When all the stockings had been filled, the tree decorated, and the presents arranged under it, Father locked the door of that room so that no one should peep in before it was time.  Little Santa Claus was so tired that he went to sleep in Father’s arms on the way home, and when he was being carried to bed awoke only long enough to hang his own stocking by the fire-place.

The next morning he opened his eyes very early, as is the custom of children on Christmas Day.  He looked for his stocking, first of all, wondering if Santa had filled it.  Of course he had, with all the things that little boys like best.

Johnnie Jones was so happy over his presents, that he could scarcely take time to dress.  At last Mother reminded him of those other children waiting so anxiously for their first Christmas tree.  Johnnie Jones laid down his new toys immediately, and dressed himself as quickly as possible.  Directly after breakfast they returned to the big house, this time on the street car.

Before they turned the corner on their way to the house, they heard the voices of the children, who were full of joy over the presents found in their stockings.  Father went at once to the room he had locked up the night before, and lighted the candles on the tree.  When all was ready he opened the door, and Johnnie Jones invited the children to enter.

They stood very quietly about the tree, not saying a word at first.  It was so beautiful, and so different from anything they had ever seen, that it made them feel shy.  But when Father called the children in turn, and Johnnie Jones gave to every one a warm coat, a new pair of shoes, and a splendid toy, they found their tongues, and made such a noise as you never heard.

They had to dress themselves in the coats and shoes, and they had to show each other their toys.  Some of them had to turn somersaults, and all of them had to make a great noise just to express their joy.

But happiest of all those happy children was little Johnnie Jones.

All too soon, Father, Mother and Johnnie Jones had to leave, so that they might reach Grandmother’s house in time for dinner.  When they were again on the car, the little boy began to talk of the good time they had had.

“I’d like to be a Santa Claus every year,” he said.

“Then save your pennies,” Mother answered, “until next Christmas comes.”

* * * * *

An Original Valentine

Tom and Sarah were the little boy and girl who lived in the small brown house near the home of Johnnie Jones.  It was the evening before St. Valentine’s day and the brother and sister were sitting by the fire, talking together.

“I do wish we had some valentines to send,” said Tom.  “If we only had some gilt or colored paper and some pictures, we could make them, but we haven’t anything at all.”