Twas the night before Christmas, when I was a kid

Now my memories are stirring; nostalgia undid

My letter was posted to Santa with flare,

With hopes that were eagerly floating on air.

All snuggled in bed, unable to sleep

While visions of joy danced frenzied and deep.

All warm and fuzzy in flannel pj's

I settled and drifted, mind starting to glaze

When out in the hall there arose such a clatter

I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter

Away from the top bunk I hit with a crash

Picked myself up and made a mad dash.

The hall light on the crest of my father's bald head

Gave the lustre of midday to objects widespread.

When, what to my wondering eyes did I see

But my brother and an unwrapped gift on his knee.

With a wink and a grin and a nod from my Dad

I knew in a moment, that he wasn't mad.

More rapid than eagles, with gentle aplomb

He picked us up and said "Let's not tell Mom."

Now, Wrapping! now, Ribbons! now Tape and a Bow!

Fold this flap! Tape that flap! Now no one will know!

To the base of the tree! To a hug in the hall!

Now off to bed! Off to bed! Off to bed all!

As three thieves that after wild shenanigans fly,

When they meet with an obstacle, secret and sly,

So with wrapping awry the conspirators flew,

In hindsight, I think that Mom probably knew.

And now, in a twinkling, I am an old man

With grown kids and grandkid; an interstate clan.

As I draw to a 'Night Before Christmas' encore,

My hopes are eagerly floating once more.

They are dressed all in tinsel, and silver, and gold,

Expectancy shining and thoughts that are bold;

A bundle of joys and each day a fresh start,

I look like a grandad just opening his heart.

My eyes -- how they twinkle! My dimples how merry!

My cheeks are like roses, my nose like a cherry!

My droll little mouth, drawn up like a bow

And the beard of my chin, flecked white like the snow;

To the grandbabe held tight, I aim to bequeath

The joy and the hope, and the gumption beneath

A broad sense of goodness, a well-rounded poise

A smile and a laugh, and lots of neat toys.

She's chubby and plump, a right jolly young elf

Yet I know she will grow in spite of herself.

A think back to when my own kids were young

Inspires what's now a new song to be sung.

To speak but few words, and go straight to the heart

We'll all fill our days and we'll all do our part.

And laying the truth alongside of this thought

Some days it is tough and some days it is not.

So spring from your thoughts and to friends give a whistle

And through life we'll all fly like the down of a thistle

But for this one moment we'll bask in this Light;

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT