But then I am thinking that she used to pray
and God would hear everything mamma would say
and perhaps she asked Him to send Santa Claus here
with the sack full of presents he brought every year.

Four little knees the soft carpet pressed,
and two tiny hands clasped close to each breast.
Now, Willie, you know we must firmly believe
that the presents we've asked for we will receive.

You must wait just as still, till I say the "Amen"
and  you will know that your turn has come then.
Dear Jesus, Look down on my brother and me
and grant us the favor we are asking of Thee.

I want a wax dolly, a play set and ring
and an ebony  box that shuts with a spring.
Bless papa, dear Jesus and cause him to see
that Santa Claus loves us far better then he;
Don't let him get fretful and angry again
at dear brother Willie and Annie. Amen.

Pweez Desus et Santa Taus tum down tonight
and bring us some presents before it is light.
I want he sould div me a nice ittle sed
with b'ite shiny wunners,  all painted wed;
A box of tandy, a book and a toy then
Desus, I'll be a dood little boy. Amen.

Their prayers being ended,
they raised up their heads
and with hearts light and cheerful
again sought their beds.
They were soon lost in slumber
both peaceful and deep
and with fairies in dreamland
were roaming in sleep.

Eight, Nine and the clock had struck Ten
'ere the father had thought of his children again.
He seemed  to hear  Annie's  hushed little sighs,
and to see the big tears stand in Willie's blue eyes.

I was harsh with my darlings he mentally said
and should not have sent them so early to bed
but then I was troubled and sad too was I
For poor as we are Christmas must pass us by.

But of course they've forgotten their troubles ere this.
And that I denied them the thrice asked for kiss.
But just to make sure I'll steal up to their door,
for I never spoke harsh to my darlings before.

So saying, he softly ascended the stairs,
and arrived at the door to hear both of their prayers.
His Annie's "bless papa" draws forth the big tears.
And Willie's grave promise falls sweet on his ears.

Strange, strange, I'd forgotten, said he with a sigh
how I longed  as a child to have Christmas draw nigh.
I'll atone for my harshness, he inwardly said,
by answering their prayer, ere I sleep in my bed.

Then he turned to the stairs, and  into the sleet
He had to find something their wishes to meet
But what would it be with so little to spare
But onward he trudged burdoned with care.
Thinking that all was lost, turned his head
And headed for home and sadly to bed.
But then in the snow what's that he see?
Miss dolly was seated beneath a pine tree,

A work box well filled in the center was laid
and on it the ring for which Annie had prayed,
a soldier in uniform stood by a sled
with bright shining runners, and all painted red;

And as the fond father the picture surveyed,
He fell on his knees and thus he prayed
and he said to Dear Lord, as he brushed off a tear,
I'm happier tonight than I've been for a year.

I've enjoyed more true pleasure than ever before.
I know ye provideth for this and more;
hereafter I'll make it a rule, I believe
to have Santa Claus visit us each Christmas Eve.

Back home  he gently extinguished the light,
then tripped down the stairs to retire for the night,
as soon as the beams of the bright morning sun,
put the darkness to flight, and the stars one by one.

Four little blue eyes out of sleep open'd wide,
and at the same moment the presents spied;
then out of their beds they sprang with a bound
and the very gifts prayed for were all of them found.

They laughed and they cried in their innocent glee,
and shouted for papa to come quick and see
what presents old Santa Claus brought in the night,
(just the things that they wanted) and left before light.

And now, added Annie, in a voice soft and low,
you'll believe there's a Santa Claus papa I know.
While dear little Willie climbed up on his knee,
determined no secret between them should be,

And told in soft whispers how Annie had said,
that their dear blessed mamma so long ago dead,
used to kneel down and pray by the side of her chair,
and that God up in heaven had answered her prayer!

Then we dot up and prayed dust as well as we tould,
and Dod answered our prayers; now wasn't he dood?
I should say that He was if He sent you all these,
and knew just what presents my children would please.

But father knew who caused his  heart to relent
and the hasty word spoken so soon to repent?
'Twas Lord Jesus who bade him steal softly upstairs,
and made His agent to answer their prayers.
 

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