Part 2 (2/2)

_Mary Boyle._

Bringing home the holly.

[Ill.u.s.tration:]

With hearts as light as snow-flakes fall, With cheeks like sunset glow, And ringing shouts of joy and fun, Away the children go.

Away! to where the holly-tree, With berries gleaming bright, Stands like a s.h.i.+vering giant in Its glistening cloak of white.

There's Roy, to take the sledge in hand And pilot through the snow.

”The girls don't understand,” he says.

(Just like a boy, you know!)

Then back they bring the loaded sledge, With fingers p.r.i.c.ked and sore.

But what care they? They'll go again To-morrow for some more.

For children love the Christmas-time, When everything is jolly; And all must help to deck the house In mistletoe and holly!

And then comes good St. Nicholas, With loads of books and toys.

Yes, Christmas is the _dearest_ time For happy girls and boys.

_Ellyn Hall._

[Ill.u.s.tration: BRINGING HOME THE HOLLY.]

THE DANDELION CHILDREN

[Ill.u.s.tration:]

”What little darlings we are!” said the children one day.

They were all sitting fluffed up into one little downy ball on the top of a long stem.

”It is very nearly time for us to go into the world,” said they. ”O, how wide and how sunny it is, and what fun it will be! Our wings are all ready to fly, and we are so light and happy! Then the whole world will be ours, and we can choose our own place in which to take root and grow.

”I will grow in a lovely garden,” said one.

”I mean to be seen, wherever I am,” another declared.

<script>