All the creatures were stirring, not a wink in the house.
The stockings fell down from the mantle with care
In hopes that home-weekend would soon be there.
The core members that were nestled all snug in their beds
Were getting up as visions of Christmas danced in their heads.
Coordinator in her kerchief and I in my cap
Had just settled down for good nights nap.
When out of the room their rose such a clatter
And Jeff woke up and cried “What’s the matter?”
Away from the couch I flew like a flash and
Threw off the blanket and got up with a dash.
The Moon on the breast of the new fallen tornado
Gave a luster of Climate change to the land below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
But another Core Member up with pants of reindeer.
With little old me so lively and quick
I knew “we must be excited for St. Nick.”
More rapid than eagles through courses they came
I heard them wake up as I called them by name!
“Oh Brigitte, oh Jeff, oh Cynthia and John”
“It’s not time to get up, night is still upon.”
From the top of the house to the bottom wall
“Sleep away, sleep away, sleep away all.”
... … …
Then in a twinkling I heard in the room.
“Merry Christmas Hannah, merry Christmas to you.”
I drew in my head and I was turning around
And down my heart came love with a bound.
He was dressed for the day from his head to his foot.
He wouldn’t be sleeping, no matter what it took.
He saw their bundles, packed ready to go.
He knew had no bag, he would be staying home.
Yet 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
The beard on his chin was as white as the snow.
The smile he held tight in his teeth
Brought joy that circled his face like a wreath.
He has a small face and a round little belly.
That shakes when he laughs like a bowl full of jelly.
He’s chubby and plumb, a right jolly old elf.
I saw him and laughed in spite of myself.
He spoke a few words then went to his work.
Eyeing the cookies then turned with a jerk.
Laying a finger aside of his nose
And giving a nod, up the hallway he rose.
Larche springs in our hearts
In moments like these.
When away with our sleep and away with our peace.
I heard him exclaim as he rose out of sight.
“Merry Christmas Hannah. I love you, Goodnight.”