"When wintry days once more appear,
I come well laden with good cheer.
You can't lose me at any rate,
For I'm appointed by the State."
The children:
"As long as we're living
We'll keep dear Thanksgiving."
Last of all came Christmas Day. This was Carl, in white, like New Year's, with trimmings of holly and mistletoe. A brave young Holiday he looked, as he repeated:
"Last comes to you the merry day
O'er which St. Nicholas holds sway;
A day that's sent your hearts to fill
With peace and joy and glad goodwill.
And down through all the centuries long
Echo the angel words and song,
And every year again I tell
The old sweet story, loved so well."
As he finished, the children said eagerly:
"Dear Holidays, we love you all;
You're good and true and gay,
And we hope, as you have said,
That all have come to stay.
But though we value all the rest,
'Tis Christmas Day we love the best."
At this the other Holidays stepped out, and bowing to Christmas, said:
"We all unite in words of praise,
And crown him king of Holidays."
Then New Year's Day placed a crown on his head, May-Day gave him a rose, Fourth of July, a flag, Thanksgiving, an apple, Washington's Birthday offered his hatchet, and St. Valentine gave him a sugar heart; and joining hands the children and the Holidays danced around him, singing: