Snap! Goes The Dragon

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 303, 23 December 1939, Page 3 (Supplement)

Snap! Goes The Dragon

(They all pick sixpences from the tree and rush out.) Mr. Mitten: And now what will happen, 1 wonder) You and 1 know a secret, don't we, little tree? (He busies himself about the room, hanging up holly and decorations. In a few moments the children come back.) Kate: I have it, Mr. Mitten, and it is full of pictures! Andrew: And the fire engine is •imply splendid.

CHRISTMAS GIFT. The children stand in a row and tlie loader closes Jiis eves mid counts to ton. While lie is counting, the players arc passing a small ('liristmas present from liancl to hand, lie may count slowly or very fast, or unevenly if he wishes. The child who is holding the gift when lie says "Ten!" is out. The last player to be out wins thq game and is given the gift ad a prize. PAPER BAGS. One child i* chosen to be It, while the others stand alwit him in a large circle. He in given paper bags which he fastens on his feet and hands. He must then get down and walk on his hands and feet. Those who are watching must not laugh. The first to laugh must change -placee with him*. SHOE RACE. The players take off their shoes and put them into a larpe l>asket in the middle of the room. The basket is then shaken and the shoos emptied on the floor. The first to find his own shoes and put them on wine a prize. CHRISTMAS BELL. One player is Tt and the others stand in a circle about, him—all except the one who lias the hell. A paper hell may he used. The lwll-player runs around outside the circle and sudden!v drops the hell behind one of the children. Tli" player who is It tries to pick it up lwfore this child cull do so. If he succeeds, he chases the bell-player and the child goes into the middle of the circle to take his place. He tries to catch the bell-player before the latter can reach the sjiot wJiere the child was standing. If he succeeds he Incomes the next bell-player and the first one can sro into the centre of the circle. If he fails he must do this himself. If the child i>ehind whom the bell was first dropped can pick it up, he chases the bell-player in the same way. As the game goes on, several children may be in the centre, all trying to pick up the bell as soon as it is dropped.

JINGLE BELLS. - I Use two tiny card hoard Christmas bells tied together with oord or ribbon. One child is It and stays in the room while tho others go out. He hides the bells where they can be seen after not too much search. He then calk the other players in simd lets them look for the bells. As each one sees them he says: "Jingle bells!" After all have seen them, tho first player who said "Jingle bells" may go and pick them up. He hides them next. ANIMAL TRAINER. The child who is the animal trainer stands in the centre of the room with the others in a circle about him, all seated in t'lieir chairs. He gives each one the name of an animal. When he rails them by name they must answer by giving the sound ma<le by the animal they represent. If he calls "Run!" they change places, while lie tries to find a seat for himself. If he succeeds, the player left without a seat must take his place.

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS.

(By Erica McXnmarn. 11. Carlton Terrace, Wail ennui.) Through the air the frosts arc wringing, Sicift In earth thr tidings bringing— Promised Hon of all thr ages, Long awaited 7m/ the sages, Horn at Hcthlrhcm of Jndea In a stable chill and drear. Where the wondrous star is glowing, Where the oxen mild are lowing— On the Mother's knee behold Mm There enthroned her arms enfold Mm To her breast the Babe she presses, Hushes Him with soft caresses. Kings and shepherds kneel before Mm; Countless angel clutirs adore Him, In their songs of glad- rcjoicing All their love and homage voicing: "Praise to %hee. Lord, now and ever, Saviour, Chtidc and Ruler! Then Grant Thy blessing, 0 Redeemer, Peace on earth to sinful men!"