Twas three nights before Christmas and out in the garage
The cat was all toasty, the mice frozen in the yard

The stockings, found finally, were flung cross a living room chair
Waiting to be filled with the year’s supply of socks and underwear

The youngest daughter was nestled, though not quite asleep, in her bed
with visions of dollhouses prancing in her head.

While I at my keyboard slaved over this rhyme
My husband the elf hoped to finish the dollhouse in time

From out in the garage I could hear all the clatter
Because finishing the darn thing was all that mattered

I peeped through the windows behind frozen sash
Remembering he’d said it would be done in a flash

The streetlights revealed a crisp crusty snow
And hoar-frosted trees cast a wintery glow

When suddenly before my wondering gaze did appear
A cart load of elves pulled by one tiny reindeer

Okay, that didn’t happen. A girl can dream can’t she?
No nose-wiggling was going to produce that tiny mansion.

So back to my desk and my writing and thoughts
To wonder where the meaning of Christmas was lost

Not on my child. She knows it alright.
It’s all about Santa who comes in the night.

Nor on my husband whose heart is in the right place.
It’s all about putting a smile on her face.

The older two daughters consulted with Dad.
To discover the gifties to make us all glad.

‘Tis I who am grinchy and Scroogey to boot.
Thinking we should’ve saved money not bought extra loot.

We’ve pared back this year, but will we be safe?
In this unfamiliar world, where so many chafe?

‘Tis not too long ’til Christmas, there is still much to do.
But the cards are in the post and the packages too.

Time to lay fears to rest
And hope for the best

Happy Christmas my friends and a Joyous New Year
As John Lennon said best, let’s hope it’s a good one without anymore fear

This was an original 50 Something Moms piece.