS S ONGS

Frosty the Snowman Steve Nelson & Jack Rollins...15 Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Sammy Cahn........................................4 P OETRY

The Snowman Anonymous.........................42 The Snow-Man Amy E. Blanchard.................23 Snowflakes Mary Mapes Dodge........................9 That Snowman F. Gray Severne................. ..36 S TORIES

The Snow Man Hans Christian Andersen............12 The Snow Image Nathaniel Hawthorne............26 Where the Snow-Man Went To Mrs. Albert G. Latham.............................38 A CTIVITIES

Snow Globe.......................................24 How to Build a Snowperson.................44 Paper Snowflake..................................10 R ECIPES

Snowman Sundae...............................20 Marshmallow Snowmen.......................34

Let It Snow! Let It WORDS BY SAMMY CAHN Oh the weather outside is frightful But the fire is so delightful, And since we’ve no place to go, Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

It doesn’t show signs of stopping And I brought some corn for popping, The lights are turned way down low, Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

When we finally kiss good-night, How I’ll hate going out in the storm!

But if you’ll really hold me tight, All the way home I’ll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying And my dear we’re still good-byeing, But as long as you love me so, Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

4

Snow! Let It Snow!

8

Snowflakes MARY MAPES DODGE

Whenever a snowflake leaves the sky, It turns and turns, to say “Good-by!

Good-by, dear clouds, so cool and gray!”

Then lightly travels on its way.

And when a snowflake finds a tree, “Good-day!” it says—“Good-day to thee!

Thou art so bare and lonely, dear, I’ll rest and find my comrades here.”

But when a snowflake, brave and meek, Lights on a little maiden’s cheek, It starts—“How warm and soft the day! ’Tis summer!”—and it melts away.

9

PAPER SNOWFLAKE No two snowflakes are alike! Decorate a tree or window with your own unique creation out of paper.

plain white paper, scissors, waxed paper, an iron 1 Cut paper into a square with sides no smaller than 5".

2 Fold a square in half diagonally to form a triangle (fig. a).

3 Fold the triangle in half (fig. b).

a

b

c

Cut

d

e

f

4 Fold the triangle into thirds (fig. c), one side toward the

front, the other to the back (fig. d).

5 Trim the extra paper off the bottom of the triangle (fig. e).

6 All around the outside of the triangle cut out notches,

diamonds, squares, narrow slits and triangles (fig. f ). Make lots of cuts for a lacy snowflake, leaving some folds on both sides intact to keep snowflake in one piece.

7 Unfold your triangle to reveal a six-sided snowflake!

8 Sandwich your snowflake between a piece of paper and a piece of waxed paper. Lay another sheet of paper on top of the waxed paper, and iron on low heat to melt the wax onto your snowflake and make it stiff.

9 Peel off the waxed paper right away, while it is still warm. â?† Try making snowflakes out

of tissue paper, silver foil wrapping paper, doilies, waxed or construction paper.

The Snow Man HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN

owards morning, a thick fog covered the whole country round, and a keen wind arose, so that the cold seemed to freeze one's bones; but when the sun rose, the sight was splendid Trees and bushes were covered with hoar frost, and looked like a forest of white coral; while on every twig glittered frozen dew-drops. The many delicate forms concealed in summer by luxuriant foliage, were now clearly defined, and looked like glittering lace-work. From every twig glistened a white radiance.

The birch, waving in the wind, looked full of life, like trees in summer; and its appearance was wondrously beautiful. And where the sun shone, how everything glittered and sparkled, as if diamond dust had been strewn about; while the snowy carpet of the earth appeared as if covered with diamonds, from which countless lights gleamed, whiter than even the snow itself.

“This is really beautiful,” said a young girl, who had come into the garden with a young man; and they both stood still near the Snow Man, and contemplated the glittering scene. “Summer cannot show a more beautiful sight,” she exclaimed, while her eyes sparkled.

“And we can't have such a fellow as this in the summer time,” replied the young man, pointing to the Snow Man; “he is capital.”

The girl laughed, and nodded at the Snow Man, and then tripped away over the snow with her friend.

T

13

Frosty the Snow Man STEVE NELSON AND JACK ROLLINS Frosty the snow man was a jolly happy soul, With a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal.

Frosty the snow man is a fairy tale they say, He was made of snow but the children know how he came to life one day.

There must have been some magic in that old silk hat they found.

For when they placed it on his head, he began to dance around.

Oh, Frosty the snow man was alive as he could be, And the children say he could laugh and play just the same as you and me.

15

FROSTY

THE

SNOWMAN

Thumpety thump thump, Thumpety thump thump Look at Frosty go.

Thumpety thump thump, Thumpety thump thump Over the hills of snow.

Frosty the snow man knew the sun was hot that day, So he said “Let’s run and we’ll have some fun now before I melt away.”

Down to the village with a broomstick in his hand, Running here and there all around the square, sayin’ “catch me if you can.”

He led them down the streets of town right to the traffic cop.

And he only paused a moment when he heard him holler “stop!”

16

FROSTY

THE

SNOWMAN

For Frosty the snow man had to hurry on his way, But he waved good-bye sayin’, “Don’t you cry, I’ll be back again some day.”

Thumpety thump thump, Thumpety thump thump Look at Frosty go.

Thumpety thump thump, Thumpety thump thump Over the hills of snow.

17

There must have been some magic in that old silk hat they found.

For when they placed it on his head he began to dance around.

SNOWMAN SUNDAE This pudgy frozen treat, with a candy scarf and a dusting of coconut snow, tastes the way snowmen do in dreams (and much better than plain snow).

1 pint vanilla ice cream, 1 1/2 cups sweetened shredded coconut, 1 piece fresh red licorice whip candy, 4 small (3") candy canes, 2 tablespoons marshmallow creme, 10–12 chocolate chips 1 Scoop four balls of ice cream, two that are 3"thick and two that are 11/2" thick.

2 Roll the ice-cream balls in the coconut, covering them

thoroughly. Put them back into the freezer to firm.

3 Cut off two strips of licorice, about 1/4" long, and reserve for the mouths. Cut the remaining candy in half lengthwise.

4 Sprinkle the remaining coconut into two shallow

bowls, and place one large ice-cream ball on each.

Spoon a tablespoon of marshmallow creme on top of each ball and add the smaller ice-cream balls.

5 Wrap the licorice strip around the snowman’s neck, securing it in the marshmallow creme.

6 Add chocolate chips for the eyes and buttons, and a reserved licorice piece for each mouth.

7 Stick candy canes in either side for arms.

Serves 2.

The Snow-Man AMY E. BLANCHARD

22

And where are you going to-day?

And what are you going to do?”

“We’re going to see the big snow-man, We’re not scared of him, are you?

“He has pieces of coal for eyes, And the funniest bit of nose; And out of his mouth there is sticking a pipe, And he’s white from head to toes.

“He scared us once on a time, But then we hadn’t been told, He’d melt away some sunshiny day, He lives only when it’s cold.

“And now we are sorry for him, Our baby boy Lee, and I, We want to tell him that we’re his friends, We hope he’ll never die.

“Good-bye; we must hurry along, For the sun is shining so bright; The poor snow-man we must see while we can, He may not live till night.”

23

SNOW GLOBE Create a little magical snow world of your own! Snow globes are so easy—make several with different scenes to enjoy or give away.

small glass jar with lid, 1 eggshell, small plastic reclosable bag, rolling pin, strong waterproof glue, small plastic toys or ornaments (snowman, angel, Santa, trees, star, cabin, etc.), baby oil , glitter, pie tin 1 Wash and dry the jar inside and out.

2 Wash and dry the eggshell. Place in the plastic bag,

pushing as much air as possible out of the bag before sealing it. Crush the eggshell with the rolling pin until it is as fine as sugar.

3 Glue toys to the inside of the jar lid, making sure finished scene will fit inside closed jar. Sprinkle a little bit of the eggshell over any exposed glue. Let dry.

4 Fill the jar three-fourths full with baby oil. Add the crushed eggshell and some glitter to create sparkle in your snow. Allow the snow to settle at the bottom of the jar.

5 Place the jar on a pie tin to catch any overflow of baby oil.

6 Put beads of glue on the threads of the lid and carefully

lower the ornaments into the oil. Screw the lid on tight.

7 Allow 5 minutes for the glue to set, and then give it a shake! ❆ Use different sized baby food,

jam, or pickle jars. ❆ Use plastic jars if you have small children (i.e., plastic peanut-butter jars). ❆ Try cutting up aluminum foil or shaving different colored crayons for snow. ❆ Jar can also be filled with water and a bit of corn syrup or liquid dish soap.

The Snow Image:

A Childish Miracle NATHANIEL HAWTHORNE

es, Violet,—yes, my little Peony,” said their kind mother, “you may go out and play in the new snow.”

Accordingly, the good lady bundled up her darlings in woolen jackets and wadded sacks, and put comforters round their necks, and a pair of striped gaiters on each little pair of legs, and worsted mittens on their hands, and gave them a kiss apiece, by way of a spell to keep away Jack Frost. Forth sallied the two children, with a hopskip-and-jump, that carried them at once into the very heart of a huge snow-drift, whence Violet emerged like a snow-bunting, while little Peony floundered out with his round face in full bloom.

Then what a merry time had they! To look at them, frolicking in the wintry garden, you would have thought that the dark and pitiless storm had

“Y

27

THE SNOW IMAGE

been sent for no other purpose but to provide a new plaything for Violet and Peony; and that they themselves had been created, as the snow-birds were, to take delight only in the tempest, and in the white mantle which it spread over the earth.

At last, when they had frosted one another all over with handfuls of snow, Violet, after laughing heartily at little Peony’s figure, was struck with a new idea.

“You look exactly like a snow-image, Peony,” said she, “if your cheeks were not so red. And that puts me in mind! Let us make an image out of snow,—an image of a little girl,—and it shall be our sister, and shall run about and play with us all winter long. Won’t it be nice?”

“Oh yes!” cried Peony, as plainly as he could speak, for he was but a little boy. “That will be nice! And mamma shall see it!. . . ” And forthwith the children began this great business of making a snow-image that should run about. . .

“Peony, Peony!” cried Violet to her brother, who had gone to another part of the garden, “bring me some of that fresh snow, Peony, from the very farthest corner, where we have not been trampling. I want it to shape our little snow-sister’s bosom with. You know that part must be quite pure, just as it came out of the sky!”

“Here it is, Violet!” answered Peony, in his bluff tone,—but a very sweet tone, too,—as he came floundering through the half-trodden 28

THE SNOW IMAGE

drifts. “Here is the snow for her little bosom. O Violet, how beau-ti-ful she begins to look!”

“Yes,” said Violet, thoughtfully and quietly; “our snow-sister does look very lovely. I did not quite know, Peony, that we could make such a sweet little girl as this. . . . ” “Peony, Peony!” cried Violet; for her brother was again at the other side of the garden. “Bring me those light wreaths of snow that have rested on the lower branches of the pear-tree. You can clamber on the snowdrift, Peony, and reach them easily. I must have them to make some ringlets for our snow-sister’s head!”

“Here they are, Violet!” answered the little boy. “Take care you do not break them. Well done! Well done! How pretty!”

“Does she not look sweetly?” said Violet, with a very satisfied tone; “and now we must have some little shining bits of ice, to make the brightness of her eyes. She is not finished yet.

THE SNOW IMAGE

Mamma will see how very beautiful she is; but papa will say, ‘Tush! nonsense!—come in out of the cold!’. . . ” “What a nice playmate she will be for us, all winter long!” said Violet.

“I hope papa will not be afraid of her giving us a cold! Sha’n’t you love her dearly, Peony?. . . ” There was a minute or two of silence; for Peony, whose short legs were never weary, had gone on a pilgrimage again to the other side of the garden. All of a sudden, Violet cried out, loudly and joyfully,—”Look here, Peony! Come quickly! A light has been shining on her cheek out of that rose-colored cloud! and the color does not go away! Is not that beautiful!”

“Yes; it is beau-ti-ful,” answered Peony, pronouncing the three syllables with deliberate accuracy. “O Violet, only look at her hair! It is all like gold!”

“Oh certainly,” said Violet, with tranquillity, as if it were very much a matter of course. “That color, you know, comes from the golden clouds, that we see up there in the sky. She is almost finished now. But her lips must be made very red,—redder than her cheeks. Perhaps, Peony, it will make them red if we both kiss them!”

Accordingly, the mother heard two smart little smacks, as if both her children were kissing the snow-image on its frozen mouth. But, as this did not seem to make the lips quite red enough, Violet next proposed that the snow-child should be invited to kiss Peony’s scarlet cheek.

31

THE SNOW IMAGE

“Come, ’ittle snow-sister, kiss me!” cried Peony.

“There! she has kissed you,” added Violet, “and now her lips are very red. And she blushed a little, too!”

“Oh, what a cold kiss!” cried Peony.

Just then, there came a breeze of the pure west-wind, sweeping through the garden and rattling the parlor-windows. It sounded so wintry cold, that the mother was about to tap on the window-pane with her thimbled finger, to summon the two children in, when they both cried out to her with one voice. The tone was not a tone of surprise, although they were evidently a good deal excited; it appeared rather as if they were very much rejoiced at some event that had now happened, but which they had been looking for, and had reckoned upon all along.

“Mamma! mamma! We have finished our little snow-sister, and she is running about the garden with us!. . . ” “Dear mamma!” cried Violet, “pray look out and see what a sweet playmate we have!”

The mother, being thus entreated, could no longer delay to look forth from the window. The sun was now gone out of the sky, leaving, however, a rich inheritance of his brightness among those purple and golden clouds which make the sunsets of winter so magnificent. But there was not the slightest gleam or dazzle, either on the window or on the snow; so that the good lady could look all over the garden, and see 32

THE SNOW IMAGE

everything and everybody in it. And what do you think she saw there?

Violet and Peony, of course, her own two darling children. Ah, but whom or what did she see besides? Why, if you will believe me, there was a small figure of a girl, dressed all in white, with rose-tinged cheeks and ringlets of golden hue, playing about the garden with the two children!. . .

“Violet my darling, what is this child’s name?” asked she. “Does she live near us?”

“Why, dearest mamma,” answered Violet, laughing to think that her mother did not comprehend so very plain an affair, “this is our little snow-sister whom we have just been making!”

“Yes, dear mamma,” cried Peony, running to his mother, and looking up simply into her face. “This is our snow-image! Is it not a nice ’ittle child?”

33

MARSHMALLOW SNOWMEN Sweet, fluffy, and plump, these marshmallow snowmen bring winter fun into the kitchen.

3 packets unflavored gelatin; 2 cups white sugar; pinch of salt; 2 cups water; 2 teaspoons vanilla; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 2 cups icing sugar; sweetened; shredded coconut; toothpicks, melted chocolate (optional) 1 Mix gelatin, sugar, salt, and water in sauce-

pan and simmer for 10 minutes. Let cool.

2 Add the vanilla, baking powder, and icing

sugar. Beat until thick.

3 Spread mixture into a buttered 9" x 11" pan

and refrigerate for 3 hours.

4 Cut out four 1 1/2 " and four 2" circles. Roll

circles in coconut.

5 Attach each small circle to a larger circle

with a toothpick. Add dots of melted chocolate for eyes, noses, and buttons.

Makes 8 snowmen.

That Snowman F. GRAY SEVERNE

36

’Twas winter time, and cold as well— The snow was on the ground, And Billy Bruin, all at once A bright idea found.

“Let’s build a Snowman, big and tall, As big as big can be!”

“Agreed!” cried Dick, and Polly, too And Baby said, “and me!”

And so they all three set to work, Cried Billy, “How he grows!”

They stuck a hat upon his head, A pipe beneath his nose; And when Mama came to the door To call them in to tea, “We’ve made a snowman fine,” they cried; And Baby said, “and me!”

But Daddy Bruin,when ‘twas dark, Came home that night from town; And as he crossed the garden path, He knocked that Snowman down!

“Who did this?” Daddy loudly cried.

“We did!” exclaimed the three; And Baby, who had gone to bed, Said sleepily, “and me!”

37

Where the Snow MRS. ALBERT G. e really was the very loveliest Snow-man you could possibly imagine. From the back he looked like a great white bear that had strayed along with the snowflakes from the land of snow and ice. But in front—oh, he was perfectly delicious!

Billy and Bob and Betty positively shrieked with delight as they danced around him, while little Marie could only stand and gaze at him with wonder and admiration. She could scarcely remember last year's snow, because she had been so tiny then, and this was the first Snow-man she had ever seen.

The had all helped Daddy to make him, and it had taken a long afternoon to do it. But now he was quite finished, hat and pipe and all, and anyone could see how pleased he was with himself by the way he smiled and smiled.

H

38

-Man Went to LATHAM

WHERE

THE

SNOW-MAN WENT

TO

“Let us try and knock his pipe out with snowballs now!” shouted Billy.

“And then we'll knock his hat off!” cried Bob. But Betty and Marie would not hear of such a dreadful thing. It brought the tears into Marie's big blue eyes to think of such cruelty. “No, oh no!” she pleaded. “He is so pretty and clean, and his face is so happy and kind. Betty and me will cry if you hurt him.”

“Why, you little silly, he's not alive!” said Billy; but Bob said: “It's a shame to tease her. We'll knock your hat off instead, Billy.”

And then the wildest snowball-fight began for all but little Marie, who couldn't take her eyes off her dear Snow-man with the kind eyes and the big kind mouth. She was surprised that no smoke came curling from his mouth, and she did hope Daddy hadn't given him, by mistake, one of his old pipes that wouldn't work properly. That would be a pity.

And then came Mother's voice calling: “Children! Children! Come in to tea. It's ever so late. Don't you see how bright the moon is?”

Nothing was talked of at tea-time but the Snow-man, and whether he would still be there in the morning. This puzzled Marie very much. Why shouldn't he be there? “I don’t fink he will run away to anyone else's garden,” she said. “He looks so pleased and comfy in ours.”

Of course the boys laughed, and Bob said: “Never mind; if he does trot off in the night we'll make a better one next time.”

Marie hoped their dear Snow-man had not heard this speech.

40

WHERE

THE

SNOW-MAN WENT

TO

When she cuddled down at last in her snug little cot, the big bright moon was peeping right into her bedroom window, and Marie saw a very strange thing indeed. For there in the moon was the very same large smiling face that had beamed at her from the wonderful Snow-man in the garden. The boys were right then! He had indeed climbed right up into the shining moon, only he seemed to have left his hat and pipe behind. Marie waved her hand to him, and the next minute she was sound asleep.

And, sure enough, in the morning, there lay the old hat and pipe and stick, but the big Snow-man had vanished.

“Ah!” cried the other children; “what a pity! He has melted away.”

But Marie knew better. “He was lonely in the big cold garden,” she said, “and he was afraid of the dark.

But he is comfy now in the pretty warm moon,” and she shook her head very, very wisely.

41

The Snowman ANONYMOUS Once there was a snowman Stood outside the door Thought he’d like to come inside And run around the floor; Thought he’d like to warm himself By the firelight red; Thought he’d like to climb up On that big white bed.

So he called the North Wind, “Help me now I pray.

I’m completely frozen, standing here all day.”

So the North Wind came along and blew him in the door, And now there’s nothing left of him But a puddle on the floor!

42

43

HOW TO BUILD A SNOWPERSON The best time to make a snow creation is when the temperature is in the mid-thirties and the snow is not too dry or slushy. Put on some waterproof gloves, and find out where your imagination will take you!

To make a traditional snowman:

Pack two or three handfuls of snow together tightly into a round a ball as possible. Roll the ball around on the snow in every which direction. Be sure to roll it in every direction to keep it round. The ball will begin to grow, and you will need more hands to roll it into a large ball. Make a slightly smaller ball for the body and the smallest ball for the head. Flatten tops of bottom and body balls slightly before stacking the next ball on top. If balls are too heavy to lift, use a wide board for a ramp and roll them up. Pack handfuls of snow into the joints between balls to stabilize and smooth out the snowman

a bit. Add branches for arms, and add stones, coal, vegetables, or berries for eyes, nose, and mouth. Dress him up with an old hat, scarf, broom and pipe.

To make a snowgirl: Pack snow into a cone shape and then push a stick into the top. Pack snow around the wood to make her head.

Use holly berries for her face, vines or tinsel for hair, pinecones or evergreens to decorate her gown. Add a few drops of red food coloring to a spray bottle of water and spritz to give your snow girl rosy cheeks.

To make snow animals or fantasy shapes: Use sticks or PVC pipe and some duct tape to form the basic shape and push it deep into the snow so that it stands by itself. Then, starting at the bottom, pack on the snow, layer by layer, until it looks the way you imagined. If it’s really cold, and there’s no possibility of the snow melting, you can drape your snow creatures in twinkling lights!

Published in 2002 by Welcome Books, An imprint of Welcome Enterprises, Inc. 6 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 (212) 989-3200 Fax (212) 989-3205 e-mail: info@welcomebooks.biz www.welcomebooks.biz PROJECT DIRECTOR: Alice Wong DESIGNER: Mia Ihara PROJECT ASSISTANTS: Lawrence Chesler,

Music Pub. Co., Inc. All Rights Reserved Used by Permission WARNER BROS. PUBLICATIONS U.S. INC., Miami, FL. 33014 Pg. 15: Frosty the Snowman, by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins © 1950 Hill and Range Songs, Inc. © Renewed, assigned to Chappell & Co. All Rights Reserved Used by Permission WARNER BROS. PUBLICATIONS U.S. INC., Miami, FL. 33014

Rachel Hertz, and Deidra Garcia ACTIVITIES AND RECIPES: Marsha Heckman LINE ILLUSTRATIONS FOR FOLIOS AND ACTIVITIES: Lawrence Chesler

Distributed to the trade in the U.S. and Canada by Andrews McMeel Distribution Services Order Department and Customer Service: (800) 223-2336 Orders Only Fax: (800) 943-9831 Copyright © 2002 by Welcome Enterprises, Inc. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Pg. 4: Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! by Sammy Cahn and Jule Styne Copyright © 1945 by Jule Styne and Cahn Music Co. Copyright renewed, Styne interest assigned to Producers

ILLUSTRATIONS:

pg. 35: Fern Bisel Peat; pg. 39: F. Newton Shepard; pg. 41: S. Ciaspari; pg. 44-45: MBH All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2002069997 Printed in Singapore FIRST EDITION 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

A Little Box of Christmas

SANTAS welcome BOOKS new york âœś san francisco

CONTENTS S ONGS

Up on the Housetop Benjamin Handby....................... P OETRY

St. Nicholas Horatio Alger.......................................... The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus Ogden Nash......................................................... Christmas Eve Lilian Holmes...................................... A Visit from St. Nicholas Clement Clarke Moore........... I Believe in Santa M. Kathleen Haley........................... Santa’s Secret Wish Betty Werth................................... S TORIES

Christmas this Year Booth Tarkington .......................... Santa Claus and His WorksAnonymous..................... Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus Francis P. Church.................................................. A Christmas Moon Mrs. Albert G. Latham .................. A CTIVITIES & R ECIPES

Santa Hat Ornament............................................... Chocolate Chip Cookies........................................ Santa Snuggler........................................................

Santa’s Secret Wish B ETTY W ERTH

4

O

n Christmas Eve, a young boy with light in his eyes Looked deep into Santa’s, to Santa’s surprise, And said as he nestled on Santa’s broad knee, “I want your secret. Tell it to me.”

He leaned up and whispered in Santa’s good ear, “How do you do it, year after year?

“I want to know how, as you travel about, Giving gifts here and there, you never run out.

How is it, dear Santa, that in your pack of toys You have plenty for all of the world’s girls and boys?

Stays so full, never empties, as you make your way From rooftop to rooftop, to homes large and small, From nation to nation, reaching them all?”

And Santa smiled kindly and said to the boy, “Don’t ask me hard questions. Don’t you want a toy?”

But the child shook his head, and Santa could see That he needed the answer. “Now listen to me,” He told the small boy with the light in his eyes, “My secret will make you sadder, and wise.

“The truth is that my sack is magic. Inside It holds millions of toys for my Christmas Eve ride.

5

S ANTA ’S S ECRET W ISH

But although I do visit each girl and each boy I don’t always leave them a gaily wrapped toy.

Some homes are hungry, some homes are sad, Some homes are desperate, some homes are bad.

Some homes are broken, and children there grieve.

Those homes I visit, but what should I leave?

“My sleigh is filled with the happiest stuff, But for homes where despair lives, toys aren’t enough.

So I tiptoe in, kiss each girl and boy, And pray with them that they’ll be given the joy Of the spirit of Christmas, the spirit that lives In the heart of the dear child who gets not, but gives.

“If only God hears me and answers my prayer, When I visit next year, what I will find there Are homes filled with peace, and with giving, and love And boys and girls gifted with light from above.

It’s a very hard task, my smart little brother, To give toys to some, and to give prayers to others.

But the prayers are the best gifts, the best gifts indeed, For God has a way of meeting each need.

“That’s part of the answer. The rest, my dear youth, 6

S ANTA ’S S ECRET W ISH

Is that my sack is magic. And that is the truth.

In my sack I carry on Christmas Eve day More love than a Santa could e’er give away.

The sack never empties of love, or of joys ’Cause inside it are prayers, and hopes. Not just toys.

The more that I give, the fuller it seems, Because giving is my way of fulfilling dreams.

“And do you know something? You’ve got a sack, too.

It’s as magic as mine, and it’s inside of you.

It never gets empty, it’s full from the start.

It’s the center of lights, and of love. It’s your heart.

And if on this Christmas you want to help me, Don’t be so concerned with the gifts ’neath your tree.

Open that sack called your heart, and share Your joy, your friendship, your wealth, your care.”

The light in the small boy’s eyes was glowing.

“Thanks for the secret. I’ve got to be going.”

“Wait, little boy,” said Santa, “don’t go.

Will you share? Will you help? Will you use what you know?”

And just for a moment the small boy stood still.

Touched his heart with his small hand and whispered, “I will.”

7

SANTA HAT ORNAMENT A perfect miniature of Santa’s most recognizable feature to hang on your tree.

Half-circle of red felt with a " radius; fabric glue; ornament hanger, scissors; two cotton balls  Overlap the corners of the felt by about   ⁄ ", to form a cone, and glue together.  Straighten the top of the ornament hanger, poke it through the hole at the cone’s point, and then bend it back into a curve again.  Cut a small hole in the center of one cotton ball. Work your fingers into the hole, gently stretching the fibers into a narrow loop of cotton. Stop when the loop will fit around the bottom of the cone.  Glue the cotton to the bottom edge of the cone.  Form a gumball-size wad of cotton with the other cotton ball and glue it to the tip of the cone.

Santa Claus and ANONYMOUS

T

10

his nice little story for Girls and for Boys Is all about Santa Claus, Christmas and toys.

So gather around me, but speak not a word For I mean what I say, by you all will be heard.

In a nice little city called Santa Claus-ville, With its houses and church at the foot of the hill Lives jolly old Santa Claus; day after day He works and he whistles the moments away.

You must know, he is honest, and toils for his bread, And is fat and good-natured with nothing to dread.

But day after day at his bench he is found, For he works for good children hard, all the year round.

Though busy all day he is happy, and sings While planning and making the funniest things, Such as wagons and horses, and dishes and ladles, And soldiers and monkeys, and little dolls cradles.

(See, the top of his head is all shining and bare— ’Tis the good men, dear children, who lose all their hair.)

With many things more, for I can not tell half— But just look at his picture, I’m sure you will laugh, With trumpets and drummers, farms, sheep, pigs and cattle,

His Works

11

SANTA CLAUS

AND

HIS WORKS

And he makes the pop-guns and the baby’s tin rattle; Then he takes the new dolls that have long curly hair, And, setting the table, seats each in a chair, And he makes them pretend they are taking their tea— He’s the jolliest fellow you ever did see, With his dog standing near him, and spy-glass in hand, He looks for good children all over the land.

And when he sees children at work or at play The old fellow listens to hear what they say; And if they are gentle, loving, and kind, He finds where they live, and he makes up his mind That when Christmas shall come in cold frosty December To give them a call, he will surely remember; And he’s sure to have with him a bundle of toys For the nice little girls and the good little boys.

12

SANTA CLAUS

AND

HIS WORKS

Oh, if you could see him start out with his team You would doubt your own eyes, and would think it a dream— Wrapped up in a bear-skin to keep out the cold, And his sleigh covered over with jewels and gold, While his deer from the mountains, all harnessed with care, Like race-horses prance through the cold winter air. ’Tis fun just to watch them and hear the bells tinkle, E’en the stars seem to laugh as they look down and twinkle, Ah! here is a picture. Oh, children, just look At the names of the good little girls in his book, And a long list of names of the good little boys, Who never disturb Pa and Ma with their noise.

There is Tommy, who tended the baby with care, He gets some beautiful books for his share; And Eliza, just think how bright her eyes will twinkle When she looks in her stocking and finds Rip Van Winkle.

And Georgie, you know, is the five-year-old dandy— Won’t he strut with his pockets all filled up with candy?

And all the good girls will get presents, we know, And the boys who behave will have something to show.

When Christmas Eve comes, into bed you must creep, And late in the night, when you all are asleep 13

SANTA CLAUS

14

AND

HIS WORKS

He is certain to come, so your stockings prepare, And hang them all close to the chimney with care, And when in the morning you open your eyes You will meet, I am sure, a most pleasant surprise; And you’ll laugh and you’ll giggle and call to Mamma, And keep up the noise till you waken Papa— All of this for one morning will be very nice, But the rest of the year be as quiet as mice.

When the labors of Christmas are over he goes Straight home, and takes a full week for repose; And then when the holyday frolics are o’er, He goes to his shop and his labors once more, And all the long year with his paints and his glue, He is making new toys, little children, for you.

So now I must leave you—but stand in a row— Come Julia, and Bettie, and Louie, and Joe, And Gracie, and Fannie, what are you about— Get ready, I say, for a jolly good shout.

Now, three cheers for Christmas! give them, boys, with a will!

There more for the hero of Santa-Clausville; We know he is old, and bald headed and fat, But the cleverest chap in the world for all that, And a jollier codger no man ever saw— But good-bye, merry Christmas, Hip, Hip, Hip Hurrah!

I Believe in Santa M. KATHLEEN HALEY Having faith in Santa Claus Is not for just the young, I know I’ll keep proclaiming him As long as I’ve a tongue;

And dreams come true, Good cheer, unselfish sharing Personified by gifts of love Within the pack he’s bearing.

And even though I see the gent Unmasked before my eyes, Revealing some familiar friend Who’s donned the quaint disguise,

To call these angels “Santa Claus” Is surely not deceiving, So I, for one, will never scoff But go right on believing.

It doesn’t change my mind a bit; I’ll still believe, because There’s more than whiskers and a suit To dear old Santa Claus; Bright hopes there are,

A Christmas Moon MRS. ALBERT G. LATHAM

L

ittle Lois had been to a charming Christmas party, and she was quite sorry when her big brother and sister came to take her home.

“Father Christmas has been to the party,” she told them. “He gave me this funny paper thing, and says it will grow big and bright like a moon when it is lit up.”

“I wish he would come and sweep those great clouds away from the real moon,” said Roger. “It's so dark I can't see what path we are taking.”

“And it's beginning to snow!” cried Cicely. “What fun! Three lost children out in the snow!”

“I’m dreffly frightened,” said little Lois. “Carry me, Roger. I don't like being a lost child.”

So Roger picked her up in his arms, and they wandered on in the darkness.

“Oh, dear Father Christmas, send us a moon!” cried Lois.

“Couldn't we light the one he gave you?” asked Cicely.

“Why, of course,” said Roger, as he set Lois down, pulled out a box of matches, and lit the candle of the Chinese lantern.

18

“Oh, it's a lovely moon!” cried Lois, clapping her hands with delight.

“It makes pretty colours all over you, Cicely.”

I don't know whether Lois's lovely moon would have been quite bright enough to lead them to the right path, but it did something as good, for a voice came to them suddenly out of the darkness: “Is that a will-o'-the-wisp that I see glimmering there, and will it help me to find three lost children?”

And of course it was Daddy come to look for them, and he declared he might never have found them, if the pretty paper moon had not led him to the very spot where they were.

Christmas Eve L ILIAN H OLMES It’s Christmas, you know, Fiametta— At least it’s the night just before.

Father Christmas is due, Let me whisper to you.

He doesn’t come in at the door.

He doesn’t come in through the window; His way’s a more wonderful way; Over house-tops he glides, Down the chimneys he slides, And he’s due, Fiametta, to-day!

Suppose he should mix up the stockings!

They’re both the same colour and size; It’s really too bad,

It would be so sad If I’d a wax doll with blue eyes.

If I go to sleep, Fiametta, And you keep your eyes open wide, You can just take a peep, While I’m lying asleep, To see what he’s putting inside.

Oh, do keep awake, Fiametta!

My eyes are as heavy as lead, And if he should come With a doll or a drum, Just ask him for soldiers instead.

21

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES  ⁄ tablespoons butter at room temperature, ⁄ cup sugar, ⁄ cup packed brown sugar,  egg,  teaspoon vanilla extract,  cup flour, ⁄ teaspoon baking soda, ⁄ teaspoon salt,  cup semisweet chocolate chips  Preheat oven to  degrees.  In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter, white sugar, and

brown sugar until light.  Add egg and vanilla. Mix well.  In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt, and gradually add to the above mixture. Mix well.  Add chocolate chips and mix well.  Drop mixture onto greased cookie sheet, one rounded tablespoon at a time, around " apart. Bake – minutes, until golden brown.

- Transfer cookies to wire racks and let cool.

Makes about  dozen cookies.

A Visit from St. Nicholas CLEMENT CLARKE MOORE

’T

was the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap— When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.

25

T HE N IGHT B EFORE C HRISTMAS

Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave a lustre of midday to objects below; When what to my wondering eye should appear But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick!

More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled and shouted and called them by name.

“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!— To the top of the porch, to the top of the wall, Now, dash away, dash away, dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle mount to the sky, So, up to the housetop the coursers they flew, With a sleigh full of toys—and St. Nicholas, too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof 26

T HE N IGHT B EFORE C HRISTMAS

The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound: He was dressed all in fur from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot: A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes, how they twinkled! his dimples, how merry!

His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry; His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath.

He had a broad face and a little round belly That shook, when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

T HE N IGHT B EFORE C HRISTMAS

He was chubby and plump—a right jolly old elf: And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head, Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings: then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

But I heard him exclaim, ere they drove out of sight, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

T HE N IGHT B EFORE C HRISTMAS

29

St. Nicholas H ORATIO A LGER In the far-off Polar seas, Far beyond the Hebrides, Where the icebergs, towering high, Seem to pierce the wintry sky, And the fur-clad Esquimaux, Glides in sledges o'er the snow, Dwells St. Nick, the merry wight, Patron saint of Christmas night.

Solid walls of massive ice, Bearing many a quaint device, Flanked by graceful turrets twain, Clear as clearest porcelain, Bearing at a lofty height Christ's pure cross in simple white, Carven with surpassing art From an iceberg’s crystal heart.

30

Here St. Nick, in royal state, Dwells, until December late Clips the days at either end, And the nights at each extend; Then, with his attendant sprites, Scours the earth on wintry nights, Bringing home, in well-filled hands, Children's gifts from many lands.

Here are whistles, tops and toys, Meant to gladden little boys; Skates and sleds that soon will glide O'er the ice or steep hill-side.

Here are dolls with flaxen curls, Sure to charm the little girls; Christmas books, with pictures gay, For this welcome holiday.

31

S T . N ICHOLAS

In the court the reindeer wait; Filled the sledge with costly freight.

As the first faint shadow falls, Promptly from his icy halls Steps St. Nick, and grasps the rein: Straight his coursers scour the plain, And afar, in measured time, Sounds the sleigh-bells’ silver chime.

Like an arrow from the bow Speed the reindeer o’er the snow.

Onward! Now the loaded sleigh Skirts the shores of Hudson’s Bay. Onward, till the stunted tree Gains a loftier majesty, And the curling smoke-wreaths rise Under less inclement sides.

Built upon a hill-side steep Lies a city wrapt in sleep.

Up and down the lonely street Sleepy watchmen pace their beat.

32

Little heeds them Santa Claus; Not for him are human laws.

With a leap he leaves the ground, Scales the chimney at a bound.

Five small stockings hang below; Five small stockings in a row.

From his pocket blithe St. Nick Fills the waiting stockings quick; Some with sweetmeats, some with toys, Gifts for girls, and gifts for boys, Mounts the chimney like a bird, And the bells are once more heard.

S T . N ICHOLAS

Santa Claus! Good Christmas saint, In whose heart no selfish taint Findeth place, some homes there be Where no stockings wait for thee, Homes where sad young faces wear Painful marks of Want and Care, And the Christmas morning brings No fair hope of better things.

Can you not some crumbs bestow On these children steeped in woe; Steal a single look of care Which their sad young faces wear; From your overflowing store Give to them whose hearts are sore?

No sad eyes should greet the morn When the infant Christ was born.

Up on the Housetop BENJAMIN HANDBY Up on the housetop the reindeer pause, Out jumps good old Santa Claus; Down through the chimney with lots of toys, All for the little ones, Christmas joys. refrain: Ho, ho, ho! who wouldn’t go!

Ho, ho, ho! who wouldn’t go!

Up on the housetop click, click, click, Down through the chimney with good Saint Nick.

First, comes the stocking of little Nell;

Oh, dear Santa, fill it well; Give her a dollie that laughs and cries One that will open and shut her eyes. (refrain) Next, comes the stocking of little Will; Oh, just see what a glorious fill!

Here is a hammer and lots of tacks, Also a ball and a whip that cracks. (refrain) 35

Christmas This Year BOOTH TARKINGTON

S

omething more than a dozen years ago, at Princeton, I heard from one of the “Art Professors” that a painting by Mainardi, a fine example from the Florentine Renaissance of the high period, could be bought in New York for far less than its worth. The great Depression was then upon us; the picture had been put through an auction sale and a dealer had bid it in for a fiftieth of what had once been paid for it.

I went to his galleries; he brought out the painting and I stood puzzled before it. The central figure was that of the blonde Virgin enthroned and holding the Christ child upon her lap. That was plain enough; but who were the two tall saints flanking the throne? One, holding a book, was a woman, probably identifiable as Ste. Justina; the other one was the problem—a long, thin, elderly man, bearded, ecclesiastically robed, red-gloved and carrying four loaves of bread in token of what function I couldn’t guess.

36

C HRISTMAS

THIS

Y EAR

One thing was certain: this ancient gentleman was immeasurably compassionate. That was markedly his expression. A deep world sadness underlay the look of pity; he was visibly a person who suffered less his own anguish and more that of others. You saw at once that he was profoundly sorry for all of humankind.

When I had the painting on my own wall at home, I found that a gentle melancholy pervaded the room and the old saint seemed to add a wistfulness. “Don’t you really wish to know who I am?” he inquired to me whenever I looked his way.

I did indeed wish to know him and to understand his sorrow, which was one of the kind we call “haunting”—all the more so because it was universal. Of all the saints, he was the one who most mourned over the miseries of this tangled world. We got out our books, wrote to iconographical experts—and lo! we had our man. The sad old saint is—Santa Claus!

He is St. Nicholas of Bari and his four loaves of bread signify his giving, his generosity. In time, as the legend grew and changed, the most jocund and hearty of all symbolic figures emerged from this acutely sad and grieving one. St. Nicholas of Bari became “Old Saint Nick,” “Kriss-kringle” (a most twisted alliterative) and Santa Claus.

He, the troubled and unhappy, now comes laughing down the chimney, fat and merry, to be the jovial inspiration of our jolliest 38

C HRISTMAS

THIS

Y EAR

season of the year. We say that time changed him, made this metamorphosis; but it was we—“we-the-people”—who did it. Time only let us forget that St. Nicholas was a sorrowful man.

Mainardi put a date on the painting. It is clear and neat upon a step of the Virgin’s throne—. In the long march of mankind, the four hundred and thirty-eight years that have elapsed since the Tuscan painter finished his picture is but a breath. St. Nicholas as we know him now, our jolly, shouting friend, a frolic for the children, may become the saddest of all the saints again, someday.

What made us brighten him into Santa Claus was our knowledge that the world was growing kinder than it was in .

St. Nicholas of Bari knew only a cruel world.

Christmas of this year needs the transfigured image of him—the jolly one who is merry because the world is wise—and kind.

SANTA SNUGGLER Old-fashioned hot cocoa is the perfect tummy warmer late on Christmas Eve. Leave a cup next to the chimney for Santa when you go to bed; it’s his favorite drink with cookies.

 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa,  heaping tablespoons sugar,  ounces boiling water, few drops vanilla, -ounce can evaporated milk, whipped cream,  peppermint candy canes  Mix cocoa and sugar in a saucepan.  Add boiling water and simmer for  minutes, stirring

frequently.  Add vanilla.  Add milk gradually, stirring with a whisk, and heat until

bubbles appear around the sides of the pan.  Remove from the flame and continue to whisk for 

more minutes.  Pour into mugs and top each with a dollop of whipped

cream.  Hook a candy cane on the rim of each mug, and enjoy!

The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus O GDEN N ASH In Baltimore there lived a boy.

He wasn’t anybody’s joy.

Although his name was Jabez Dawes, His character was full of flaws.

In school he never led his classes, he hid old ladies’ reading glasses, His mouth was open when he chewed, And elbows to the table glued.

He stole the milk of hungry kittens, And walked through doors marked NO ADMITTANCE. He said he acted thus because There wasn’t any Santa Claus.

42

Another trick that tickled Jabez Was crying “Boo!” at little babies.

He brushed his teeth, they said in town, Sideways instead of up and down.

Yet people pardoned every sin, And viewed his antics with a grin, Till they were told by Jabez Dawes, “There isn’t any Santa Claus!”

Deploring how he did behave, His parents swiftly sought their grave.

They hurried through the portals pearly, And Jabez left the funeral early.

Like whooping cough, from child to child, He sped to spread the rumor wild: “Sure as my name is Jabez Dawes There isn’t any Santa Claus!”

Slunk like a weasel or a marten Through nursery and kindergarten, Whispering low to every tot, “There isn’t any, no there’s not!”

43

T HE B OY W HO L AUGHED

AT

S ANTA C LAUS

The children wept all Christmas Eve And Jabez chortled up his sleeve.

No infant dared hang up his stocking For fear of Jabez’ ribald mocking.

He sprawled on his untidy bed, Fresh malice dancing in his head, When presently with scalp a-tingling, Jabez heard a distant jingling; He heard the crunch of sleigh and hoof Crisply alighting on the roof.

What good to rise and bar the door?

A shower of soot was on the floor.

What was beheld by Jabez Dawes?

The fireplace full of Santa Claus!

Then Jabez fell upon his knees With cries of “Don’t,” and “Pretty please.”

He howled, “I don’t know where you read it, But anyhow, I never said it!”

“Jabez,” replied the angry saint, “It isn’t I, it’s you that ain’t.

44

T HE B OY W HO L AUGHED

AT

S ANTA C LAUS

Although there is a Santa Claus, There isn’t any Jabez Dawes!”

Said Jabez then with impudent vim, “Oh, yes there is; and I am him!

Your magic don’t scare me, it doesn’t”— And suddenly he found he wasn’t!

From grimy feet to grimy socks, Jabez became a Jack-in-the-box, An ugly toy with springs unsprung, Forever sticking out his tongue.

The neighbors heard his mournful squeal; They searched for him, but not with zeal.

No trace was found of Jabez Dawes, Which led to thunderous applause, And people drank a loving cup And went and hung their stockings up.

All you who sneer at Santa Claus, Beware the fate of Jabez Dawes, The saucy boy who mocked the saint.

Donder and Blitzen licked off his paint.

45

Yes, Virginia,There F RANCIS P. C HURCH

Dear Editor: I am 8 years old. Some of my friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says “If you see it in The Sun it’s so.”

Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia O’Hanlon

V

irginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary

Is a Santa Claus would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence.

We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove?

Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see.

No Santa Claus! Thank God, he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

—THE NEW YORK SUN, September ,  47

Published in 2002 by Welcome Books, An imprint of Welcome Enterprises, Inc. 6 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 (212) 989-3200 Fax (212) 989-3205 e-mail: info@welcomebooks.biz www.welcomebooks.biz

Nash, renewed. Reprinted by permission of Curtis Brown, Ltd.

PROJECT DIRECTOR:Natasha Tabori Fried DESIGNER: Mia Ihara PROJECT ASSISTANTS: Lawrence Chesler

Thank you to Ingrid Innes for her loan of artwork for this project.

and Rachel Hertz RECIPES AND ACTIVITIES: Marsha Heckman

Distributed to the trade in the U.S. and Canada by Andrews McMeel Distribution Services Order Department and Customer Service: (800) 223-2336 Orders Only Fax: (800) 943-9831

ILLUSTRATIONS:

Pg. 4: Rosa C. Petherick; pg. 8, 21: D.M. Payne; 16-17: Ellen H. Clapsaddle; pg. 37: Simpson; pg. 42: M. Kaulbach

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2002069997

Copyright © 2002 by Welcome Enterprises, Inc. Printed in Singapore ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

Pg. 42: “The Boy Who Laughed at Santa Claus” Copyright © 1942 by Ogden

FIRST EDITION 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

A Little Box of Christmas

ANGELS welcome BOOKS

new york ✴ san francisco

CONTENTS

SONGS

Angels We Have Heard on High ........................... Hark! The Herald Angels Sing Charles Wesley & Felix Mendelssohn.............................. It Came Upon the Midnight Clear Edmund Hamilton Sears & Richard Stone Willis .............. Swing Low, Sweet Chariot ................................... POETRY

The Angel that presided...William Blake.................. Love came down at Christmas...Christina Rossetti...... The Christmas Rose Alice M. Stevens....................... Hush! my dear, lie... Isaac Watts.............................. STORIES

The Birth of Jesus Gospel of St. Luke......................... The Broth of Christkindli Eleanore Leuser............... & RECIPES Angel Ornament.................................................. Angel Costume.................................................. Chocolate Angel Wings...... ................................ Chocolate Angel Food Cake ............................... Shiny Angel Card ...............................................

ACTIVITIES

FACTS

&

QUOTES .....................................,

,  

Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine; Love was born at Christmas, Stars and Angels gave the sign. —CHRISTINA ROSSETTI

ANGEL ORNAMENT This tiny, shimmering angel is covered in a whirl of sequins and can stand on her own or balance on the branches of a Christmas tree.

Half-circle of felt with a " radius, fabric glue,  metallic pipe cleaners, ⁄ yard of sequin trim,  mm bead  Overlap the corners of the felt about   ⁄" to form a cone with a tiny opening at the point. Glue the corners together.  Bend a pipe cleaner and stick both ends into the bead’s hole, leaving a loop on top for the angel’s halo. Slide the ends down through the opening at the point of the cone, so that the bead rests on the point.Twist the ends underneath the felt to secure the bead.

 Glue sequin trim to the bottom hem of the cone and spiral it around the cone all the way up to the point.  Bend the second pipe cleaner into two wings and glue them to the back of the angel, just below the bead head.

(See figure a on page  for a shape idea)

Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

CHARLES WESLEY & FELIX MENDELSSOHN Hark! the herald angels sing “Glory to the new-born King!

Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.”

Joyful, all ye nations rise; Join the triumph of the skies; With th’angelic hosts proclaim, “Christ is born in Bethlehem.”

Refrain: Hark! the herald Angels sing, “Glory to the new-born King!”

Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord; Come, Desire of Nations, come, Fix in us thy humble home.

Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th’Incarnate Deity,

Pleased as man with man to dwell; Jesus, our Emmanuel Refrain Hail, the heave’n born Prince of Peace!

Hail, the Sun of Righteousness!

Light and life to all He brings Ris’n with healing in His wings.

Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth; Refrain 

The Birth of Jesus GOSPEL

OF

ST. LUKE : –, : –

nd in the sixth month the angel Gabri-el was sent from God unto a city of Gali-lee, named Naza-reth.

To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary.

And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.

And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be.

And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

A



THE BIRTH

OF

JESUS

And the angel answered and said unto her,The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyreni-us was governor of Syri-a.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Gali-lee, out of the city of Naza-reth, into Ju-daea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethle-hem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of

ďœąďœ˛

THE BIRTH

OF

JESUS

the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you;Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

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.

ďœąďœł

The Christmas Rose ALICE M. STEVENS

A little Eastern maid— ’Tis thus the story goes— Was first of all to see The pretty Christmas rose.

And one, who loved the maid, Had marked her gentle sigh, And now, on snowy wing, To comfort her drew nigh.

Beside the humble inn, Where lay the Infant King, She stood, a child forlorn Who had no gift to bring.

“Weep not, my child,” she said; “Look down, and thou wilt see A gift that thou canst bear, Which God has sent to thee.”

Around their God in heaven Are angels, in a band, Who take the children dear And lead them by the hand:

And there, beside her, bloomed The rose that Christmas brings.

She bore it, in all haste, To Him, the King of Kings.





“Flowers are the alphabet of angels.”

—BENJAMIN FRANKLIN

Angels We Have Heard on High Angels we have heard on high, Sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply, Echoing their joyous strains.

Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo! Shepherds, why this jubilee?

Why your joyful strains prolong?

What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heav’nly song?

Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo!



Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come adore on bended knee Christ, the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo! See Him in a manger laid, Whom the choir of angels praise; Holy Spirit, lend thine aid, While our hearts in love we raise.

Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo!

ANGEL COSTUME These wings and halo can be worn with any white dress—or even a sheet tied with a rope—to transform your “little angel” into a real angel!

WINGS Large sheet of craft paper or ' x ' newspaper; pencil; sturdy scissors; large sheet of white poster board; skewer or strong hole punch;craft glue or spray glue; white, silver, or iridescent glitter; ' length of ⁄" elastic  To begin, figure out how large you’d like the wings to be

(approximately one-third your child’s height).  Take a large square piece of craft paper or newspaper, just

slightly longer than the intended length of the wings, and fold it in half. Sketch one wing on it so that the point where the two wings will meet is at the fold. (The wing you draw should be about twice as long as it is wide. See figure a)  Cut through both layers along the outline of the wing and unfold.  Lay wings flat on the poster board, secure with tape, and trace.  Remove the craft paper and cut the wings out of the poster board with a sturdy pair of scissors.

 Fold the wings together to make a crease.  Punch four small holes next to the





 

crease between the wings, two on either side (fig. a).

To decorate the back of the wings, coat the surface with spray glue, or make any design you wish with fig. a plain craft glue. Once you’ve finished laying out your design in glue, sprinkle glitter over the entire surface.You can pour the glitter from a salt shaker, or place a pile of it on a piece of paper and gently blow the glitter onto the poster board. Allow to dry.

On the other side, make a glitter border by coating the edge of the wings with glue and sprinkling glitter over it in the same way. Allow to dry.

To make the straps, first cut the elastic into two ' pieces.

Loop one piece of elastic through the two left holes, and the other piece through the right holes. Knot “straps” on the front side of wings to keep them hidden.

HALO Plastic headband in white, silver, or gold, or to match the child’s hair; four or more metallic or yellow pipe cleaners  Twist the ends of

two pipe cleaners together to form a "-" circle. If you wish, you can substitute tinsel wire or braided or twisted pipe cleaners.  With the two other pipe cleaners, wrap one end of each three or four times around the top of the headband.Wrap the other ends around opposite sides of the halo (fig. b).

fig. b

The Broth of Christkindli ELEANORE LEUSER

Characters: Johann, Mother, Old Woman,Wilhelm,Three Travelers, Four Carolers, Christkindli, the Christmas Angel Time: The night before Christmas.

Setting: A room in a peasant cottage in Switzerland. A small decorated tree is in one corner, and a pot of broth simmers on the fire.

At Rise: Mother is talking to Johann as she puts on her cloak and packs a small bag.

I am sorry, Johann, that I have to go out and leave you alone on the night before Christmas. But when there is sickness in the village I must go—and Wilhelm’s mother is ill.

JOHANN: I know, Mother. Do not worry. I will light the candle and put it in the window. It will light you home and be a welcome to the Christkindli if she comes.

MOTHER (anxiously): You will keep the broth on the fire, Johann, that she may have some to warm herself on her long cold journey?

JOHANN (proudly): Do not fear, Mother. Never before have I been old MOTHER:



enough to watch for the coming of the Christmas Angel. It may be that this will be the very house she will stop at.

MOTHER: Every house in the village is hoping the Christkindli will stop at their door.They say it is but once in a lifetime she becomes visible to human eyes and bestows her blessings.

JOHANN (joyously): Who knows—perhaps tonight, I shall see her.

MOTHER (getting ready to leave): Who knows? (Pauses as she goes to door) I think I shall send Wilhelm over to stay with you while I stay with his mother.

MOTHER: The cakes I made for the carolers are in the cupboard.When they come to sing, be sure to give them some. It brings shame to a household if there is nothing to offer the carolers on Christmas Eve. JOHANN: I will remember, Mother. (She exits. He goes over to the cupboard, gets out a plate of cakes and puts them by the tree.Then he goes over and stirs the broth, sniffing as he does so.) Mmm! Never has this broth smelled so good.

I hope the Christkindli comes to this house tonight so she may have some. (A knock sounds at the door. Johann goes to open it. An Old Woman is standing there.)

Good even to you, my lad. Could a poor body come in this Christmas Eve and warm herself by your fire?

JOHANN: Good even, good dame, of course you may come in by the fire.

OLD WOMAN:

(He takes her over to a chair by the fire.) (looking around): I see you are ready for the Christmas time.

OLD WOMAN



THE BROTH

OF

CHRISTKINDLI

You have the tree of the Christ Child with its message of peace and good will.

JOHANN: Yes—that is the tree of Christkindli. It is all finished but the star on the topmost branch. In all the village we could find no star.

OLD WOMAN: Ah, but it is beautiful even without the star.You see I have no tree—nothing for the festival of Christmas.

JOHANN (much disturbed): Nothing to eat even?

OLD WOMAN (shaking her head sadly): Black bread and water.

JOHANN (getting a little bowl): Here, I will give you some of the Christkindli’s broth to take home for your Christmas. It will give you a little cheer.

(He fills bowl.) (taking it): You are a good lad. May the Christkindli bless you. (As she goes toward the door with her bowl,Wilhelm bursts in rudely, almost knocking her down.)

OLD WOMAN

Ho there, Johann, here I am.Your mother sent me to stay with you. (Watching the Old Woman as she goes out the door) Who is that queer old woman? She is a poor sort of thing.

JOHANN (shocked): Hush,Wilhelm, she might have heard you. She was cold and hungry so I gave her some of the Christkindli’s broth.

WILHELM: Oh, so you have some broth, too. I wager every home in the village has some, cooking on the fire, hoping the Christkindli will visit them. A foolish idea! (Going over and sniffing broth) The broth smells good, though. I’ll take some.

WILHELM:



THE BROTH

OF

CHRISTKINDLI

(horrified): Oh, no, you mustn’t. No one must eat the broth of the Christmas Angel.

WILHELM: You gave some to that silly old woman, didn’t you?

JOHANN: That is different.That was giving her a little of the joy of Christmas for she had none of her own.

WILHELM: Well, for my part, I shall have some myself. I don’t believe in those silly tales of Christkindli. (He proceeds to help himself while Johann JOHANN

protests. A knock is heard on the door.Three Travelers enter. One is bandaged and ill.)

May we come in for a few moments on this cold night and let a sick man rest by your fire?

JOHANN: You are welcome, especially on Christmas Eve. (The three go over by 1ST TRAVELER:

the fire and the sick man sits down.)

2ND TRAVELER: Your

broth smells good. Could we have a cup for this sick man so that he may be refreshed before we start again on our travels?

JOHANN (hesitating): It is the broth of Christkindli…

WILHELM (in a loud whisper): They want it badly. Sell it to them for gold.

SICK TRAVELER (overhearing): Yes, I will give you a piece of gold for your broth for I am exhausted and can go no further.

JOHANN: If you are ill I will give you some. (He gives the sick man a cupful.)

Your friends are cold and weary, also.They too shall have some. But I can take no money. (He gives the others broth.)

WILHELM: Johann, you are an idiot not to take good money.

JOHANN (proudly): Christkindli’s broth must never be sold. 

THE BROTH

OF

CHRISTKINDLI

(putting down cup): Thank you, my son. It has warmed me to the depths of my heart.

SICK TRAVELER: The blessings of Christkindli be upon this house.

WILHELM: I say again, Johann, you are very stupid. Look, half your broth is gone. Even if the Christkindli should stop she would have little to sup. Come, we might as well finish it. (He starts to take a spoonful.)

JOHANN (angrily): Wilhelm, I tell you stop. (He takes the spoon away from Wilhelm.

1ST TRAVELER

Wilhelm laughs and dances away. He sees the cakes by the Christmas tree.) (taking one and holding it up): Ah-ha! What are these? They

WILHELM

look good. (going over to him quickly): Wilhelm, don’t take them—they are for the carolers.You know each house must have a gift for the carolers when they come on Christmas Eve. WILHELM (stuffing one in his mouth and taking another): Try and stop me.

Broth for the Christkindli—gifts for the carolers—what a stupid you are, when you could eat them yourself.Why don’t you worry about not having a star for the top of your tree. Look how bare it is without one! (Johann looks around, and Wilhelm stuffs all the cakes in his pocket.)

JOHANN (looking at tree sadly): Our old one is broken and though we hunted we could find no other. (He turns and sees what Wilhelm has done.)

Wilhelm, you have taken all of the cakes. Oh, indeed you must give them back.You must . . . you must. (He tries to get them form Wilhelm.There is JOHANN

a sudden sound of singing in the distance.) 

THE BROTH

OF

CHRISTKINDLI

(stopping eating to listen): There are your carolers.You can tell them your friend Wilhelm enjoyed their cakes mightily. (He escapes out the door.)

JOHANN (half-crying, half-calling): Wilhelm,Wilhelm, bring back just a few.

WILHELM

(He waits and as Wilhelm does not return he shuts the door and sits down with his head in his hands.) What shall I do for the carolers? (The songs of the carolers sound closer and closer until they are right outside.Three knocks are heard. Johann goes slowly to open the door. Four carolers dressed in medieval costume enter. Johann stares surprised.)

A good Christmas even to you and all who live within this house.

JOHANN: I thought you would be carolers of this village but you are strangers hereabouts.

1ST CAROLER: We are the carolers of Christkindli.

2ND CAROLER: We came to bring blessings on the house.

3RD CAROLER: The blessings of the Christmas tide.

4TH CAROLER: And peace on earth, good will to men.

JOHANN (sadly): There is nothing I can give you in exchange for your blessings but the broth of Christkindli.

Your cakes were stolen. (He ladles the CAROLERS:

last of the broth into the bowls as he speaks

THE BROTH

OF

CHRISTKINDLI

and tips the pot into the last bowl to get every drop.The Carolers sup eagerly.) If the Christkindli comes she will turn away for I have nothing to offer her.

I am sore ashamed but maybe she will understand. (A tinkle of sleigh bells is heard, then the sound of soft music. Christkindli, a beautiful angel with a crown on her head and a star in her hand enters.The Carolers bow low before her. Johann also bows.) It is Christkindli!

CHRISTKINDLI (kindly): Yes, I am Christkindli. But do not worry, little

Johann. I have already supped your broth. (dazed): I do not understand.

CHRISTKINDLI: I was the old woman to whom you gave your broth. I was the sick traveler whom you warmed and fed. I sent these carolers of mine to your house knowing full well your cakes were gone. As you gave it to those in need you gave it to me.

JOHANN (in wonderment): Who will believe that this could have happened to me?

CHRISTKINDLI (kindly): So that all in the village may know and believe that kindness is the spirit of Christmas, I will put this star upon your tree.

For Christkindli always comes were there is the spirit of true kindness.

(She puts the star on the topmost branch of the little tree.) Now, my little Johann, if you never see Christkindli again you will always know she is here and all over the world whenever Christmas comes to spread the spirit of kindness and good will to men. (The Carolers start singing softly. Johann JOHANN

stands looking at the tree and Christkindli in joy and wonder, as the curtain falls.) ďœłďœ°

Angel Facts y The word angel comes from the Greek term angelos meaning “messenger.” y The popular flower Angel’s Trumpet is named after its resemblance to the horn that the archangel Gabriel will blow on Judgment Day. y Angels are neither male nor female. Though portrayed in art as having the forms of men and women, they are actually without gender. y According to a recent survey, 77% of Americans believe in the existence of angels. y Angels are referred to or mentioned in the Bible over three hundred times! y Cupid is not actually an angel. He is the Roman god of Love.

y Did you know there are nine orders or species of angels?

They are called the seraphim, cherubim, thrones, dominions, virtues, powers, principalities, archangels, and angels. y The devil—that rascal also known as Satan—was once an angel himself. He may have even been chief of the seraphim or cherubim order that is, until he sinned against God and was expelled from heaven. y August  is “Be an Angel Day.” This holiday was founded to celebrate the selfless, giving nature of angels by encouraging people to do favors and commit acts of kindness toward one another.

The Angel that presided o’er my birth Said, “Little creature, formed of joy and mirth, Go love without the help of anything on earth.”

—WILLIAM BLAKE

It Came



Upon the Midnight Clear EDMUND HAMILTON SEARS & RICHARD STONE WILLIS It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold.

“Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, From heav’n’s all-gracious King.”

The world in solemn stillness lay To hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come, With peaceful wings unfurl’d; And still their heav’nly music floats O’er all the weary world.

Above its sad and lowly plains They bend on hov’ring wing; And ever o’er its Babel sounds The blessed angels sing.

For, lo! the days are hast’ning on, By prophets seen of old, When with the ever-circling years Shall come the time foretold.

When the new heav’n and earth shall own The Prince of Peace, their King.

And the whole world send back the song Which now the angels sing.



CHOCOLATE ANGEL WINGS

⁄ package frozen puff pastry ( oz); ⁄ cup sugar;  ounce semisweet chocolate, melted

 Preheat the oven to  degrees.  Lightly grease a cookie sheet and sugar the surface.  Sugar a piece of waxed paper and roll out dough on top into a  ⁄"   rectangle, ⁄" thick.  Sugar the top and then fold each long side toward the middle, leaving approximately ⁄" in the middle between the two edges.Then fold again, one long side on top of the other.  Cut the dough crosswise into ⁄" slices and lay on cookie sheet abut  inches apart. Coat the slices with sugar.  Bake - minutes, turning after  minutes, until cookies begin to turn golden brown.  Remove from cookie sheet and cool completely.  Dip ends into melted chocolate. Place on waxed paper until chocolate is cool and hard.

Serves .

CHOCOLATE ANGEL FOOD CAKE

   

 



⁄ cup plus  tablespoon unsweetened cocoa, ⁄ cup boiling water,  teaspoons vanilla extract,   ⁄ cups sugar,  cup sifted cake flour,  large egg whites,  ⁄ teaspoons cream of tartar, ⁄ teaspoon salt Preheat the oven to  degrees. Butter and flour a   ⁄" angel food cake pan with removable base.

Combine cocoa and boiling water.When smooth add vanilla.

In another bowl blend  ⁄ cup sugar and flour.

In a large bowl beat the egg whites until frothy, add the cream of tartar and the salt, and beat until soft peaks form. Slowly beat in the remaining sugar until stiff peaks form. Remove  heaping cup of egg whites and put it in the cocoa mixture.

Dust the flour mixture over the remaining whites, ⁄ cup at a time, and blend it in gently and swiftly.

Whisk together the egg white and cocoa mixtures and fold into the batter.When smooth, pour it into your pan and bake for - minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Let cool upside down in the pan.Then use a knife around the side to loosen it. Serve soon with berries.

Serves .

“Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.”

—CLARENCE, THE

ANGEL

From It’s A Wonderful Life



SHINY ANGEL CARD With a head of metallic loops, a shiny dress, and feather wings, this dazzling angel card carries your holiday message written or printed on the back.

"  " piece of mylar; tacky glue;  small feathers with the quills cut off;  metallic paper cord or colored wire; arts and crafts foil triangle, "  "   ⁄"; stick-on stars; "  " piece of paper or card stock  Place a nickel-size dab of glue on the mylar, " down

from the top at the center.  Place the feathers on the mylar, their quill ends in the

glue, radiating out from the glue dab, three to each side.These are the angel’s wings.  Loop the cord around two fingers several times and tie securely.  Glue the ends of the cord to the mylar where the feathers meet.

 Fold the top point of the triangle

under about ", and fold the bottom up about ⁄" making a hem.This will be the body of your angel.  Glue the triangle to the mylar with the top covering the quill ends of the feathers and the glue. Add stars to decorate her dress.With a small dab of glue in each corner, attach a " x " piece of paper or card stock, decorated with any greeting you choose, to the back of your shiny angel.

Swing Low, Sweet Chariot

Refrain: Swing low, sweet chariot Comin' for to carry me home Swing low, sweet chariot Comin’ for to carry me home

I looked over Jordan and what did I see Comin’ for to carry me home A band of angels comin’ after me Comin’ for to carry me home Refrain If you get to heaven before I do Comin’ for to carry me home Tell all my friends I’m comin’ there too Comin’ for to carry me home

Refrain

I’m sometimes up and sometimes down Comin’ for to carry me home But still I know I’m heavenly (freedom) bound Comin’ for to carry me home Refrain If I get there before you do Comin’ for to carry me home I’ll cut a hole and pull you through Comin’ for to carry me home Refrain



Hush! my dear, lie still and slumber, Holy angels guard thy bed!

Heavenly blessings without number gently falling on thy head. —ISAAC WATTS

Published in 2002 by Welcome Books, An imprint of Welcome Enterprises, Inc. 6 West 18th Street New York, NY 10011 (212) 989-3200 Fax (212) 989-3205 e-mail: info@welcomebooks.biz www.welcomebooks.biz PROJECT DIRECTOR: Katrina Fried DESIGNER: Mia Ihara PROJECT ASSISTANTS: Lawrence Chesler

and Rachel Hertz ACTIVITIES: Marsha Heckman RECIPES: Lena Tabori

Distributed to the trade in the U.S. and Canada by Andrews McMeel Distribution Services Order Department and Customer Service: (800) 223-2336 Orders Only Fax: (800) 943-9831 Copyright Š 2002 by Welcome Enterprises, Inc.

ILLUSTRATIONS:

pg. 20, 43: Ellen H. Clapsaddle; pg. 44:W. Hagelberg Thank you to Ingrid Innes for her loan of artwork for this project.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

Library of Congress Control Number: 2002069997 Printed in Singapore FIRST EDITION 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1