  The invitations for a Christmas party of this sort should be enclosed in white envelopes decorated with holly and should read as follows: Master ——, as "Winter," In the lower left-hand corner of each, above the address, should be indicated the character which the little guest is to represent, as, for instance: "Please represent July." Have the little host and hostess represent "Winter" and "Christmas." When the children arrive let them find a throne built of dry-goods boxes, covered with Canton flannel with the fuzzy side out, well sprinkled with diamond dust and tufts of cotton, and above the throne a canopy made of evergreen boughs. Dip some of the boughs first in a weak solution of gum-arabic and then in flour, and sprinkle them with diamond dust; hang others in alum water until crystals form over the foliage. Dress the little host in a suit of white cambric well bespangled with crystal beads and glass pendants. Let him wear white slippers and stockings, and over one shoulder a white shawl covered with artificial frost. On his head place a jaunty white beaver hat decorated with a long white plume. The little hostess should wear a white dress of soft, fluffy material, trimmed with holly and mistletoe, and red stockings and slippers. Seated upon the throne, beside one another, they should receive their guests, who should appear in the characters indicated upon their invitations. After all the children have been welcomed let them form in line, with "Winter" and "Christmas" leading, and march up-stairs and down to the music of piano and violin. The children might then be shown some views of Bethlehem and the Christ-Child and told or read a Christmas story. Just before going-home time some "grown-up" person, dressed to represent Santa Claus, might come in and deposit his pack in the dining-room and distribute some little gifts. Then some simple refreshments should be served before the children go home. |
|
