Soon two large panfuls were popped. Then came another task. The corn must be strung. Polly and Peter both helped. But, of course, mother could string faster than they. She told them stories while they worked.
"When I was a little girl," said mother, "we did not have a Christmas tree. Instead, we hung up our stockings. We hung them near the fireplace. We thought Santa Claus could reach them better there.
"I was the smallest in our family. So my stocking was the smallest. My presents would never go into my stocking. This used to tease me.
"My dear grandmother found it out. One day she said to me, 'I am going to knit you a new red stocking. It is not to wear. It is for you to hang up.'
"And the very next Christmas, what do you think? She had knit me a stocking as long as I was tall! How pleased I was to hang it up!
"Now, children, the Give-away Box is ready. You may choose your things to give away."
On the floor in the dining room there was a large box. It was filled with games, dolls, bags of candy and popped corn, and many other things.
These were for Peter and Polly to give away. They would make other children happy. And that would make Peter and Polly happy, too.
Peter chose a jumping jack for Tim. Polly chose to give him a whistle.
"He cannot whistle with his mouth yet," she said. "Perhaps Collie will come for this whistle."