It was Christmas eve. Old Santa Claus was just ready to start out upon his long journey over the snowy treetops and roofs to find the waiting chimneys and the little empty stockings.Such as busy day as it had been-with the brownies finishing the packing and Mrs. Santa Claus sewing buttons on the last doll's dress,and tying the last hair ribbon,and smoothing the last curl! But evening was ready. The sleigh was packed from top to bottom,so full that it seemed as if old Santa Claus could never squeeze in himself. there were tops, and drums,and jack - in -the - boxes,and steam engines,and hundreds of dolls,and barrels of chocolate drop;and peppermint canes were hanging out from the back.