Charles E. Burchfield (1893-1967)

after which he placed two watch-dogs in front of the house and a golden automobile at the side. Frances wanted to see it let up, so Joe put in a candle and touched a match to it. We put down the curtains and then it did certainly look like a typical winter scene – with the lights shining over the snow and Santa Claus in the act of scooting over the roof.
     At this moment Kinkie stopped in to see us and as usual made a fool of himself. He seemed to desire to make fun of everyone, so when he went out in the hall, we all went out and teased him. I don’t suppose we should have done it in our own house, but he deserved it and besides none of us cared much what he thought. Evidently his thoughts toward us weren’t loving, for he went away mad.
    After this excitement, we four boys started a game of cards; then mother went down to Aunt Lou’s; and Frances persuaded Fred to take the clothes as I had company; then she came in excitedly and said.
    “Say, will you boys stop playing cards and go for the tree. Mama and Fred are both away now.”
    “What’s this?” asked Jim; I had told Bill, but Jim was as yet in the dark.