Santa Claus. It does seem sad, Mother Goose. But I shall never have the heart to set out again at Christmas time with the bells jingling, and the reindeer galloping and the sleigh flashing over the snow. I shall never again go crowding down the chimneys to cram stockings and load the children’s trees. All that pleasure is over forever, and I used to be so happy and so busy at Christmas!
Jack. But I should think you would be glad enough to give up that stunt of scrooging down chimneys. Suppose you’d get stuck some night!
Jennie. I’m sorry for the children who will expect you, Santa, but I am glad you will not have to work so hard any more. You have given your whole time to getting ready for Christmas, just to make other people happy.
Santa Claus. Oh, I’d gladly take all the danger and all the trouble of that Christmas journey and all the work of getting ready for it, if I were sure the children would care to have me come. But to be just an intruder, it is too much. I shall never go Christmasing again. Never, never, never!
Jennie. Oh, Santa, don’t be so sure of that. Let’s think it over. If you don’t go, what shall we do with all these toys and dolls in the attic and cellar and on the shelves here?
Santa Claus. Oh, have a rummage sale of them, Jennie.
Jack. But what use shall we have for the reindeer that I have been watching all year?
Santa Claus. Oh, give them to the Peary expedition when it gets to the North Pole. Really, I’d be glad to go just as I always have if I thought I was welcome; but you see how it is! I must not intrude where I’m not wanted.
Mother Goose. Santa, don’t decide yet. The Auld Lang Syne Club, as you know, is to meet here to-night. Let us put the case before those old friends and hear what they advise. What do you say to that?
Santa Claus. That is a good suggestion. These people of the Auld Lang Syne Club have all had experience in the world. They will be able to give me an expert opinion. I will do whatever they all seem to think best.