A Visit from St. Nicholas: 202112/15/2021 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the home, Devices were buzzing, with wifi passwords, and chrome. The stockings were hung, and soon filled with stuff; Parents hoping the kids would think it’s enough. The children were nestled all snug in their beds; While listening to the latest school shutdown from Feds. Threats of campus gunmen, and officials throwing shade, Fear of vaccines and Covid, with hopes these realities fade. In the restaurants and shops there arose such a clatter, We all pushed and shoved, not knowing what was the matter. Not enough workers to help get the job done, But still we needed our “stuff” to complete our fun. The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow, Gave a lustre of midday to objects below, When what to my wondering eyes did see? Was the billowing flag of the land of the free. Snow falling around the red, white, and blue, Reminding me of the many freedoms we have, too. Four walls and a roof, and food on the table. Free education, and meals, for those with jobs less stable. Many still hustling to make ends meet, And still I Stand, with warm boots on my feet. Healthy friends and family who lived through this year, And gatherings with loved ones, both far and near. Though times can be tough, and anxiety hard, Be thankful for them, not amounts on the gift card. So what if my meal out takes longer than desired? Relax, slow down, don't get waitstaff fired. To all the ones you love and hold dear, raise your glass of Christmas cheer! Be joyous, and sing, and call them often! It might just make your general mood soften. "Hello, Family and Friends! Hello, Spouse or ‘Crush!’" Hug them TIGHT! Kiss them FIERCE, until they all Blush! As the hours tick by, with parties and the perfect gift find, When you meet with up with obstacles, remember: Be Kind. So up to the house you drive with your gifts, With the car full of presents, forget family rifts. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my head, and was turning around, Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. A bundle of joy he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf, And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head Soon let me to know I had nothing to dread; The coming year will be so great, for you often, most always, have Choice over Fate; He opened his bag and said, It’s not full of things or stuff, Because what You carry Inside and share with others is Quite Enough. Remember to love, be grateful and kind, Indeed, those are the best gifts you’ll find! Sweet memories will fill your mind and heart, So much greater than what’s in your Amazon cart. And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, gave a wink and wave And away they all flew, faster than cops raiding a rave. So take a deep breath, thank the stars for tonight, Kiss your loved ones hard, and hold them tight. Take a swig of the whiskey or wine or cheer, Remember the people, not things, you hold dear. And I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight-- “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!” Please comment, share or click the FB like if you enjoyed this post! *Original poem by Clement Clarke Moore.
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AuthorJulie Cassar, Best Selling Archives
September 2023
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