The effect of a fire on the hearth can be made by quick motions with an ever-ready flashlight operated from behind.  The children and Grandmother, standing in front, allow but an imperfect view of the fire-place, so that the illusion is easy to produce.  The fireplace, however, may be a real one, if that is more convenient.  In that case the flashlight must be operated by one of the children, kneeling in front of the fire-place; and when Santa Claus enters the room must be absolutely dark, so that he will first be seen when he turns on his flashlight, as he crouches before the fire-place, having apparently just come down the chimney.

If candies or gifts are to be distributed to children in the audience, as when this play is used as the Christmas entertainment of a Sunday School, Mother Goose may come out again, as soon as the curtain closes after the second scene, and speak as follows: 

Well, my dear children, my little Play for you is finished, and I hope you liked it.  There is just one thing left to be said.  Those little boys and girls whom you saw asleep in their beds found that Santa Claus had not only put into their stockings presents for THEM, but also left something for YOU; and what do you suppose it was?  A box of candy for each one of you, and if you will sit still a moment longer, the curtain will open again, and the candy will be handed to you.  And so, my dears, as I say Good-night, I wish you all (or I hope you have all had) a Merry Christmas and (wish you) a Happy New Year.