Twas The Night Before Christmas
Author: Bill Garwood
'Twas The Night Before Christmas
Twas the night before Christmas and all around our town, not a creature was stirring except the last partiers from the Fish Tale, homeward bound. The hunting boots were stashed in a pile by the door with rifles, fishing poles, and sports gear galore.
The Kids had finally bedded down, thoughts of field trips fresh in their heads, they snoozed and snored deep asleep in their beds. My Lady and I had just settled in for some serious log sawing, when from the barnyard came a loud strange caterwauling.
I leapt from my bed determined to give a sound thumping, to whatever was causing this midwinter screeching, and bumping. I slipped on the floor amidst a pile of clothes, smacked my head on the windowsill and fell battering my nose. Not caring about who, not caring about what, only thinking bad thoughts about kicking some butt. I finally stood and looked back at my wife still deep asleep; I’d have to stop this noise before back into bed I can creep.
I looked out the window at the fresh snow and ice, not seeing a thing thinking maybe the night would settle in to be quiet and nice. From downstairs I heard a soft movement a scraping and a chuckle, I knew wasn’t from some late visiting Uncle. I snuck down the stairs bat at the ready, wiping sweaty palms but my breathing was steady.
I looked around the door frame and spied a large guy all dressed in red, I thought I’ll never make it back to bed. He spoke softly to me about how rough the year, and about how this night would make all things brighter and clear. I listened and smiled as he went about his work, knowing I’d been a nervous nelly and kind of a jerk. A vision of stories and tales of the past, came alive this night and I knew they would last. It was Saint Nicholas, or Santa as he’s known, he became very real right here in our home.
I glanced around and he was suddenly gone, I watched from the front door to see him fly away before the new dawn. His sleigh was wide and the reindeer large and fast, I watched as they made the turn by the light pole mast. He stood up and waved as if to an old friend, I waved back smiling a smile that I knew wouldn’t end. I noticed the presents around the Christmas tree, the stockings filled with goodies for the missus, and children and me. I thought again how he knew of our troubles and strife, his kind words brought peace and I was gratefully filled with new life. I heard his call as he drove out of sight, Happy Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Merry Christmas to all my faithful readers.
