Santa Claus' Frolics

"Santa Claus' Frolics" by George M. Baker is a Christmas-themed entertainments book written in the late 19th century. This piece is a theatrical play designed for children, focusing on the magical figure of Santa Claus and the joy he brings during the festive season. The book’s likely topic revolves around the excitement of Christmas Eve and the anticipation of Santa’s arrival, filled with songs and festive activities suitable for a family performance. The play depicts a cozy room where children eagerly await Santa Claus’ arrival, complete with stockings hung by the fireplace and a hidden Christmas tree. As the story unfolds, Santa Claus appears, dressed in his traditional attire, and engages with the children, delighting them with playful antics and song. He fills the stockings with gifts, showcasing various presents for each child, while conveying a sense of wonder and joy surrounding the holiday. The narrative emphasizes themes of childhood innocence, generosity, and the cherished traditions of Christmas celebrations, ultimately culminating in the revealing of the Christmas tree and the magic of the season. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Melville Baker (1832–1890) was a playwright and publisher in Boston, Massachusetts, in the 19th century. He worked for Lee & Shepard publishers, then opened his own imprint. "George M. Baker & Co." issued works by authors such as Henry M. Baker, F.E. Chase, and Herbert Pelham Curtis. Baker's company ceased in 1885, succeeded by his brother's "Walter H. Baker & Co." George Baker also performed with comedian Henry C. Barnabee, appearing in "lyceum entertainments" in New England. He belonged to the Mercantile Library Association. He married Emily Bowles in 1858; children included novelist Emilie Loring, playwright Rachel Baker Gale, and screenwriter Robert Melville Baker.