Curled up in front of the fireplace all cozy and warm, I glanced out the window at new fallen snow. Bright, orange flames shot up our chimney lickety-split. Wood crackled and popped, while pine-scented smoke wafted all through our country farmhouse.
In just two days, Christmas Eve will have arrived, and then I’ll head off to church to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Now, I leave you with a familiar Christmas poem with an added twist.
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Written by
Leona Frances Choy
‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there.
While others were sleeping and no one could hear,
I crept out to watch for Saint Nick to appear.
While blinking my eyes and looking around,
Down the chimney at last he came with a bound.
He began to fill stockings, while chuckling with glee,
Till he glanced at the sofa, and there he saw me!
“Young man in pyjamas, you should be in bed!”
“I was waiting for you, sir, did you bring my sled?”
His broad face was wreathed in a smile like a bow,
And he sat down beside me, as I whispered so low.
“Oh, Santa, I think you’re the greatest of all!
I want to be like you when I’m big and tall.”
Saint Nick shook his head, on his face was a frown.
“I don’t want to steal the renown
Of One more than I, who was born on this day,
The Child who in Bethlehem’s manager did lay.
‘Tis He whom we worship, we worship His name.
Old Santa is really no one to acclaim.
I fill up your stockings, but He fills your heart.
I bring lots of fun, but that’s just a part.”
“The true joy of Christmas comes only from God.
You understand, son?” And I gave him a nod.
“Though I bring lots of cheer, not peace to earth,
In a world full of trouble, what use is my mirth?
But Jesus, the Christ, with His wonderful love,
Brings peace in the heart from the Father above.
Many gifts will be given this Christmas, ‘tis true,
God’s gift of His Son is salvation to you.”
“Young fellow, I’ve brought you your red-painted sled!
May your Christmas be happy, but mark what I said.
For the Christ-Child of Bethlehem’s greatest of all.
Compared to Him Santa is ever so small!”
He gave me a squeeze as he picked up his sack.
His eyes held a twinkle as ‘twas slung to his back.
Then 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.
As the noise of the sleigh and the reindeer grew dim,
I heard in the air a most beautiful hymn,
As was sung by the heavenly host long ago.
While shepherds were watching their sheep down below,
It seemed that the heavens with choirs still rang,
As “Glory to God in the Highest” they sang.
And I heard Santa shout ‘ere he drove out of sight,
“Keep Christ’s name in Christmas and to all a good night!”
I won’t be posting next Saturday, so…
Merry Christmas
and
Happy New Year, Everyone! 😀
Thank you again to all who browsed through my online shop and purchased my heartfelt greeting cards.
I look forward to a prosperous new year!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Thanks, Marjorie. Same to you! 🙂
Great twist to a beloved Christmas poem. You always have insightful and entertaining content. Thank you for reminding us all to remember Jesus during Christmas.
Paul Worthington recently posted..YOUR LIFE
Hi Paul, thank you for your kind words.
If we take our “Christ” all we’re left with is no Christmas.
Merry Christmas to you and your family. 🙂
Great post. I pray you have a wonderful Christmas Tracy. I have so appreciated having you as my far away Canada writer friend. I hope we can continue to encourage each other through this next year as well!
laurabennet recently posted..Christmas # 5
Hi Laura,
I sure plan on continuing our “online” friendship and encouraging you, and I know you will. Merry Christmas, Laura! 🙂
Have a warm, peaceful and loving Christmas, Tracy!
Thank you, Iza!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, to you and your family. 🙂
Merry Christmas, Tracy. Hope your holidays are merry and bright.
Thanks, Linda! May your Christmas be just as bright. 🙂
Merry Christmas Tracy. May it be filled with love and joy and childlike wonder.
Thanks, Terrol! I like the childlike wonder. 🙂
Merry Christmas.
I like how Santa brought Jesus into the poem! Merry Christmas, Tracy!
Tina Cho recently posted..Ode to a Dozen
Hi Tina,
Santa and Jesus actually made a great pair!
Merry Christmas 🙂
Nice twist on the classic story! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, too!
Sherry Ellis recently posted..The Snowball
Thanks, Sherry! I look forward to 2013 with excitement for what lays ahead for us both. 🙂
Merry Christmas, friend. May God bless you throughout the Holidays! 🙂
Inés recently posted..Life and 100 Films – Charlie’s Film Review of Lincoln
Thank you, Inez! Such a wonderful sentiment. 🙂
I didn’t find the “like” button! Where in the world is it?
Inés recently posted..Life and 100 Films – Charlie’s Film Review of Lincoln
Hi Inez,
The “like” button is actually the “thumbs-up” icon just under my Whimsical Online Shop Banner on the left hand side just before the comments. Let me know if you find it?
Thanks for asking! 🙂
Well in that case, yes, I was the first (I think) to give you thumbs up! LOL…
Inés recently posted..Retooning the Nativity
Thanks for the “thumbs-up”, Inez!
I’m not pleased that this version of wordpress doesn’t have the usual “like” button. Oh well. 🙁
Merry Christmas, again! 🙂
Excellent re-telling…much more important than the original.
Wishing you a wonderful Christmas, Tracy, and a happy, successful new year!
Marylin Warner recently posted..RAIN UPON BLINDING DUST
I always appreciate your comments, Marylin. Thank you!
And once again, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 🙂
Beautiful post! Merry Christmas Tracy! I look forward to reading your posts in 2013 🙂
petit4chocolatier recently posted..Peanut Butter Cut-Out Cookies and Sugar Cut-Out Cookies
Hi Judy,
I can always count on you!
Thank, Merry Christmas and see you around in 2013! 🙂
A perfect wrap to the season… Love to you and the gang. 🙂
¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫♪Happy Holidays to You & Yours!.♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸ ♥
˜”*°•.˜”*°•.˜”*°•.★★.•°*”˜.•°*”˜.•°*”˜” ♥ ˜”*°•.˜”*°•.˜”*°•.★★.•°*”˜.•°*”˜.•°*”˜”
Eliz
ElizOF recently posted..Musings: World Without End…
I just love the time you take to send me the beautiful song!
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Eliz! See you 2013! 🙂
Tracy…thank you so much for sharing this charming, and much needed, take on the well-known Christmas poem!
Have a blessed Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Successful New Year!
I feel so fortunate to have connected with you this past year.:)
Vivian Kirkfield recently posted..Sunday Post: Christmas…A Holiday of Gifts
Thank you, Vivian for the pingback and your thoughtful comments. I’m so glad we connected this year.
See you in 2013
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! 🙂
Pingback: Sunday Post: Christmas…A Holiday of Gifts « Positive Parental Participation
Merry Christmas Tracy 🙂
Jake recently posted..SUNDAY POST : Christmas
I hope you a very Merry Christmas too, Jake – and a Happy New Year! 🙂
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!!
{{{virtual hug}}}
petit4chocolatier recently posted..Peanut Butter Cut-Out Cookies and Sugar Cut-Out Cookies
Thanks for the “virtual hug”. 🙂
I’m sending two hugs back to you!
I had a busy, busy, Christmas week, which was a great.
Since I’m laying low to recharge my batteries, I’ll say,
“Happy New Year” now.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, JUDY! 🙂
I chose you as a winner of the Sunshine Award for bloggers because you inspire me with knowledge and humor. Thank you very much. You can read all about it here:
http://joanyedwards.wordpress.com/2012/12/25/i-gave-the-sunshine-award-to-10-bloggers/
Never Give Up
Joan Y. Edwards
Joan Y. Edwards recently posted..I Gave the Very Inspiring Blogger Awards to 15 Blogs
Hi Joan,
You made my lips split into a grin after I read on your blog that you
honored me with a Sunshine award!
I’ll be sure to address this in the new year.
HAPPY NEW YEAR, JOAN! 🙂
Tracy
P.S. Congratulations on winning two awards.
Hi Tracy, Happy our paths crossed, and doubly happy you finally received my book! :-)I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I wish you all the best health, and happiness in 2013! Looking forward to doing an interview with you in January. -Virginia
Hi Virginia,
I am so very happy we met online this year as well.
And I was thrilled when your heart-warming book arrived on Christmas Eve.
Christmas morning, I poured a cup of coffee and read it from cover-to-cover.
Delightful twist!
Thank you again, for wanting to interview me in January!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, VIRGINIA! 🙂
To a terrific lady! Glad to reconnect with you this year …
•.★♥★Happy New Year to You & Yours!★♥★.•
Eliz
ElizOF recently posted..Welcome 2013: Tips For A Happy Healthy Year!
You’re so sweet, Eliz! Thank you. 🙂
I look forward, again, to reading your fabulous posts!
I have been searching for that version of the Night Before Christmas for years. I recited it at church over 40 years ago and I lost my copy. Thanks for sharing it.
Hi Jan,
I’m so glad you found it through my blog. I love this poem.
Come back for a visit anytime. You never know what you’ll find.
Merry Christmas! 🙂