really old, for they are the children's grandfather and grandmother.
It is late in the afternoon of the day before Christmas, the hour when
it has begun to get dark. The father is out cutting some good big
sticks of wood for the Christmas fire, and the two children are
playing outside of the house. So you'll not see them at first. But you
will see the mother, who is just finishing the day's work, and the old
grandfather and grandmother, who are sitting by the fire. Are you
ready, all of you? Be quiet, then, for now it is going to begin.




The Christmas Dinner

The First Scene


Now the Curtain opens, and you see a farmhouse kitchen, just as
Mother Goose promised. At the back, opposite to you, is a fire-place,
with a mantel shelf over it. A bright fire is burning. On the mantel
is a lamp, lighted, and an unlighted candle; also some other things
that you'll hear about later. There is a cupboard against the back
wall. At one side of the room is the door leading out of doors; beside
it is a large wood box, where the fire-wood is kept; and nearby are a
broom, leaning against the wall, and a dustpan. On the other side of
the room is another door, which leads to the rest of the house; beside
that is a big clothes basket, where the soiled clothes are kept. Close
to the fire, one on each side, the Grandfather and the Grandmother are
sitting in comfortable chairs. Near the front and a little at one side
are a table and a chair. On the table is a dishpan and a number of