Thomas P Hanna

Down the Chimney They Came Thomas P Hanna

Aunt Sally Dragenlyte has elaborate plans to use the three Gordon children as decorative props at several Christmas parties with their parents away. Their cousin Toby - a survivor of his own hassles with her - takes the kids for a drive to let the caterer work. Toby takes them to a country house he rented with his aunt's money but she doesn't know that yet where the four of them agree to hide out until the "Use them" season is over. As the evening progresses, they have several human visitors from the town, plus a goose and a cat. Several literally come down the chimney. Each person describes less than pleasant experiences with Ms. Dragenlyte. A neighbor brings a tree and they all get into trimming that and having a festive Christmas Eve. Until the Dragon Lady arrives at the door. But then the gentleman she planned to present them to in an effort to look maternal arrives. After some awkward moments they all sit down to a fine dinner prepared by the neighbors. As they eat, another visitor comes down the chimney, leaves presents, and leaves by the same route. Now there is a lot of sorting out to do.