Memories of Christmas Past
Author Unknown
'Twas the night before Christmas not long ago,
We were sidetracked then, as you now know.
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney like most,
The presents weren't wrapped, no chestnuts to roast.
The children were sleepin in summer pajamas,
'Cause the box full of flannels was over at Gramma's.
With Dad in his T-shirt, and I in one too,
I just couldn't sleep, I had too much to do.
For out on the lawn was a horrible clutter,
'Cause two days before I had cleaned out the gutter
To see if the Christmas tree lights were still there.
Now the lawn was a mess, but the gutter was bare.
The moon on the nest of junk on the lawn,
Caused me to know I'd be up until dawn.
Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash,
Tore open the oven where the dishes were stashed.
I pulled out the dishes, turned the oven to bake,
I had nut breads and cookies and puddings to make.
I opened the freezer and filled up with fear,
For what to my wondering eyes should appear?
The turkey still frozen - how could I forget?
My excuse was a good one: I must be St Nick!
More rapid than eagles, I quick shut the door,
I sobbed and I whimpered and fell to the floor.
With the wink of the eye and a twist of the head,
I figured I'd bag it and flop into bed.
But, then in a twinkling I heard a small knock,
It was Peggy, she lived down the street just a block.
She was dressed all in fur from her head to her boots,
And she carried a basket of half-eaten fruits.
"Why are dressed like the Jolly old elf?"
I laughed when I asked her, in spite of myself.
She spoke not a word, but went straight for my throat,
And then what she said, I don't think I should quote.
"I came over to tell you, my kids wrecked the fruit,
And I haven't finished your gift, it's a suit.
Oh, sissy," she wailed, "I'm really behind,
I've got cards to address and stockings to find."
"Your holiday centerpiece isn't so jerky,
It won't matter anyway, we don't have a turkey.
It's frozen, and I'm so ashamed and upset,
Christmas is not what I want to regret.
I want o have order and peace in this place,
Have laughter and singing, a smile on my face."
Laying a finger aside of of our nose,
We vowed we would change from our heads to our toes.
We sprang to our senses and both gave a whistle,
Our hairdos both looked like the down of a thistle.
But we knew very soon in some wonderful way,
The answer would come on one glorious day!
You can hear us exclaim, though we're out of your sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
'Twas the night before Christmas not long ago,
We were sidetracked then, as you now know.
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney like most,
The presents weren't wrapped, no chestnuts to roast.
The children were sleepin in summer pajamas,
'Cause the box full of flannels was over at Gramma's.
With Dad in his T-shirt, and I in one too,
I just couldn't sleep, I had too much to do.
For out on the lawn was a horrible clutter,
'Cause two days before I had cleaned out the gutter
To see if the Christmas tree lights were still there.
Now the lawn was a mess, but the gutter was bare.
The moon on the nest of junk on the lawn,
Caused me to know I'd be up until dawn.
Away to the kitchen I flew like a flash,
Tore open the oven where the dishes were stashed.
I pulled out the dishes, turned the oven to bake,
I had nut breads and cookies and puddings to make.
I opened the freezer and filled up with fear,
For what to my wondering eyes should appear?
The turkey still frozen - how could I forget?
My excuse was a good one: I must be St Nick!
More rapid than eagles, I quick shut the door,
I sobbed and I whimpered and fell to the floor.
With the wink of the eye and a twist of the head,
I figured I'd bag it and flop into bed.
But, then in a twinkling I heard a small knock,
It was Peggy, she lived down the street just a block.
She was dressed all in fur from her head to her boots,
And she carried a basket of half-eaten fruits.
"Why are dressed like the Jolly old elf?"
I laughed when I asked her, in spite of myself.
She spoke not a word, but went straight for my throat,
And then what she said, I don't think I should quote.
"I came over to tell you, my kids wrecked the fruit,
And I haven't finished your gift, it's a suit.
Oh, sissy," she wailed, "I'm really behind,
I've got cards to address and stockings to find."
"Your holiday centerpiece isn't so jerky,
It won't matter anyway, we don't have a turkey.
It's frozen, and I'm so ashamed and upset,
Christmas is not what I want to regret.
I want o have order and peace in this place,
Have laughter and singing, a smile on my face."
Laying a finger aside of of our nose,
We vowed we would change from our heads to our toes.
We sprang to our senses and both gave a whistle,
Our hairdos both looked like the down of a thistle.
But we knew very soon in some wonderful way,
The answer would come on one glorious day!
You can hear us exclaim, though we're out of your sight,
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!"
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