Seated upon the throne, beside one another, they should receive their guests, who should appear in the characters indicated upon their invitations. After all the children have been welcomed let them form in line, with "Winter" and "Christmas" leading, and march up-stairs and down to the music of piano and violin.
The children might then be shown some views of Bethlehem and the Christ-Child and told or read a Christmas story. Just before going-home time some "grown-up" person, dressed to represent Santa Claus, might come in and deposit his pack in the dining-room and distribute some little gifts. Then some simple refreshments should be served before the children go home.
CHRISTMAS MENU AND TABLE DECORATIONS
| Ottoman Country Roasted and Gorged. | (Roast Turkey) |
| Red Swamp Fruit Sauce. | (Cranberry Sauce) |
| Hibernia's Pride Crushed. | (Mashed Potatoes) |
| Cucurbita Maxima Crushed. | (Mashed Squash) |
| Stalks of Kalamazoo. | (Celery) |
| Bivalves Nestled. | (Escalloped Oysters) |
| Dough Baked. | (Bread) |
| Cream Churned. | (Butter) |
| Lover's Test. | (Pickles) |
| Curd Pressed. | (Cheese) |
| Arabian Nectar and Bossy's Best. | (Coffee and Cream) |
| Rosy Cheeks and Bossy's Best. | (Peach Sherbet) |
| Cherub's Diet. | (Angel's Food) |
| Nature's Food. | (Fruit) |
| Squirrel's Dependence. | (Mixed Nuts) |
| Sweet Compound. | (Candy) |
Select for your color scheme red and green. Set the dining-table in the centre of the room directly under the chandelier. To the latter fasten a large bunch of holly with plenty of red berries, and make garlands of evergreen to reach from the chandelier to the four corners of the table, fastening each one to the tablecloth with a bow of red ribbon. Have plenty of holly berries in the garlands of evergreen. If holly is dipped in a strong solution of alum water and dried in the sun, it will have the effect of being frosted. Have a red carnation with a sprig of green laid at each plate. Red and green paper napkins should be used. Have pretty side dishes of red and green things, such as red apples, red and green grapes, and all kinds of red and green bonbons. The first column of the menu as given should be printed or written and laid at each plate, for the guests to study while the courses are being served.
CHRISTMAS UMBRELLA GAME
Take a large umbrella—an old one will do—wind the handle with bright yellow ribbon and line the body with red percaline as near the color of holly berries as possible. Be sure to shape the lining so that it will not sag. Cover the outside with green percaline and finish the top with sprigs of holly and a bow of red and green ribbon. Trim the edge of the umbrella with a row of tiny bells and wind the ribs with crepe or tissue paper the same color as the lining; do this the last thing so that it will not come undone.
Select small appropriate gifts for the young guests; conceal them within dainty wrappings and tie them with ribbon to the ribs of the umbrella. When ready for the game let the children form a circle and choose one of their number to stand in the centre and hold the umbrella. The children may then dance around singing:
"Merrily 'round this Christmas ring,
Dancing gayly as we sing.