“So, when old Santa comes” (heads raised),
“We won’t be awake to peep” (peep through fingers). The music is now resumed, the leaders turn to the rear, and follow lines R and L, turning on the rear line, and again on the side lines shown in [A]. From the side lines they turn on the dotted lines, which circle the trees. After circling the trees a few times, with the common skip step familiar to all children, a signal is given to halt. The stockings are now hung up, after which the signal is given to get back into line.
After circling the trees a few times more, they continue skipping, following the dotted lines to the side lines, then to the front line. When the leaders reach the front line, they turn on the diagonal lines, resuming the march very softly and slowly, marching on their toes. When the leaders reach lines R and L, all turn and throw a kiss to the audience, then make their exit on the same lines as on entering, still on their toes.
Diagram B.
The same number of larger children, all boys dressed like old Santa Claus, now enter the fireplace from each side, as shown in [B], running in double time on their toes. Each boy except the last in each line should wear a rein with sleigh-bells on its full length. All should be supplied with whips. On their backs old Santa’s knapsack should be strapped, filled with all sorts of things for the stockings. To increase the merriment, some of the articles should be grotesque and funny.
They enter, each driving the one in front, following lines R and L, turning right and left on reaching the front line, as shown by the arrows in B, then turning again at the next corner as indicated by the arrows. On reaching the rear they come down the diagonal lines curving around the trees, shown by arrows, and then to the front line again. They then run to the rear on lines R and L, and come down the diagonal lines, circling the trees on the dotted and curved lines, making a complete circle. After circling the trees a signal is given to halt and drop reins.
They now proceed to fill the stockings, first unstrapping their knapsacks and laying them on the floor. Signal. While the stockings are being filled, the soft, slow music should not cease, but continue the same as when the little ones are hanging them up. Each Santa should stick his whip in the top of a stocking.
A signal is now given, and the Santas all fall into line, and the running is resumed. They circle the trees, and follow the diagonal lines to the front line, then turn on lines R and L, and make their exit the same as on entering.
For a Sunday-school entertainment the small Santas can be used to distribute the presents to the children in the audience after the drill is over.