Page:Our American Holidays - Christmas.djvu/140

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CHRISTMAS

As he mounts to the chimney-top like a bird.
   And drops to the hearth like a stone.

The little red stockings he silently fills,
   Till the stockings will hold no more ;
The bright little sleds for the great snow hills
   Are quickly set down on the floor.
Then Santa Claus mounts to the roof like a bird,
   And glides to his seat in the sleigh;
Not the sound of a bugle or drum is heard
   As he noiselessly gallops away.

He rides to the East, and he rides to the West,
   Of his goodies he touches not one ;
He eateth the crumbs of the Christmas feast
   When the dear little folks are done.
Old Santa Claus doeth all that he can;
   This beautiful mission is his;
Then, children, be good to the little old man,
   When you find who the little man is.



THE CEREMONIES FOR CHRISTMAS DAY

Kindle the Christmas brand, and then
   Till sunset let it burn;
Which quench'd, then lay it up again
   Till Christmas next return.