Maggie:  Just what I thought, Katie, last winter, though I never spoke of it.  But if you’ve hung your stocking up, I must have mine there too. (Goes to chimney.)

John:  Well, I refuse to fall in line this year.  I’m tired of the whole plan.  It seems absurd for an old chap to come tumbling down the fireplace and load up our stockings.

Tom:  I agree with you, John!  What we want is a new-fashioned Christmas.  A real, up-to-date Santa Claus, and no more of this children’s nonsense.

Bess:  Not have Santa Claus any more?  Isn’t he coming to-night? (Cries.)

John:  Oh yes, he’ll remember you if you’re a good little girl and stop crying.  Dora, help Bess to fasten up her stocking.

(After the stocking is fixed, Bess faces the audience and recites.)

Bess:  I do hope dear old Santa
Will come this way to-night,
And come here to my stocking,
To fill it nice and tight.

I’d like to watch and see him,
But I know I must wait
Till shines the Christmas sunshine—­
I hope he won’t be late.

Tom:  Let Bess have her old-fashioned Santa Claus, but the rest of us vote for something different.

Harry:  I used to think Santa a pretty jolly old duffer, who made lots of sport for the infants, but I’m ready for a change myself.

Dora:  Don’t count me in to help out your majority; Santa Claus seems to me the kindly spirit of Christmas appearing mysteriously to give us greater pleasure.

Katie:  Well, I’ll side with the boys this time and see if there is any improvement in holiday matters.

Charlie:  You’ll think me a baby to stick to the old style.  I won’t venture an opinion at all.

Tom:  Then we are agreed that of Santa Claus we have no need.

John:  } Kate:  } Tis what we all concede. Harry:  } Maggie:  }

(All sing to the tune of “Maryland, My Maryland.”)

  Old Santa Claus is such a bore,
  Of him we’ve had too much and more;
  Now what we want is something new,
  But what is there for us to do? 
  A new St. Nick would be the thing,
  Who would our Christmas presents bring.

(Electric bell sounds, the door opens, and Mr. St. Nicholas comes on the stage.  He bows and takes off his hat.)

Mr. St. N.:  Good evening, young people!  I see you are at your old-time tricks of hanging up your stockings.  This won’t do.  Don’t you know it’s gone out of fashion? (Goes toward fireplace; the boys rush to protect their property.)

John:  Who are you, sir?  And how dare you interfere with our fun?