Ri'RAL vScHOOL Leaflet 1027 



down a tree that has the best conditions for growth. Take one so near 

 to another that its loss will give a better opportunity for growth for the 

 tree left than if both remained. Of two trees, always take the one that 

 is the less thrifty. 



While choosing the tree for the school, find one more that can be left 

 where it stands, on which may l^e hung gifts for the birds. They will 

 like to find suet, a ham bone, some seeds, and other food to their liking, 

 on the early Christmas morning. 



There should he a program at the school when the Christmas tree is 

 ready, and all should contribute something to the entertainment. The 

 following may be suggestive: 



1 . The singing of Christmas carols. 



2. A composition on the festival of Christmas. 



3. A talk by one of the pupils on the common evergreens in the neigh- 

 borhood, and specimens of the trees shown. It will be interesting to tell 

 where the trees grow; whether they are native; facts as to their uses; and 

 the like. Which evergreen is best for Christmas trees, and why? Where 

 the city folk get their Christmas trees. 



4. A tallc by one of the pupils on the Christmas dinner. What farm 

 crops are available for the festival? What are purchased at the store that 

 come from other places? Who will cook the dinner? In what ways can 

 boys and girls help? 



5. One of the girls might tell how to set the table for the Christmas 

 dinner. What out-of-door things may be used for decoration, such as 

 Christmas ferns, red berries, little brown cones on branches of hemlock, 

 and the like ? 



6. A farmer in the neighl^orhood could give a talk on the growing and 

 storing of vegetables and fruits that add to the Christmas festival, and 

 how boys and girls can help in this fann work. 



7. One of the mothers might tell of helpful contributions that young 

 folk can make at the busy Christmas time. 



8. Recitations suitable to the season and occasion, not forgetting " The 

 Night before Christmas," which has made the hearts of little children 

 beat joyfully for many years in the past, and will give pleasure for all the 

 years to come. 



9. A little play given by the children — a scene, perhaps, from Dickens' 

 "Christmas Carol," closing with Tiny Tim's " God bless every one!" 



10. A gift basket prepared for some one in the neighborhood who is 

 iU or alone. This should be trimmed with evergreens and brightened 

 by red berries if possible. 



When the program is finished, it would be interesting to have refresh- 

 ments consisting of nuts, apples, popcorn, and homemade candy. 



