"A SHEAF OF GRAIN IS FASTENED UP IN THE YARD OF EVERY COUNTRY HOME"
I am afraid you will be getting as impatient for the Christmas tree as Sigrid. But a Swedish Christmas is the most joyous season of the year. And the merrymaking often lasts three weeks. Even the birds are not forgotten, for a sheaf of grain is fastened up in the yard of every country home for their Christmas dinner.
At last, the folding doors of the parlour were opened by invisible hands. There stood the tree ablaze with candles and ornaments, but no presents. For a moment every one was silent for the wonder of it.
Mrs. Lund began to sing the old carol, "Now the Christmas Has Come," and the others joined in.
After Major Lund had read the story of the Babe in the Manger, the children caught hold of hands and danced about the tree. Round and round they spun. In a wink, the circle broke and the long line of young people went dancing in and out through the rooms of the house.
"Come and join us, father," they shouted. "Come, Aunt Frederika and mother." Soon every one was drawn into the chain, even the servants in the kitchen.
When they were out of breath with laughing, singing, and dancing, they sat round a large table near the tree.
"What is all that noise about?" exclaimed Major Lund. He pretended to be surprised. "Erik, there seems to be a great to-do outside the door. Open it and see what is wanted."
Erik opened it a crack. In ran a little old man with a long white beard. He wore a rough gray jacket, knee-breeches, and a tall, pointed red cap.