One of the most famous poems around is “Twas the Night Before Christmas”, but there are other versions that are lesser known, like this one I just made up:
’Twas the night before Christmas, when in our small house
We put on the kettle — just me and my spouse;
The tea leaves were put in the teapot with care,
Awaiting the water on stove heating there;
The neighbors were nestled all snug in their beds,
Their children were dreaming of new wooden sleds;
While kettle was whistling our cups we made ready,
And hubby poured water, but kept his hand steady,
In teapot for steeping those tea leaves so quiet,
A brew that was tasty for our healthy diet.
When suddenly up on the roof I did hear
The thud of a sleigh and the hooves of reindeer.
The driver’s quick footsteps were next to be heard
And startled me so that I dropped lemon curd.
He called to the reindeer to play not their games
And addressed them all then by their very own names:
“You, Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer and Vixen,
You, Comet, and Cupid, and Donder and Blitzen,
Wait here for a moment while I get some tea.
Those cookies and milk are no longer for me.”
Our house had no fireplace but that Old St. Nick
Made one in the kitchen appear double quick.
He slid down the chimney and landed feet first
And grabbed a tea mug, drinking quick to slake thirst.
His eyes — oh they twinkled! his dimples were merry!
His cheeks shone like roses, his nose red as cherry!
His strange little mouth was drawn up in a bow,
And that beard on his chin was as white as the snow;
We refilled his mug and he drank it straight down
Then told us he needed to finish the town,
So laying his finger on right side of his nose,
And giving a nod, up that chimney he rose!
The fireplace then vanished as quick as it came
And now our warm kitchen was once more the same.
The sound of those hooves and the sleigh flying light
Faded away in the still of the night.
But one final call on the wind softly came
St. Nick said a “Thank you!” and called us by name.
The teapot was empty so time now for bed
And dreams of those sugar plums danced in our head.
To all of you reading may tea gifts galore
Be stacked ’neath the tree all piled up on the floor
In boxes and baskets with ribbons so bright
To bring you a Christmasy tea time delight!
May all your tea gifts be exactly what you want them to be!
See more of A.C. Cargill’s articles here.
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