Fig. 560. that are easily broken should be covered with soft wrappings, for in the grand climax, when the toys roll pell-mell down into the fireplace, the fragile articles might come to grief.
When the last package has been stowed away, replace the top of the large box. Decorate the completed fireplace with evergreen, and bring the two strings, C and D, which hang down upon the hearth, outside, looping them back over tacks at either side of the fireplace, as shown in Fig. 560.
At the appointed time the group of eager children will stand and gaze with awe at the wonderful and mysterious fireplace, which, like a fairy house, has shot up in a night.
Two persons, one on either side, must grasp the strings tightly, and simultaneously give a pull. With a ripping, tearing sound the paper gives way and whiz! bump! bang! the toys come tumbling down, rolling and bounding out on the floor.
Because it is Christmas we find ourselves longing to render little services, to make others happy and cause their eyes to brighten and sparkle with pleasure, for this is the season of giving as well as receiving, and the privilege belongs to all.
If there is a little convalescent in your family or among your acquaintances, one who will not be allowed to share the Christmas dinner, prepare for her a
Christmas Tray
You can make it very attractive.
Have a Christmas tree for a centre-piece (Fig. 561), a very modest yet charming little affair—only a wee tree fashioned from a branch of boxwood, beautified with homemade toys and decorations cut from gilt and bright-colored papers. Use a large-sized button-mould for the tree stand; push the end of the stem into the hole in the centre of the mould, and the tree will stand alone. Should you have no boxwood, take any green twig and turn it into a miniature Christmas tree by trimming off the ends of the branches until the little tree somewhat resembles a cone in shape. It will require only a few moments to