To fill it nice and tight.

I'd like to watch and see him,
But I know I must wait
Till shines the Christmas sunshine--
I hope he won't be late.

_Tom_: Let Bess have her old-fashioned Santa Claus, but the rest of us
vote for something different.

_Harry_: I used to think Santa a pretty jolly old duffer, who made
lots of sport for the infants, but I'm ready for a change myself.

_Dora_: Don't count me in to help out your majority; Santa Claus seems
to me the kindly spirit of Christmas appearing mysteriously to give us
greater pleasure.

_Katie_: Well, I'll side with the boys this time and see if there is
any improvement in holiday matters.

_Charlie_: You'll think me a baby to stick to the old style. I won't
venture an opinion at all.

_Tom_: Then we are agreed that of Santa Claus we have no need.

_John_: }
_Kate_: } Tis what we all concede.
_Harry_: }
_Maggie_: }

_(All sing to the tune_ of "_Maryland, My Maryland_.")

Old Santa Claus is such a bore,
Of him we've had too much and more;
Now what we want is something new,
But what is there for us to do?
A new St. Nick would be the thing,
Who would our Christmas presents bring.

(_Electric bell sounds, the door opens, and Mr. St. Nicholas comes on
the stage. He bows and takes off his hat_.)

_Mr. St. N_.: Good evening, young people! I see you are at your
old-time tricks of hanging up your stockings. This won't do. Don't you
know it's gone out of fashion? (_Goes toward fireplace; the boys rush
to protect their property_.)

_John_: Who are you, sir? And how dare you interfere with our fun?

_Mr. St. N_.: I am the new, up-to-the-times Santa Claus. My proper
name is Mr. St. Nicholas. I am on my rounds to take the names of
all the young people who deserve a remembrance at Christmas time.
I haven't a moment to lose. My telephones are overburdened with
messages, my men are distracted with the work to be done between now
and daylight. _(Pulls out a book and pencil and prepares to write
while he addresses Tom and speaks rapidly without waiting for a
reply_.) Your name, young man? Your age, birthplace, parents' names?
Residence? Attendant at what school? What specific tastes? List of
last year's presents. Make haste, time is money.

_Katie_: But Santa--I mean Mr. St. Nicholas--here are our stockings.

_Mr. St. N_.: Christmas stockings! trash and nonsense. They belon