It's that time of year in Brooklyn. The snow snows. The wind blows. And it's very cold. Thanksgiving is long gone. And Christmas must be soon. They say it's on December 25th. And they say we mustn't open any presents until Christmas.

But when exactly does Christmas begin? I want to know so I'll know when I can open my presents. If I stay up late on Christmas Eve, can I open my presents at one minute after midnight? Or do I have to wait until dawn?

Well, if I have to wait until dawn, please tell me exactly when dawn is. I really, really need to know. Is it when I see the first light of dawn? Or is it when Daddy can read the newspaper without turning on the light?

I'm sure that Christmas does not begin later than dawn. I trust my parents on this. They surely know it would be most unnatural for Christmas to begin later than dawn. After all, they aren't depraved!

THE END