On the little table there, a plate was prepared for each child with a pyramid of different kinds of bread. Some of these rolls were in such odd shapes that I am sure you would not call them bread at all. There was black bread, white bread, saffron-coloured bread, some shaped like little men and others like pigs and goats. Of course there were gingerbread men, and even chocolate bread figures. Each little mound had candy and nuts tucked away in the corners. The kind of candy which Sigrid liked best was done up in a small package with bright paper. Pictures and mottoes were pasted on the outside. [Illustration: "A SHEAF OF GRAIN IS FASTENED UP IN THE YARD OF EVERY COUNTRY HOME"] I am afraid you will be getting as impatient for the Christmas tree as Sigrid. But a Swedish Christmas is the most joyous season of the year. And the merrymaking often lasts three weeks. Even the birds are not forgotten, for a sheaf of grain is fastened up in the yard of every country home for their Christmas dinner. At last, the folding doors of the parlour were opened by invisible hands. There stood the tree ablaze with candles and ornaments, but no presents. For a moment every one was silent for the wonder of it. Mrs. Lund began to sing the old carol, "Now the Christmas Has Come," and the others joined in. After Major Lund had read the story of the Babe in the Manger, the children caught hold of hands and danced about the tree. Round and round they spun. In a wink, the circle broke and the long line of young people went dancing in and out through the rooms of the house. "Come and join us, father," they shouted. "Come, Aunt Frederika and mother." Soon every one was drawn into the chain, even the servants in the kitchen. When they were out of breath with laughing, singing, and dancing, they sat round a large table near the tree. "What is all that noise about?" exclaimed Major Lund. He pretended to be surprised. "Erik, there seems to be a great to-do outside the door. Open it and see what is wanted." Erik opened it a crack. In ran a little old man with a long white beard. He wore a rough gray jacket, knee-breeches, and a tall, pointed red cap. "The Tomt, the Tomt," cried Sigrid. "Is there any naughty child here, who doesn't deserve a present?" asked the gnome. He hopped about and made a great deal of noise for a small person. Anders hid behind his mother's skirt. He was always a little afraid of Tomt, who is much like our Santa Claus. "No, we haven't any naughty children," replied the father. "Then I shall leave some presents from my packet," cried Tomt. He darted out into the hall and came back slowly tugging some large packages. Then he vanished as quickly as he had come. "Now, Erik, you may bring the baskets and help me give out the presents," said Major Lund.