Little Dramas for Primary Grades

<h2 class='c008'>THE LITTLE CHRISTMAS TREE</h2> <div class='nf-center-c1'> <div class='nf-center c002'> <div><span class='sc'>Characters</span></div> </div></div> <div class='lg-container-b'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'><em>Big Fir Tree</em></div> <div class='line'><em>Little Fir Tree</em></div> <div class='line'><em>Littlest Fir Tree</em></div> <div class='line'><em>A Little Bird</em></div> </div></div> </div> <div class='dl_1'> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Little Bird.</em></span> [<em>Going to Big Tree.</em>] Oh, please, Big Fir Tree, may I rest here in your branches? I have hurt my wing, and I cannot fly.</p> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Big Fir Tree.</em></span> No, I cannot have any little birds in my branches. I must grow straight and tall, for I mean to be a Christmas tree some day.</p> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Little Bird.</em></span> [<em>Goes to Little Tree.</em>] Oh, please, dear tree, may I not find shelter from the cold in your branches? My wing is broken, and I cannot fly. I <span class="pagenum" id='Page_61'>61</span>have come a long way over the ice and snow.</p> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Little Fir Tree.</em></span> No, I cannot give shelter to any birds in my branches.</p> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Little Bird.</em></span> But I’m very tired, and I shall do your branches no harm.</p> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Little Fir Tree.</em></span> It cannot be. I must hold my head up high and my branches out straight, for I mean to be a Christmas tree.</p> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Little Bird.</em></span> I’m afraid I shall freeze out here in the snow. [<em>Little Bird goes on.</em>]</p> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Little Bird.</em></span> [<em>Softly.</em>] Please, Littlest Fir Tree, may I rest in your branches? I am so cold and hungry. I do not think I can go any farther.</p> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Littlest Fir Tree.</em></span> Yes, yes, Little Bird. <span class="pagenum" id='Page_62'>62</span>Creep up close to my trunk. I will cover you as best I can with my little branches. Come close. I’m glad to have you here.</p> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Little Bird.</em></span> Thank you, kind tree.</p> <hr class='c013' /> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Big Fir Tree.</em></span> I hear sleigh bells. The bells come nearer and nearer. Some one is coming this way. Some one is coming through the woods.</p> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Little Fir Tree.</em></span> Who is it, Big Fir Tree? I cannot see so far as you can. Tell me what you see.</p> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Big Fir Tree.</em></span> I see a sleigh and reindeer. Some one all wrapped in fur is in the sleigh.</p> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Little Fir Tree.</em></span> Oh, I feel that some <span class="pagenum" id='Page_63'>63</span>one is coming for me. Now I am going to be a Christmas tree. The bells sound nearer and nearer. I see the sleigh.</p> <p><span class='dl_1'><em>Santa Claus.</em></span> [<em>Alights from his sleigh and looks at Big Tree.</em>] A fine tree—tall and straight! But it is too tall for my Christmas tree. I must look farther. [<em>Goes on to next tree.</em>] Ah! Here’s another; but there’s a little one I see just at the foot of the hill. I believe it is the most beautiful tree in all the wood. [<em>Goes to Littlest Tree.</em>] Little tree, you hold your head up straight, and your branches spread out in all directions. I must have you for my Christmas tree. [<em>Seeing Little Bird.</em>] Who is this <span class="pagenum" id='Page_64'>64</span>that has found shelter in your branches? A little bird. I will take it, too, and it shall be some little child’s Christmas present.</p> </div> <div class='lg-container-r'> <div class='linegroup'> <div class='group'> <div class='line'>—Adapted.</div> </div></div> </div> <div class='figcenter id002'> <ANTIMG src='images/p064.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /></div> <span class="pagenum" id='Page_65'>65</span> <div style="break-after:column;"></div><br />