And the grown folks were not forgotten.  There were fur-lined slippers for both Grandpa and Grandma Ford, a gold pin for Mother Bunker, and a new shaving set for Daddy Bunker.  Dick had some new neckties, a pipe, and a pair of rubber boots.

“Just what I wanted!” he exclaimed.

And I wish you could have seen the Christmas tree!  It was a beautiful one, and covered with colored balls that sparkled red, green, blue, and yellow in the candle light.  It was wonderful!

“I wish I could try my new skates,” said Russ.  But this was a vain wish, as the ice on the pond, as well as the ground, was covered with snow.

“But we can have lots more rides now, ’cause I got my big new sled, and you can all take turns on it,” said Laddie.  “And, oh, I’ve thought of a new riddle!” he cried.  “Why would your dress be good to go fishing with, Mother?” he asked.

“Why would my dress be good to go fishing with?” repeated Mrs. Bunker.  “It wouldn’t, Laddie.  I wouldn’t want to soil my nice dress by going fishing in it.”

“Anyhow, what’s that got to do with your new sled?” asked Russ.

“Nothing,” answered Laddie.  “Only I just happened to think of this riddle.  Why would Mother’s dress be good to go fishing with?”

“Well, why would it?” asked Grandma Ford.  “I want to hear the answer, because I have to go out into the kitchen and see about getting the dinner.  Why would your mother’s dress be good for fishing with, Laddie?”

“’Cause it’s got hooks on,” he answered with a laugh.  “I heard her ask you to hook it up this morning.  Isn’t that a good riddle?”

“Very good,” answered Grandma Ford.  “Now see if you can think of one about roast chicken, as that’s what we’re going to have for dinner.  Get good and hungry, all of you.”

“Better go out into the air and play a while,” suggested Daddy Bunker.  “That will give you good, healthy appetites.”

So the six little Bunkers went out to play.  It was not very cold, but Grandpa Ford said it looked as though there would be more snow.

“Then we can make more snow men!” shouted Russ.  “And maybe I’ll make an ice boat, too, when the snow melts so we can go on the pond.”

Out in the snow rushed the six little Bunkers, and they had fun playing near the big hedge which gave Grandpa Ford’s place its name.

When the children were romping about, sliding down a little hill they made, and tumbling about in the snow, along came Mr. Thompson.

“Merry Christmas!” he called to Russ, Rose and the others.

“Merry Christmas!” they answered.

Mun Bun and Margy, who had been making a little snow man all by themselves, stopped their play and walked toward the house.

“Where are you going?” asked Russ.

“I’m going to ask Grandma for a cookie,” explained Mun Bun.  “I’m hungry.”

“So’m I,” added Margy.

“Don’t eat before dinner,” advised Rose.  “Save your ‘hungry’ for the roast chicken.”