Fig. 547. Crack open the nuts so there will be two perfect half shells to each (Fig. 547). Inside the empty nut place a motto or device which will tell the fortune, or part of it, of the recipient of the gift. Ideas will come to you as the work goes on. For a hint to help a little at the
Fig. 549. start, cut two hearts of red paper and fasten them together with a dart made of a pin and piece of white paper (Fig. 548). This denotes that the girl or boy who gets it will be the first to marry. Fig. 549, the water-color brush, means that the happy lad or lassie to whose lot it falls will be an artist. Fig. 550 signifies ability to appreciate music. Fig. 551 ensures
Fig. 550. plenty of worldly[worldly] goods. One suggestion gives rise to another, and you will think of more than enough for all the empty nutshells. After the “fortune” is placed within the nut, glue the halves firmly together. When dry, work a tack in the end where the stem grew, twisting it slowly that the shell may not split or break. When the tack seems firmly in place, gild the entire nut, including the tack; tie a strong string on this and hang the “fortune” on the tree. As
Fig. 551. all the nuts look exactly alike, no one can tell which is which—not even those who made them will know who receives the different “fortunes” until the nuts are opened and the secrets revealed.
Most of the ideas given are for a daytime Christmas tree where lights are not used. If candles are employed, no paper festoons can be placed on the tree. Lights are always dangerous, and the tree may be quite brilliant without them.
Toys and useful little articles, such as you can make as presents for all the members of the family, big and little, and for friends, will surely add to the interest and appearance of the tree.