“The Christmas Present”

Southland Times, Issue 20669, 15 December 1928, Page 23 (Supplement)

“The Christmas Present”

—Highly Commended.— One night when I was fast asleep in bed Santa Gaus came creeping down the chimney into my bedroom. He left me a doll’s pram, a doll, some fruit, crackers and nuts. When I woke up next morning I was delighted with all my presents. In the afternoon I took my doll out in the pram for a walk. When I came home I went to my grandma’s to let her see my pram and doll. My mother told me I was a lucky girl. -One day when I went up town I took my pram and doll with me. I think Santa Gaus was kind to me to bring me such lovely presents. —Noreen Dicks (8), 122 O’Hara Street, South Invercargill. —Highly Commended.— Everybody likes receiving Christmas presents, and 1 think everybody likes giving gifts better than receiving, as giving brings such joy to the giver. When I was six years old, the Christmas gift I liked most of all was a dear little pet lamb. Although I received many presents, which would delight the heart of every child my pet lamb was the nicest of all. As he had no mother, I took great care of him, and fed him with milk in a bottle every morning and night. I had many fine times, watching him as he gambolled on the grass. He came to me when I called him, and he would often eat out of my hand. All the children living round us, would delight in coming everyday to have a frolic with Barney, as I called him. They all thought me a very lucky girl, to have had such a fine pet given to me for Christmas. My delight in Christmas present, however, did not last long, for one sad morning when I got up I found that my pet, had, unfortunately, managed to get his head squeezed among a lot of packing cases, and had choked himself. I was very sad at lojyng my favourite Christmas present, and I hope that some day, I may receive another little lamb, to make up for my lost pet. —2 marks to Cousin Vera Gillespie (11) 288 North Road, Avenal. —Highly Commended.— Peggy sat up in bed and glanced out the window. Snow had fallen during the night and everything outside was like a soft downy sheet of feathers. It was Christmas Day but the children called it “The Present Giving Day.” Peggy thought for a moment wondering how she could get enough money to buy her mother a present. Turning her eyee towards her money box she thought how much she would love to own a half crown. The clock had just finished striking the hour of nine. Peggy jumped out of bed, got dressed as quickly as possible and ran downstairs. Having finished her breakfast j

Peggy donned her woollen coat and hat and slipped quickly out of the front door. As she was walking sadly along the street she kicked something which sounded very much like silver. On glancing down at her feet, there! in front of her eyes was a bright half crown. Peggy jumped with delight and pinched herself to see if she was awake and not dreaming of such an unexpected happening. Peggy picked up the shining piece of silver. She ran hurriedly to a drapery shop and gazed into the window and then looked at her money. She did not have enough, everything in the shop seemed so dear. Rubbing her nose against the cold window pane she suddenly saw a box of handkerchiefs priced two shillings and threepence. She made a dash into the shop and purchased the handkerchiefs. She ran home as fast as her thin little legs would carry her. After giving her mother the little present who should arrive but her grandfather. As he entered the room he placed a new ten shilling note in her hand. With this she bought presents for the rest of the family. —2 marks to Cousin Elza Pierce (15), Winton. —Highly Commended.— Rosie Mills lived with her father and mother in a little cottage not far from a large town. She was not poor, but her pocket money had a nasty habit of getting spent rather quickly. Every Christmas Eve day Rosie went to town with her father , and mother and in a very short time all her money was gone. This Christmas Eye she received her money, and as she was anxious to go to town she thought she would ask her mother when they were going. “When are we going to town mother?” she asked. “To-morrow, dear,” her mother replied, “so run away to bed now and get up early to-morrow.” That night when she was tucked up in bed, she thought of her money and what she would buy. There was lollies and crackers and fruit and lots of things she could buy. “Of course I shall buy mummy and daddy something, she murmured sleepily, “perhaps some chocolates. Yes I’m sure they would like some so I will buy them some.” Sleep claimed her at last and in the morn ing she was awake early. Sleep and bed was a thing of the past now as she remembered that she was going to town. Soon they were ready to go and daddy got the car out while mummy locked up the house. After they were started Rosie started to ask questions. "Do you think 1 will see Santa Claus mummy?” “I suppose you will dear,” said her mother. “And will he ask me what I want for Christmas like he did last year?” “He might if you are a good girl, Rosie.” replied her father. Soon they reached the town and all too soon Rowe’s money was spent. As they were coming home that night Mr Mills got their mail. There was a letter from Auntie

Margaret, saying that she was coming that night to spend Christmas with them, and she was bringing Rosie a Christmas present which she hoped she would like. Now if there was anything Rosie wanted it was a camera. She did not tell anyone what she wanted, but tried to save up her money to buy one. But in vain. As soon as she had a few shillings she spent it. “I do hope Auntie brings me something that I like ’ she said to herself as she went to the station to meet her. Aunty came all r i?ht, but she did not mention the present. Perhaps she will give it to me to-morrow.” Christmas morning came and she was busy examining the contents of her stocking. Ab the door opened she looked up and said “Merry Christmas, aunty” as her aunt came into the room. .< j S i? e y°- u replied her aunt “and here is a little present for you which I hope you will like.” “Thank you aunty I am sure I will.” she said. Upon opening the parcel she found a lovely camera. “Oh, look what aunty gave me, she cried, as she rushed into show her parents the camera. “It is just what I wanted.” “Lucky girl” said her father. “Go and thank Aunty and tell how much you like it.” After she thanked her aunt she said How did you know I wanted a camera aunty?” ‘I just guessed that you would like it,” said her aunt. I just love it” she said, “and now you shall be the first to have your photo taken, and I shall always think of you when I use it aunty. I think it is the best Christmas present I’ve ever had.” —2 marks to Cousin Molly Emmett (15), Browns.