The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1907-12-23

The Christmas season usually brings
jolly gatherings of young people, and
where there are children In the family
"children's party" Is generally In order.
Most people agree that where there are
young people in the house Christmas is
more enjoyable and often the elders enjoy
the annual chiIdren's party quite as much
as the children themselves. or course,
there should be a gayly decorated tree,
lighted with numerous candles and hung
with amusing favors and little gifts. but.
as the parties are usually given during the
holidays and generally after Christmas
Day is over, the pretty tree itself will not
hold the attention of the children very
long. unless some amusing games or some
pastime or other Is made to entertain
Mem.
Often, too, Il is not found practical to
have large tree In these days OF apart
ments or when the house is small, 30 al
though a miniature Christmas tree Of tho
artificial kind may be used as a center
piece on the dining table. the children may
be entertained In the drawing-room or Nv
Ing room, remembering that X Is poor
plan 10 leave the amnsements to the In
spiration OF the moment. Ten chances to
one the shyness of the children and their
evident embarrassment will strike you
too, and you will not be able 10 think of
a game which will break the Ice. Plan
ahead and prepare for the amusement OF
your little guests, and your party will be
sure to be a success.
Original games are an invaluable aid In
entertaining children, and when n touch
of novelty In added 10 the fun and the
children can play game which Is really
, new, their enjoyment is certain.
One very pretty and amusing game
which is suitable for party where both
boys and girls are invited Is the Horse
Race" game. This Is not suitable for very
young children. for whom ] will suggest
a few other games.
A long room or a wide long hall Is neces-
sary for the playing OF this game and sew
eral bolts OF inch-wide white tape and sew
erai pairs Of scissors, all the same size and
kind, are required. The young host or
hostess may select the girls who are TO be
the horses" and different colored jockey
caps and sashes should be worn by each
horse" II the little girls are all dressed
In white the effect OF the gay sashes and
caps Is very attractive.
Each horse is given q racing name
usually that OF some well-known race
horse being selected. and these names,
with the odds" may be chalked upon
blackboard by the bookmakers. There
should be a starter and the race Is run by
each girl being given scissors with
(which she Is TO cut through certain
length OF taut white tape which is
stretched from end 10 end OF the room.
Six entries IL good number and there
may be two or three prizes for the win
ners.
The pieces OF tape are all Of exactly
the same length. and each girl has 10 cut
through the middle OF the tape with her
pair of scissors, without cutting through
10 the side. and II she runs on at the
side or cuts the tape across she Ii
scratched or out OF the game. l saw
this game played once at a Southern
resort, In rather more elaborate style, as
the participants were all grown ups"
and IL was all very jolly and amusing.
Real betting was allowed In this case,
and there were various bookmakers, and
lot os excitement generally. When the
"horses" were on. there were calls OF
encouragement 10 the various fayorites,
and the whole AFFAIR was modelled closely
after real race.
For young children there are a great
many amusing games which are quite
novel. A doll party mas be very sue
cessfuily carried out. even when small
boys are asked. and In this case II IL
necessary TO prepare the guests for the