The Doll’s House
Week of February 25, 2008

Chapter 14:

It is Christmas morning and the Plantaganets awake to the sounds of carol singers in the street outside. “Peace and goodwill” was heard in the dolls’ house. Mr. Plantaganet asks, “Can such a large thing as Christmas be in a dolls’ house?” It has spread all over the world for nearly two thousand years. Tottie said Christmas could be beautifully small too. When you have lived as long as Tottie, you will learn that small things are not as small as they seem, nor large things as large when you become accustomed to the world.

The dolls have a discussion about Christmas carols. Mr. Plantaganet likes “Prince of Peace”. He has peace now, but his eyes look darker as he remembers the days of the toy cupboard. He declares that the song he likes best is “God Bless the Master of This House,” because he is the Master.

Emily and Charlotte have decorated the dolls’ house with a Christmas tree, wreaths of moss on curtain rings, strung holly berries for garlands, and they even made a paper chain.

Mrs. Dane appeared with a gift suggestion for one of the Plantaganets – a white paper parasol printed with a pattern of purple and scarlet feathers. It could be put up and down. Emily thought it perfect for Birdie. And a marble was suggested for Apple. Tottie is thinking this is very odd but very lovely. Charlotte suggested a big purple tiddleywinks plate for Darner. They hung a buttonhole on the tree for Mr. Plantaganet made of woolen flowers. Tottie declared she didn’t much like that. Mr. Plantaganet didn’t like it either and asks Tottie if his Christmas is spoilt. She said no, but he suspected otherwise.

The postman arrives with two parcels for Charlotte and Emily. Inside one of the parcels is a toy post office, complete with counter, stamps, stamper, letter boxes, red tin telephone, purple ink pad, and everything anyone would need to run a post office. Tottie and Mr. Plantaganet wished together and Emily, as if she felt them wishing, looked at them and declared it shall be Mr. Plantaganet’s office. He shall go there to business every day as a postmaster. Mr. Plantaganet felt his waistcoat swell and grow bigger. He asks everyone in the dolls’ house if they heard that he is to be postmaster! When he looks to Darner for a response, Darner’s attention was only on the parcel meant for him!!

DISCUSSION:

Isn’t it amazing how all of Tottie’s wishes for her family came true? Everyone was to get the gift Tottie had wished for them – Birdie, the parasol; Apple, the marble; Mr. Plantaganet, the post office; and Darner, the purple Tiddleywinks plate. What about Tottie? Is she not to receive a gift?

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