"You must be asleep by eight o'clock." (Santa Claus counts eight and the children must all close their eyes by the time he says 'eight.')
"It is more blessed to give than to receive." The children are supposed to keep their eyes closed and when Santa Claus gives them something (which will be a little tap on the hand or a light trod on the foot, a kiss, a hug or gentle pull of the hair or ear or something of that sort,) the recipient must pass it on to the next who passes it on to the next, and so on.
If Santa Claus observes anyone disobeying his rules he tags them and they are out of the game. If any of the children succeed in being perfectly good children they are given a suitable prize by Santa Claus, and another Santa Claus chosen if it is desired to continue the game.
CHRISTMAS STOCKING
Paint or draw on a sheet the picture of a fireplace. Tack this to the wall and after providing each child with a small stocking and pin, blindfold them in turn, telling them to hang up their stocking at the mantel. Drop a small toy in the stocking of those who succeed before taking the handkerchief from their eyes. Those who fail may have one more turn after all have had a chance.
CHRISTMAS CANDLES
Place on a low table a small Christmas tree, on which there is arranged lighted candles. Blindfold each child in turn, having them stand about one foot away with their back turned toward the tree. He is then told to take three steps forward, turn around three times, then walk four steps and blow as hard as he can. A prize is awarded to the one who blows out the most candles.
HOLLY WREATH OR SNOW BALL
Make several snowballs from crepe paper or white cotton. Hang a large holly wreath in the doorway and let each child in turn try to throw his snowball through the wreath. The players who are successful throw three balls through the wreath, and the one who throws them all through receives a prize.