yourself."

"Yes, it is because every one tries to make some one else happy. Why
do we keep Christ's birthday in this way?"

"Because he came to make us happy, I suppose," said Bess.

"Don't you wish you could have heard the angels sing? I like that part
of the story best where the shepherds are out in the fields," said
Louise.

"I like the wise men seeing the star and bringing gifts," said Carl.

"It is beautiful from beginning to end, and it is a true story, that
is what makes it so dear to us," Aunt Zelie said, looking into the
fire.

"I wish it came oftener, a whole year is so long to wait," sighed
Bess.

"Dear me," laughed her aunt, "I don't. It would take all my time to
get ready. I have ever so many things to do after you are snugly
tucked in bed."

"I think I'll not go to bed to-night," remarked Carl.

Even he was tired, however, after they had helped their father and
Uncle William trim the hall. So many small fingers were sometimes a
hindrance, but then it was "such fun."

"Christmas belongs to the children, so let them have a good time in
their own way," said their uncle.

To the older people the season was full of memories of those who used
to take part in the happy festival, but were there no longer; for the
children's sake, however, no difference was made in the old customs.

All was done at last, even to fastening the mistletoe in the
chandelier, and it only remained to hang the stockings beside the
nursery fireplace. Carie's was already there and she herself safe in
dreamland.

"I just can't wait till morning," said Bess, as she put up her own.

"It is nice to know it is coming, I think," and Louise twirled around
on her toes and dropped her stocking into the grate.

"What will Santa Claus put your things in now?" laughed Carl.

"It is only scorched," she said, snatching it from the fire, which was
fortunately low.

After some laughing and whispering over a plan for waking before any
one else, they separated and were soon so soundly asleep that even
Christmas was forgotten.

It was beginning to be light next morning when Louise opened her eyes
to find Carl standing beside her.

"How hard you are to wake," he said. "It is daylight, and everybody
will be up directly."

They aroused Bess, and the three ran first to their father's door,
then to Aunt Zelie's, giving half a dozen hearty raps, and calling
"Merry Christmas" at the tops of their voices.

When Mrs. Howard opened her doo