THE CHRISTMAS DINNER
The Christmas dinner is a family reunion, generally; sometimes a friend is invited. If he be a homeless one so much the better. The turkey, of course, is part of the dinner, and pumpkin and mince pies and plum pudding are served, each guest making a choice; rosy-cheeked apples, grapes, nuts and cider form a last course. The Christmas presents may be laid at the plates or may be dispensed from the Christmas tree—preferably the latter.
One of the party impersonates Santa Claus. Yule-tide songs are sung and old-time Christmas games are played. Stockings hung behind curtains and in odd places hold candy, nuts, raisins, etc. These may be made of silk or any pretty material. The guests hunt for these.
SUGGESTIONS FOR GAMES TO BE PLAYED AT CHRISTMAS TIME OR AT THANKSGIVING
Put a very large pumpkin in the center of the room or on a grass plot. The players stand at a distance. Each one runs and jumps over the pumpkin, using both feet. In so doing a score is kept. The one jumping over with both feet together the oftenest wins the pumpkin. Or dance about the pumpkin; when a small child sitting on it claps or whistles all stop. She selects a player with whom she changes place. This game may be played by adults, the player standing near the pumpkin.
CHAPTER XV
OUTDOOR GAMES FOR GIRLS
BASKET BALL—BOX BALL—GUESS BALL—TARGET BALL—STRING BALL
BASKET BALL FOR GIRLS
Basket Ball is a good form of exercise for women.