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Thursday, December 24, 2009

Twas the Night Before Christmas.....

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring,
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas would soon be there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw open the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow,
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer.
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!
"Now, Dasher!
now, Dancer,
now, Prancer
and Vixen!
On, Comet!
On, Cupid! On, Donner,
and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With a sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
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.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of toys 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!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad little face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!
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 gave me to know I had nothing to dread.
He spoke not a word, but went straight to work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, 'ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!"

11 comments:

Pam said...

What a sweet post! Love the pics. Merry Christmas, Pam

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Great pics to compliments the traditional tale. I'm lovin' those reindeer plates...CUTE!!! Have a wonderful time with your family. Merry Christmas and God bless ya'll!!!

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Beautiful...and love that camo!!!

Carol Murdock said...

DP... This was SOOOO beautiful!!!
I feel like I just visited Opryland Hotel @ Christmas! xoxo

Jan said...

Love the sleeping kitties. I hope you have a very Merry Christmas.

Jan
Always Growing

Ginger said...

CUTE picture of y'all! Merry Christmas :)

Lisa Blair said...

Thank you for the wonderful photos and Twas the Night Before Christmas! I love this little poem. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you! -Lisa

Darla said...

Very nice DP!

Anonymous said...

Hey DP my old friend (all of 10 months or so) LOL I love the pictures you found to go with this delightful classic poem. And the one of you and the hunter at the end. You never cease to amaze me with your posts.
It's been such fun getting to know you through blogging. So I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and will have a beautiful new year in 2010.

Vanessa Kiki Johanning said...

That was awesome!!!!!!
Happy holidays!
I signed your guestbook too!

xoxox

Vanessa

Victoria Williams said...

What a great post!
Your tree is just so gorgeous!

Please sign my guest book :)

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