Santa Claus and the Children

Southland Times, Issue 21894, 21 December 1932, Page 5

Santa Claus and the Children

It was a very happy and expectant band of Kindergarten children that awaited the coming of Father Christmas and his sparkling fairies at Children’s House, Gala street, last Friday morning. Presently, a pair of eager exploring eyes spied the arrival of a shining motor, then another, and another, festive with bunches of gay balloons. “Here he is!” “Here is Santa!” Faces were irresistibly drawn to the windows. There he was indeed, just as the picture books had shown him, resplendent in pillar-box red, edged with white fur, followed by his strong herald whose back was bent under the weight of a tremendous red and black pack filled to overflowing with good things for good children. What joy reigned in little hearts, as these* tiny people gazed upon him, or listened spellbound to the carolling of singers; or, best of all, received from the hands of Santa Claus himself a beautiful gift, with the words “A merry Christmas.” Some did not dare to open the precious package; they were quite satisfied with the gay Christmas binding, the label with the image of Santa, and written thereon the magic words of one’s own name to seal the gift. But curiosity to some, quite quickly came and would not be denied. The singers were besought for scissors or pocket knife. Then when the contents were brought to light, what a chorus of oh’s and Go’s! Dainty handkerchiefs masquerading as fishes appeared, as parorts, as beautiful roses and lilies, as redroofed houses! But now the singers were grouped together again, and quietness reigned as the strains of nursery rhymes were heard. Time was passing quickly so busy Santa, replying to a chorus of childish thanks and farewell sped away on his pilgrimage of happiness to yet another group of kindergartens. At South Invercargill his coming was more unexpected for no revealing window announced his approach. A delightful little game of horses and riders very quickly gave place to a rousing welcome to the Christmas party. Gifts were quickly distributed to each little pupil, proudly received, and displayed with eagerness. Then to the strains of “Little Jack Horner,” with “good-byes to Father Christmas” and to “The Pussy Cat who stole the Cream,” the motors once more set off, this time to “Wharepuna”—the House where children play. When Santa entered what did he see? A delightful kindergarten room set round a maypole with streamers radiating to all corners and bearing silver bells and golden stars. Seated all round him was a crowded circle of happy smiling faces of children from 3to almost 6 years of age. Happier still were these faces when, with assistance, each child’s gift from Santa’s, now reduced pack, was opened and admired. But it was not only the tiny tots w.<o revelled in enjoyment that merry morning; the mothers and fathers too, v. ho had assembled to watch the various dances and games of the pupils and to hear their little songs, felt anew that the spirit of Christmas was abroad. As they watched the pleasure of the children many of them gave expression of their thanks to the firm of H. & J. Smith for the kind and generous thought that lay behind this splendidly organized visit to the kindergarten schools of the city. The Kindergarten Council must be grateful indeed ’ Mr Smith for making it possible to give the children such a happy introduction to Father Christmas on their break-ing-up day.